Castlelyons Notes (16th Jul)
- Jul 16,2024
Final Fever Gripping Cork
Excitement is building in the Rebel County for the All-Ireland final on Sunday. Cork were last featured in the ‘’Big One’’ in 2021 where we were comprehensively defeated by the mighty Limerick team. Our opponents this time around Clare have been in scintillating form all throughout the season with wins over Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork in previous rounds. We hope for another classic that matches the drama of the 2013 final (with the result going our way this time). The two stalwarts of Séamus Harnedy and Patrick Horgan are the only two survivors from that day and it would be deserving for both of them to win their maiden Celtic Cross near the end of their Cork careers. Both men have arguably been Cork’s most consistent performers over the last decade. Castlelyons is extremely proud to be represented by Niall O’Leary at corner back. Niall has been a consistent performer for this Cork side since he was surprisingly omitted by Pat Ryan in the opening defeat to Waterford in Walsh Park that seems like an age ago on the 21stApril. Niall has really nailed down his spot with the quality of his hurling and whatever the score next Sunday he will be welcomed back to Castlelyons as a hero. Since their opening round defeats to the Déise and Sunday’s opponents Clare, Cork have been unbeaten in the Championship and have lit the scoreboards alight with some thrilling performances. It has been wonderful to see young players develop into top class hurlers. Ciarán Joyce, Brian Hayes, Shane Barrett, Alan Connolly and the 2 Downey brothers have had break out years and are now waiting to play in their first All-Ireland Final in the blood and bandage. It has been 19 years since Cork last brought Liam McCarthy back to Leeside so we don’t take anything for granted against a fine Clare side boasting hurlers of the calibre of Shane O’Donnell, Peter Duggan and Tony Kelly. All roads lead to Croker this Sunday. Rebels Abu!!
Up-Coming Fixtures
Junior Challenge game V St. Itas at 7.45pm Thursday 18th July in Castlelyons
Senior A Hurling Championship V Fermoy Friday 2nd August at 7.30pm in Rathcormac
Furlong Heading for Cork u20s
Congratulations to our Senior trainer Noel Furlong who has been appointed the 2025 Cork u20 hurling coach. The Carrigtwohill clubman has a brilliant CV with county titles won with Castlelyons, Russell Rovers and Fr. O’Neills. He has previously trained Cork to Minor All Ireland and Munster success in 2021. We know from experience what a top class coach that Noel is and we wish him the very best with his new job next year.
Lotto
Numbers drawn on 15th July were 3, 4, 11, and 14. There was no winner of the Jackpot. Next week’s Jackpot is €20,000. Make sure to buy your ticket to be in with a chance to win. Luck Dip winners were Shannon O’Sullivan, Margaret Carroll, Fitzgerald family, Perth, Ann Waters, Ellen Cotter, Laura Shanahan, Pat O’Neill and Barry Fitzgerald. The next draw will take place Monday 22nd July at 8.00pm in the Community Centre.
Sponsor
Thanks to our sponsors East Cork Oil for their continued support.
