by Club PRO John Cashman

Our junior footballers have an East Cork Cork semi final to look forward to in a few weeks time following their 1-15 to 2-5 win over Cloyne at windy Shanagarry on Saturday evening.

It was a trap to line win for the reds, who were fast off the mark with a very well taken early goal by the excellent Eoghan Martin and a follow up point by Mike Kelly, both products of fine team play. Although Cloyne leveled at 1-1 a piece by the tenth minute, Castlemartyr kicked on thereafter to lead by 1-7 to 1-3 at the interval, by which point Cloyne had been reduced to 14 men after a second yellow for their corner back.. Eoghan Martin had added three of those first half points as he posed a major threat to the opposition rearguard, whilst MIke Kelly and Jack McGann were also impressively on the mark. Jack's 16th minute monster free into the wind was one of the real highlights of a pleasing first half, which saw Castlemartyr play some fine combination football. Barra O'Tuama had a major say in dictating matters whilst Ciarán Joyce was also very much to the fore around the middle third.

On the resumption, play became a bit disjointed, as Cloyne, through Paudie O'Sullivan in particular, continued to pose a goal threat, although the reds enjoyed the majority of possession Jack and Jamie Stack had us 1-9 to 1-4 clear by the 40th minute, at which point Cloyne hit their second goal, a score that kept them in our wing mirrors for the remainder of the game. Ten minutes on and Castlemarty still had a clear road at 1-12 to 2-5 and it was now all about game management. Goalkeeper Conor Whyte and full back line of Cathal Martin, Eoin Ronayne and Niall O'Donovan ensured no more green flags were raised despite Cloyne's persistence At the other end, points by Mike Kelly and Eoin Cashman ensured we got home safely.

Next stop is a semi final against Midleton with the prize of a place in the Michael O'Connor Motor Factors JAFC Final at stake against either Carrigtwohill or Erin's Own.

Overall job completed in Shanagarry and a chance now to build real momentum with the big ball after a third win in four championship outings so far this season.

Team - Conor Whyte (capt), Cathal Martin, Eoin Ronayne, Niall O'Donovan, Barra O'Tuama, Ciarán Joyce, Ruairi Murphy, Darragh Joyce, Daire Coughlan, Mike Kelly, Jack McGann, Liam Martin, Billy McGann, Jamie Stack, Eoghan Martin.

Subs used - James Lawton, Mike O'Dwyer, Charlie O'Neill and Eoin Cashman.

Scorers - E Martin 1-4, M Kelly 0-5 (incl 0-1 free), J McGann 0-3 (incl 0-2 frees) J Stack, B O'Tuama and E Cashman 0-1 each.

The late Paddy Walsh would certainly approve of all the activity taking place in the grounds named after him, as we have a special Fun Morning for all young players in the under 4 to under 6 age group this Saturday morning. Ice cream and treats aplenty as Castlemartyr GAA extends a very warm welcome to the boys and girls in this age group to join us in a fun filled community atmosphere for parents and children. This is a real opportunity to sample the friendship and hospitality of our local GAA club and we ask all people receiving this message to spread the word and ensure we have plenty of new faces present for what promises to be a great hour activity.  

It all gets underway from 11am. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of a thriving community and make life long friends, whilst learning the skills of hurling, football and camogie. Please ensure that this message reaches your neighbours and friends and most especially any new residents that have moved into our area in recent times in Castlemartyr, Mogeely, Ballintotis District.

Remember, we rely on our current club members and friends to spread the word!

Carrigtwohill V Cloyne

Saturday afternoon, we will see the activity continue at our pitch, with Carrigtwohill and Cloyne meeting in the Co Op Superstores senior 'A' hurling championship Relegation Play Off. Action begins at 4pm and a big crowd is expected for this match.

Another big crowd is sure to be in Midleton on Sunday for the attractive double bill of action. Best of luck to the Castlemartyr contingent and the Imokilly team in their county premier senior quarter final with Fr O'Neill's (4pm). Killeagh meet Blarney from 2pm in the senior 'A' quarter final.

The countdown is now underway to our Centenary Dinner Dance at Garryvoe Hotel on Saturday November 9th, a historic occasion when club members, friends and the wider community can convene and celebrate 100 years of Castlemartyr GAA. A great night is assured with music by Dark & Lively plus a disco to follow. Tickets are now on sale from Paula Lynch and Noreen Cashman.

A week later, on Saturday 16th GAA President Jarlath Burns will be amongst us where he will officially open our new All Weather pitch at 2pm. 

 A gathering will take place immediately afterwards , where a few short formalities will follow. We will update in the near future.

Compliments to all who continue to advance our facilities at our home pitch. Work is currently taking place on a new footpath by the All Weather pitch and an area has also been cleared in recent days where our 100 year commemorative stone is in place. Thanks to all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts.