Glenville Notes (27th Jul)
- Jul 27,2026
Premier Juniors Battle Back for Valuable Championship Point
Glenville 2-10 Urhan 1-13
Glenville's Premier Junior footballers made the long journey to Enniskeane on Saturday afternoon for the opening round of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Junior Football Championship, where they earned a hard-fought and deserved share of the spoils against Urhan in an entertaining contest that finished level on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-13.
Played in sweltering conditions on the immaculate St. Mary's pitch, the game was made even more challenging by a strong breeze which heavily favoured Urhan during the opening half. Glenville settled well into the contest and showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion, with Adam Murphy opening the scoring before Eanna Fitzgerald added another excellent point to give Glenville an early advantage.
Urhan soon found their rhythm, but Glenville continued to match them score for score through Colin O'Keeffe and Ciaran O'Leary from a placed ball. The West Cork side gradually began to make better use of the breeze and a crucial two-point score, coupled with two further points late in the half, saw them open up a three-point lead at the interval, 0-7 to 0-4.
Despite trailing at the break, there was a real sense of confidence within the Glenville camp. Having weathered the difficult conditions in the opening period, they knew the game remained very much within their grasp with the wind now at their backs.
The second half exploded into life almost immediately. Straight from the throw-in, Ciaran O'Leary confidently split the posts with a superb two-pointer to instantly reduce the deficit. Urhan responded with a free before converting a penalty to restore what looked like a commanding five-point advantage.
To Glenville's immense credit, there was no panic. Instead, they produced arguably their best spell of football all afternoon. Excellent team play and patient build-up created goal opportunities which were clinically finished by Eanna Fitzgerald and Ciaran O'Leary, completely changing the complexion of the contest and swinging momentum firmly in Glenville's favour.
From there until the final whistle the game ebbed and flowed, with neither side able to establish any real control. Urhan levelled matters before Colin O'Keeffe struck twice to edge Glenville back in front. The lead was short-lived as Urhan responded with three unanswered points, but Glenville again found the answers through Eanna Fitzgerald and Ciaran Linehan, ensuring the sides remained inseparable entering the closing stages.
The final ten minutes were played at championship intensity, with every possession fiercely contested. Urhan managed to draw level once more, while Glenville came within inches of claiming both points when Adam Murphy burst through the defence, only to see his powerful effort cannon back off the crossbar. It proved to be one of the defining moments of an enthralling encounter.
Both teams threw everything into the closing exchanges before the final whistle brought an absorbing contest to an end with the sides level on 2-10 to 1-13.
While neither dressing room was celebrating afterwards, both sides recognised the importance of taking something from such a competitive opening championship fixture. With every point likely to prove valuable in a tightly contested group, Glenville can take plenty of positives from a resilient display that showed both character and determination.
There was also great encouragement in the manner in which the squad responded to adversity throughout the game, never allowing the deficit to affect their belief. The players were backed throughout by an excellent Glenville support who made the lengthy trip to Enniskeane and created a strong atmosphere from start to finish.
Glenville extend their thanks to St. Mary's GAA, Enniskeane, for their excellent hospitality and the presentation of the pitch, and to the match officials for overseeing the game. Attention now turns to the second round of the championship when Glenville face Cobh on Saturday, August 15th, in Lisgoold, where they will look to build on this encouraging opening performance.
Team and scorers: D. Quirke; D. Sheehan, C. O'Regan, C. O'Mahony; A. Murphy (0-1), D. McCarthy, J. Carver; C. Fitzgerald (Captain), D. O'Bric; C. Linehan (0-1), C. O'Leary (1-3), C. Cronin; S. Curtin, E. Fitzgerald (1-2), C. O'Keeffe (0-3). Subs used: E. Delahunt, S. O'Leary, D. McCarthy, C. O'Mahony.
Valuable Experience for Young Junior B Side
Glenville 0-4 Glenbower Rovers 3-9
Less than twenty-four hours after the Premier Juniors had opened their championship campaign, Glenville's Junior B footballers took to the field in Lisgoold for their opening East Cork Junior B Football Championship fixture against Glenbower Rovers.
A number of players and members of the management team were involved for the second day in succession, and Glenville were immediately faced with a difficult challenge after losing the toss. With a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch and the slope also favouring Glenbower, Glenville had to play the opening half against both elements.
The defence found themselves under sustained pressure throughout the first period but worked tirelessly to keep Glenbower at bay for long spells. Despite the difficult conditions, Glenville remained competitive and trailed by eight points at the interval, a deficit that still looked manageable given the significant advantage they would enjoy after the restart.
Unfortunately, the afternoon became even more difficult with influential midfielder Donnacha Forde forced off before half-time after suffering a painful rib injury. Shortly after the restart, Glenbower struck for two quick goals which dramatically increased the challenge facing the young Glenville side.
Another setback followed when wing-back Donnacha O'Leary was forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury, but despite the growing injury list and the widening gap on the scoreboard, Glenville refused to surrender.
