Killeagh Notes (1st Nov)
- Nov 02,2026
Killeagh GAA Club Notes November 1st 2026
CLCG Cilliath, Nuacht an Chlub, Samhain 1, 2026
RIP CIARA MAGEEAN
It’s been a fortnight of sporting celebrations in our parish, with Inch Rovers Ladies Footballers qualifying for the Munster Intermediate Final on Sunday next, November 8th when they play St. Ailbe’s from Limerick in Mallow at 1300 hrs, and our Junior A hurlers blazing a trail through East Cork and County Championships. We start this week, however, with a tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest sportspersons of this century, as news reached us on All Saints' Day of the untimely passing of the inspirational Ciara Mageean. Listening to the many tributes paid to her on radio and television, it’s clear that Ciara made a lasting impact on thousands of people across her own sport of athletics, and beyond. A European 1500 metres champion in 2024 (only the second ever Irish individual gold medallist to that point, after Sonia), she demonstrated all the qualities one would admire in any person – courage, resilience, determination and honesty – in both her athletics career and in her unflinching battle with cancer in recent times. Listen to her interview with Brendan O’Connor to gain an insight into her huge personality https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22621124/. If we are to measure a person’s value not by the number of days they live but by what they did in those days, Ciara would be a gold medallist without any doubt. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí. And for each one of us still here to read this – Carpe Diem!
P.S. Happy 100th birthday Peg Barry – another role model for all of us!
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE DOUBLE TO OUR JUNIOR A HURLERS!
East Cork Oil Junior A Hurling Championship Final, Sunday October 25th in Cloyne
Killeagh 1-23, Bride Rovers 0-12
Success at any level is always welcome, but this one was especially sweet! Having waited 29 years (from 1995 to 2024) to reclaim the coveted Jamesy Kelleher Cup, we now have our second in two years, and our seventh title in all! A solid opening half i gcoinne na gaoithe gave our forwards the platform to kick on after half time to secure a comprehensive victory. This was an outstanding team performance with our defence giving their best display all year, conceding just five points from play. Captaen na fóirne Philip (An Yank) O’Neill, an t-imreoir is sine ar an bhfoireann, led by example and was instrumental in ensuring that a clean sheet was achieved for the third time in five outings in this championship. Ciaran Leahy, Keane Budds and Matthew Murphy were imperious in their defensive duties, while Robbie Treacy, Jack Coleman and Jack O’Rourke were equally mean and dominant against anything the Bride Rovers forwards attempted. I lár na páirce, bhí an lámh in uachtar ag Mikey Fitzgerald agus Seán Walsh, with their ideal combination of skill, speed, strength and stamina ensuring that this area was also won hands down. Our forward line also shone, with Ben Geary deservedly winning the man-of-the-match award for his remarkable fourteen-point haul – eight from play. He was ably assisted by Sean Meade and Colm Leahy istigh ar imeall na cearnóige, while the half-forward line of Richie Long, Cormac Deane and Andrew Leahy caused havoc throughout – in general play in the opening half, and on the scoreboard (1-06 shared between the three) sa dara leath. Our starting fifteen would probably have won without any changes, but the addition of John Ogbebor, Dara Motherway, Paudie Mackey, Cathal Brennan and Oran Cunnigham brought added energy to the team and ensured that the Rovers would find no way back, despite their best efforts right up to the final whistle from Jimmy Smiddy.
Scéal an chluiche: Ben Geary opened the scoring on 4 minutes, setting the scene for a day of domination in his corner. Rovers briefly led on 11 minutes (0-03 to 0-02) before Ben added another two points, leaving teams level at the quarter hour mark on four points each. Colm Leahy became our second scorer on 18 minutes, and Sean Walsh got the score of the day on 29 minutes, collecting the ball in the half back line and skating all the way down the right wing before firing over an exquisite point. Jimmy Magee might have called “different class” (Maradona ’82 for the young folk!) had he seen it! Ben’s first half tornado trail of destruction was completed with two more breathtaking scores from play in the 30th and 33rd minute, leaving us ahead by 0-09 to 0-08 ag leath am. Rovers did manage to level matters for the ninth time (teams had been level at every possible score to this point) but once Richie Long (34 minutes) and Ben (35 minutes) pushed us two ahead, the pendulum swung definitively in our favour. By forty minutes, four more points (Ben from a free, from play, Richie and Andrew Leahy from play) pushed us ahead by five (0-15 to 0-10), and four more unanswered points (Ben from play and from a free, and a quick fire pair from thoroughbred Cormac Deane) pushed the advantage to nine. Richie Long, hero of the hour in the semi-final, capped an outstanding second-half display with a brilliant goal on 54 minutes to seal the deal. There was time for another from Cormac, with sub Dara Motherway capping a fine cameo with a point, and two close-in frees saw Ben bring our tally to 1-23 ag an deireadh. A brilliant team display!
