Hurling Weekend

The dust has now settled on the hurling weekend, which saw a narrow reversal for our intermediate team and defeat for our juniors  against Cloyne in their second game of the championship.

So, the nett results are that we are still alive in the Co Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Championship despite a second defeat having been suffered on Sunday as opponents Watergrasshill moved to four points on the table.  The winners now engage Valley Rovers in their final game, when Castlemartyr will be looking for a 'Hill win, combined with victory in our must win game against Carrigaline in Lisgoold. 

Currently, the Carrigdhoun outfit are on 2 points following their win over Valleys on Sunday.  Their  scoring difference is +1. So Castlemartyr (-4) need to win by 3 points or more to move above Carrigaline and edge qualification on scoring difference, provided Valley Rovers  (-1) are defeated.  

 

The junior defeat in Rostellan means Castlemarty go into their final group game against table toppers Fr O'Neill's in Shanagarry on Saturday evening, at the bottom of the table.  Thus, we are out of contention, but hopefully, the reds can produce a good performance to conclude this season in a positive manner.

Last Saturday, a double injury blow just after the 40th minute (when the teams were deadlocked) had a big bearing on the outcome.  Both Darragh O'Keeffe in defence and Sean Morgan in attack who were making positive impressions had to withdraw with injuries, which disrupted the shape and rhythm of the team.  The scoreboard read Castlemartyr 1-13 Cloyne 2-10 at this juncture, but we never recovered from the disruption with Cloyne eventually running out winners by 3-20 to 1-17.

Top scorer, Daire Coughlan who had an outstanding match, proved a real threat to Cloyne and it was his goal from a close range free just before half time that saw us just a point adrift (2-7 to 1-9) at the interval.  It was a crucial score as Castlemartyr had conceded two goals in the minutes beforehand, despite the fact that we had looked the better team in the opening 20 minutes -  deservedly leading by 0-8 to 0-6. Cian Murphy and Sean Morgan had both hit some fine points at this stage.

There was certainly no sign of a big winning margin emerging in the early minutes of the second half, but as it transpired, the reds never recovered from that injury blow and the final scoreline certainly did not reflect some fine play.

Fr O'Neiil's have already qualified for the knockout stages and will be joined by the winners of the Cloyne/Youghal game.

Team - Rob O'Donovan, Oisin Cantwell, Darragh O'Keeffe, Tom Fleming, David Lynch, Eoin Ronayne, Cian Murphy,  Niall O'Donovan, Eoin Cashman, Sean Morgan, Cormac Lynch, Daire Coughlan, Cian Murphy, Colm Beausnag, Conor Ronayne.

Subs used - Darragh Cashman, Jack Smiddy

A reminder that the Michael O'Connor Motor Factors junior A football quarter final has been fixed for Saturday September 14th  against Cloyne.  No venue has yet been announced for a tie that will be a repeat of the 2022 semi final.

 The winners this year will advance to play Midleton in the semi final. 

Our Centenary Year has still four months to run and we have a number of big events in the diary.  The club's Centenary Dinner Dance is scheduled for Garryvoe Hotel on Saturday November 9th, with tickets costing €60. More details to follow soon.

On the following weekend GAA President Jarlath Burns will visit Paddy Walsh  Memorial Park where he will officially open our All Weather training pitch on Saturday afternoon.

The club will also have a remembrance Mass for all past members on Saturday November 23rd.

Then in December our Centenary Long Puck promises ot be an extra special occasion. 

-  So still plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.

Don't forget to keep an eye on the club whatsapp and our social media platforms for all the latest Castlemartyr GAA club news.