The players continued to battle for every ball and showed tremendous honesty and determination throughout the second half. Jack Counihan was particularly impressive in attack, landing two outstanding two-point scores that highlighted both his ability and confidence under pressure.
However, Glenbower's greater physicality and championship experience ultimately proved decisive as they continued to add to their tally and deservedly claimed victory on a scoreline of 3-9 to 0-4.
Although the result was disappointing, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, with the majority of the Glenville team making their first appearance in adult championship football. The experience gained will undoubtedly benefit both the players and the club in the years ahead. While the scoreboard did not reflect their effort, the commitment, honesty and determination shown throughout the hour will stand to this young group as they continue to develop.
Championship football provides a steep learning curve, and management will be confident that this talented panel will learn from the experience and improve as the campaign progresses. The players never let their heads drop despite the setbacks and continued to battle right to the final whistle, something that will serve them well in future championship outings.
Glenville also extend their thanks to Lisgoold GAA for hosting the fixture and to the match officials. The Junior B side will have the opportunity to bounce back when they face Cobh in their second championship outing on Sunday, August 16th, once again in Lisgoold.
Team: C. Sheehan; A. Casey, A. Desmond, W. Sheehy; C. McHugh, Z. Curtin, D. O'Leary; D. Forde, E. Forde; P. Cahill, J. Counihan (0-4, two two-pointers), S. O'Callaghan; C. Gowen (Captain), D. Barry, J. Hennebry. Subs used: S. Ryan, E. Fitzgerald, F. Fitzgerald, R. Horgan.
Glenville GAA Summer Skills Programme Returns This August
Glenville GAA is looking forward to welcoming boys and girls from across the community to its Summer Skills Programme, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday, August 10th and 11th, at the Glenville GAA Grounds.
Running each day from 10.00am to 2.00pm, the programme is open to children aged 5 to 13 years and promises two action-packed days of fun, learning and games in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills across Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football, with sessions designed to cater for all ability levels. Whether your child is trying Gaelic games for the very first time or is already an active club player, the programme offers a fantastic opportunity to improve fundamental skills, build confidence, make new friends and enjoy being active during the summer holidays.
The emphasis throughout the two days will be on participation, teamwork and enjoyment, with experienced coaches and club volunteers ensuring that every child has a positive and rewarding experience. As well as improving their sporting skills, participants will enjoy plenty of games and activities in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
The Summer Skills Programme has proven hugely popular in previous years and is an excellent way for young players to stay active, meet friends and experience everything Glenville GAA has to offer. Parents are encouraged to register early, as places are expected to fill quickly.
Registration is now open through the club's KlubFunder platform, and everyone is welcome to take part. We look forward to seeing plenty of young footballers, hurlers and camogie players enjoying two great days in Glenville this August.
Sam Bracken Takes on 100km Challenge in Memory of His Mother
The Glenville community is coming together to support one of its own as Sam Bracken prepares to undertake an extraordinary fundraising challenge in memory of his late mother, Finola Bracken (née Halbert).
Many in Glenville GAA will remember Finola as a dedicated and highly valued club member who gave countless hours of voluntary service over many years. Among the many roles she fulfilled was that of Club Treasurer, carrying out her work with commitment, warmth and generosity. Her contribution to the club and the wider community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Finola tragically passed away suddenly in August 2024 while on Trá Lísepen Beach in West Cork. She is deeply missed by her husband Declan, children Lydia, Sam and Erica, her extended family, friends and the wider Glenville community.
Sam is well known within Glenville GAA, having proudly represented the club at Intermediate level for many years before relocating to the UK. Despite now living abroad, he continues to return home whenever possible to pull on the Glenville jersey and remains a popular and much-valued member of the club.
On Friday, August 7th, Sam will embark on a remarkable 100-kilometre run from Glenville to Trá Lísepen Beach, the place where his mother sadly passed away. Through this incredible challenge, he hopes to honour Finola's memory while raising vital funds for West Cork Rapid Response, an organisation that has become especially meaningful to the Bracken family.
The club is encouraging as many people as possible to support Sam's efforts, whether by making a donation, joining him for part of the route or simply coming out along the way to offer encouragement. Every contribution, every shared mile and every show of support will help motivate Sam as he takes on this demanding challenge.
Everyone in Glenville GAA wishes Sam the very best as he undertakes this inspiring tribute to his mother. The club has always taken great pride in supporting its members through good times and bad, and the Bracken family continue to hold a special place within the Glenville community. We have no doubt that Sam will make his mother proud as he completes this extraordinary journey.
Glenville GAA Lotto
There was no winner of the Glenville GAA Lotto Jackpot, which stood at €13,600, in last week's draw.
The winning numbers were 3, 7, 10 and 11.
Congratulations to the four €20 Lucky Dip winners:
Brian Cronin
Gearóid Fitzgerald
Gerry Costello
Seamus Roche
The jackpot now increases to €13,700 for the next draw, which will take place on Friday, July 31st, in Kades Kounty, Glenville.
The club thanks everyone who continues to support the Glenville GAA Lotto. Every ticket purchased helps fund the ongoing development of the club, its facilities and teams, from juvenile through to adult level. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