Well done to the full panel and to our management team of Ger, Ger, Ray, Colin and Liam, who each contributed in their own way to this success. Well done to Ben Geary on receiving the man-of-the-match award (not the most difficult decision for whoever had the honour of choosing it; if there had been a vote amongst spectators it would surely have been unanimous). And well done to captaen na fóirne Philip for a fine speech (following from chairperson Avril Geary’s equally fine speech), and to all in Cloyne GAA for their preparations and stewardship of the “East Cork All Ireland!”
Team: Philip O’Neill, Keane Kelly Budds, Robbie Treacy, Ciaran Leahy, Jack O’Rourke, Jack Coleman, Matthew Murphy, Mikey Fitzgerald, Sean Walsh, Richie Long, Cormac Deane, Andrew Leahy, Sean Meade, Colm Leahy, Ben Geary, John Ogbebor, Dara Motherway, Paudie Mackey, Cathal Brennan, Oran Cunningham.
Co-Op Superstores County Junior A Hurling Championship Quarter Final, Sunday November 1st in Grenagh
Killeagh 2-19, Newmarket 2-19, Killeagh win 4-2 on penalties
Seven days later, the wagons were loaded and we headed west for Grenagh where we faced the men from Ath Trasna (Newmarket) who came with intent, as they sought to build on their three Duhallow titles since 2023 (as well as being runners-up in 2024). Newmarket had run current Premier Junior A hurling champions Kilshanning to three points in the County Junior A semi-final twelve months ago, so they came not just with intent, but also with reputation and well-earned status. Hugh O’Connor, Cork senior hurler, was the flag bearer we knew of, but this was far from a one-man team. Andrew Brenner, injured for the East Cork final, was fit to start, in the only change to our team, and he did a fine job in marking the county star for a good portion of the match. On a perfect day for hurling (first day of winter???) and on a beautifully prepared pitch, we got off to a flying start with Sean Walsh opening the scoring on 44 seconds after an early Newmarket wide. Things got better in the 2nd minute when Ben Geary finished to the net after an excellent pass from Matthew Murphy; he then turned provider for Andrew Leahy’s first point. Unbelievably, after just 3 minutes and 33 seconds, we had our second green flag, again from Ben, with Andrew returning the assist favour this time. Sean Meade’s point and Sean Walsh’s second had us 2-04 to 0-00 ahead after 6 minutes and 30 seconds, while a shell-shocked Newmarket had by this stage struck four wides. However, this story had many twists and turns to take before the final climax. Newmarket opened their account on 10 minutes, and had added two more by the quarter hour, while Andrew Leahy got our fifth to leave us ahead by 2-05 to 0-03 at this stage. Newmarket dominated the second quarter possession but added more to their wide tally than to the scoreboard until the final eleven minutes. In this period we also began to miss some chances, while Newmarket added six points (five from frees) and we added three (a free from Ben, Sean Walsh’s third, and Ben’s first point from play. Scór ag leath am: Cilliath 2-08, Ath Trasna 0-09.
The second half began with Killeagh having the slight wind advantage, but Newmarket took total control after Ben’s free had put us six ahead in the opening minute. We failed to score again until the 47th minute, by which time Newmarket had scored 1-03 without reply to level matters (2-09 to 1-12), a feat which had looked almost impossible just 40 minutes earlier. Their goal on 40 minutes was a brilliant finish from Barry O’Connor following an eighty-metre gallop up the middle from impressive full-back Aidan Browne. By this stage, it was our turn to misfire in front of goals. While the wide count had been 9-4 to Newmarket in the opening half, we shot nine of our own in the second half to Newmarket’s five. Crucially, while Newmarket appeared to have all the momentum by now, they never managed to take the lead in normal time, as a free from Ben gave us the lead again in the 47th minute. Newmarket levelled again, Ben scored a breathtaking point from the right sideline on 51 minutes, Newmarket levelled for the third time, before a brilliant spree of four on the bounce looked like it would carry us home. By this stage, substitutes Jack O’Rourke, John Ogbebor and Cathal Brennan had all been introduced, and all played their part. Andrew Leahy’s third point was followed by a free from Ben, before Cormac Deane, reprising his last quarter heroics of seven days earlier, scored two sensational points from opposite sidelines (right initially, then left) in the space of a minute to leave us ahead by four on 59 minutes. Newmarket were not done, however, and a goal from Hugh O’Connor followed by a ninth free from excellent free-taker Donal Hannon saw both sides ar chomhscór for the fourth time, 2-15 each. Reiteoir Pat Lyons decided that everyone deserved another 20 minutes, so we took deep breaths before setting off again on the roller-coaster.
Extra- time! For the first and only time, Newmarket went ahead with the opening point in extra time, before Colm Leahy took advantage of a loose pass to level matters again. Then, in a crucial 60-second period, the pendulum swung once again in our favour. Hugh O’Connor broke through our defence but Philip Yank made a brilliant block to keep out his low effort, and when the ball was swept down to the other end of the pitch, Dara Motherway rose highest and struck over a point from the right corner to put us one ahead – a four point swing! Newmarket levelled matters for the sixth time before more drama ensued. A brilliant team move from defence to attack began with Cathal Brennan breaking out from left-corner back, and John Ogbebor and Dara Motherway moving the ball quickly to finish with Ben Geary, who was fouled in the act of shooting. Pat Lyons, after consultation with his umpires, stretched out his hands to signal a penalty. Ben struck it well but goalkeeper Ben Newman flung himself to his right to make a great save, although crucially, the ’65 was pointed to leave us ahead by one – 2-18 to 2-17. By this stage, tired bodies (they were just the supporters!) watched on in disbelief and trepidation as the sliotar flew from one end to the other. Gary Leahy, Keane Budds and Ciaran Leahy led the line in our heroic defence, while Dara Motherway was proving a handful for Newmarket at the other end. He caught another of Philip’s long clearances on 73 minutes to put us ahead again, before Newmarket’s final free left both sides level for the seventh and final time. Both sides had chances to win it – we finished with three wides in the final five minutes – before Pat Lyons called a halt once more and we faced the drama of penalty pucks! Questions: What would the hurling purists make of this lottery? Had we practised for this? Had we enough assassins on the pitch to seal the deal? Was Philip Yank ready to etch his name into Killeagh folklore? Newmarket went first, scored their opener, then Philip saved their next two. By this stage we led 3-1 as Ben Geary, Daniel Walsh and Sean Walsh (guaranteed Junior A All-Star if they were to be given out) all hit the net. Newmarket scored their fourth, so it was up to Andrew Leahy to shoot next. Cometh the hour, cometh the hero – Andrew struck a perfect penalty low to the goalkeeper’s left and then turned in celebration before being mobbed by his team mates and buddies. All those Kilcounty garden games coming to fruition in his mother Betty’s home club pitch – Hollywood couldn’t write a better ending!
We move on to the last four where we play Valley Rovers (back to the maroon jerseys we presume) in two weeks time, with first-time Muskerry winners Donoughmore facing the mighty Diarmuid O Mathuna’s from Carbery on the other side. O Mathuna’s must surely be county favourites now after scoring 6-20 against a strong Whitechurch team on Saturday, as they played in Division 6 of the County League in 2026, but we will take it one step at a time and see what lies in store. Interestingly, O Mathuna’s won the Carbery semi-final on penalties, defeating fellow Division 6 team and Carbery holders Ballinascarthy, so who knows what might happen if we end up meeting them in a final! Hard luck to a gallant Newmarket team who gave everything possible in the pursuit of glory for their club. We will try our best to get out of their way so that 2027 might be their year!
Team: Philip O’Neill, Keane Kelly Budds, Robbie Treacy, Ciaran Leahy, Andrew Brenner, Jack Coleman, Matthew Murphy, Mikey Fitzgerald, Sean Walsh, Richie Long, Cormac Deane, Andrew Leahy, Sean Meade, Colm Leahy, Ben Geary, Jack O’Rourke, John Ogbebor, Cathal Brennan, Dara Motherway, Gary Leahy, Dan Walsh.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY!
A quarter century ago, on Sunday November 4th 2001, our Intermediate hurlers made the big leap into senior hurling, where we have resided since (albeit in the second tier since its inception some years ago) by defeating Mallow in an epic replay. Involved in that team were Johnny Brenner, Joe Deane (both goalscorers in a 3-09 to 2-08 victory), Brendan Walsh (RIP) and Andy Leahy, fathers with seven sons on the current Junior A panel, along with current chairman Brian Barry and current coach Colin Fogarty. Ger Scully, current bainisteoir, famously captained that team as they brought the Seamus Long Cup over the railway bridge in Killeagh for the first and only time. No. 26 on the panel for that replay was a youthful seventeen-year-old starting out on his Killeagh adult playing career. Twenty-five years later, he’s wearing No. 16, and has given “some service” to the club in many guises since then. Take a bow, Colm Crowley! And finally, another youthful presence (at least more youthful than now!) in that line-up was a certain physical trainer, now trading under the “S & C” title, but still playing an equally impressive part. Take a bow too, Liam O’Reilly!
FIXTURES
County Junior B Football Quarter Final, Saturday November 7th, venue TBC @ 1430 hrs
Glenbower Rovers v Clonakilty
Munster Intermediate Ladies Football Final, Sunday November 8th in Mallow @ 1300 hrs
Inch Rovers v St. Ailbe’s (Limerick)
East Cork Under 21 A Hurling Semi Final, Sunday November 8th in Ahavine @ 1700 hrs
Killeagh v Sarsfields
Get out and cheer!
AGM
Our Annual General Meeting will take place in Killeagh GAA Club on Monday November 9th at 1930 hrs. Be there to have your say on 2026 and to plan for 2027 and beyond!
LOTTO
The Lotto Jackpot has now reached €14,400! We’re ready to give it away; all you have to do is pick the correct 4 numbers between 1 and 36! You know what to do! Play now, online or in shops. Draw every Tuesday at 8.00 p.m.
