Castlelyons Notes (13th Dec)
- Dec 13,2024
Castlelyons GAA Club Annual General Meeting.
Castlelyons GAA Club AGM, the most important gathering of the year was held recently. There was a large attendance. New instructions from the GAA on old formats meant that all persons had to be elected prior to the meeting and, indeed, other formalities suppressed great debates so often the heartbeat of our AGM. Our Secretary Con Lawlor, Treasurer Mick Spillane and Chairman John McCarthy addressed the meeting and gave their annual accounts of a memorable year both on and off the field.
Chairperson’s Report.
Chairman John McCarthy outlined how the last twelve months will never be forgotten in the Club, and he felt so honoured to be Chairperson. Having won the Munster IHC, we then defeated Tooreen of Mayo in Tullamore to reach the All-Ireland Final. It was lights out and doors locked in Castlelyons as everyone headed for Croke Park on 15th of January to play the Kilkenny champions Thomastown. They were a formidable outfit and defeated us on a score 2-23 to 0-13. They proved themselves an outstanding team winning the Kilkenny senior championship later in 2024. Despite the defeat our lads done well and gave it their best. Of course, we would like the win, but our supporters certainly enjoyed the days out and the Croke Park experience. He thanked all who worked and helped the club during the year and wished them the best for 2025.
Secretary’s Report
Our secretary Con Lawlor outlined in his report how league action commenced on the 12th of March for our Senior A Hurlers and they recorded four wins, four losses and a draw to retain Division 3 status. In the senior A championship Castlelyons qualified from a very competitive group to play Na Piarsaigh in the quarter final. In the game of the year in Páirc Uí Rinn it went all the way to penalties and took twenty-four of them to send our lads into the semi final versus Glen Roves. Again, Castlelyons hurled excellently but injuries to Niall O’Leary and Colm Barry who had to retire from the game and proved a massive loss to us with the Glen coming out on top.
Our Junior B team done well in the league with four wins and three losses finishing just outside the playoff places. However, we gave it a right go in the championship and made it to the East Cork final after some great battles. Castlelyons were defeated by Fr O’Neills in a most competitive final and O’Neills later won the county championship. Well done to manager Chris Cotter and his selectors who worked hard with the team all year.
He expressed satisfaction that the U21 championships are restored to full status at divisional and county level and our own U21 hurlers closed out the hurling year winning one of their three round robin games. While there was disappointment that there was no adult football team for 2023 moves are now afoot to enter a team in the 2024 championship.
Con thanked East Cork Oil as our new main sponsors. He thanked the Friends of Dean and Padraig as the GAA for all group continues to grow from strength to strength with a huge Cúl Eile Camp this year and outlined that volunteers are always welcome. He also thanked Pat O’Neill who took responsibility for looking after the pitch and mentioned the great work of the Juvenile Club, Camogie Club and the LGFA who were all going well. On behalf of the club, he congratulated Niall O’Leary who played a major role in Cork’s run to the All-Ireland final and indeed a memorable game versus Clare.
Treasurer’s Report.
Our treasurer Mick Spillane gave an account of the finance which was reasonable considering the heavy outlays during the year. He thanked those involved in the Walkathon which yielded substantial funding for the development. The was a new Stand constructed which can seat 300 spectators and he thanked those who volunteered their skills on Saturday morning to help in the development. There was a new scoreboard installed on the top pitch, and he thanked Brain O’Sullivan and Zeus for their three-year commitment to sponsor the scoreboard. There was new perimeter fencing installed around the lower pitch, and it was sanded with the old scoreboard reconditioned and due to be installed shortly.
The treasurer outlined that the contribution scheme is now heading for year three of five. The importance of this scheme cannot be underestimated and thanks everyone who continues to contribute as we ask all to keep it up. Costings are being sought for the construction of an synthetic pitch and hurling wall. We have been awarded just over €140,000 in Sport Capital funding towards the development of our synthetic pitch and hurling wall. But total construction costs will be in the region of €400,000 however we are hopeful of getting additional funding from other sources. Our Treasurer outlined that we are examining the feasibility of potential toilet facilities at the upper pitch and hope to have more information for members in early 2025. The Club lotto remains the mains source of income for day-to-day operational costs. Thanks to our sellers, supporters our sellers and those who have joined the lotto and a very dedicated lotto committee.
John Healy’s Report Team Manager.
John Healy manager of our intermediate team also gave a full account of the year and thanked his fellow selectors Dave Hoare and Michael Spillane. He also thanked Noel Furlong Coach, Dave Dorgan Psychologist and K McSweeney Stats for a memorable year. He praised the support given by the officers of the club, the players who worked so hard and the great support over the year. He outlined that the management and selection team were standing down for 2025 and wished the club well.
Election of Officers.
The following were elected to the various position as Officers for 2025: Joint Presidents; David Hegarty, Ned Fitzgerald. Vice Presidents; Seamus Sexton, Martin Dorgan, Donal O’Connell, Kieran McGann, John Healy and Fr Gerard Coleman. Chairperson John McCarthy; Secretary Con Lawlor; Asst Secretary Margaret Doran; Treasurer Mick Spillane; Assistant Treasurer Ronan Fenton; Registrar Marie Barry; PRO Kieran McGann; Childrens Officer Norah O'Brien; DLP John McCarthy; Player Rep Jack Barry; County Board Delegate Kieran McGann; East Cork Board Delegate Will Casey; Diversity & inclusion Officer Kieran McGann; Lotto Manager James O’Neill; Safety Officer Pat O’Neill; Pitch Managers Pat O’Neill and James Moroney. In addition, Declan Spillane, Carol Shanahan, Cathriona Barry, Maurice Carroll, Shaun Leneghan and Eamonn Fitzgerald were proposed and seconded to be part of the Committee.
Special congratulations to Marie Barry and Margaret Doran for taking on officership roles in the club as it is great to have the ladies involved. There are a few officer positions still vacant, and it is hoped to fill them shortly.
First Harty Cup game in Castlelyons
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire 0-22 Blackwater CS 3-10 (aet)
Castlelyons held their first ever Harty Cup game on the new pitch last Wednesday and it was in great order despite poor weather. Having acquired permission and insurance cover from Croke Park earlier in the week the new stand for 300 spectators was opened also. Well done to all who prepared the facilities and stewarded on a wet and windy day. The Shop was also in operation and a special thanks to the ladies for their great work.
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, once known as the North Monastery and a famous hurling nursery but now with a lot lesser numbers in the northside of Cork city came roaring back in this TUS Dr Harty Cup preliminary quarter final to make it a memorable game. At half-time, the northside school trailed by 2-6 to 0-4. By the 11th minute of the second half, the arrears had been reduced but only slightly, as Blackwater CS led by 3-7 to 0-7. However, for the remaining 19 minutes of normal time and 20 more in extra time, the score was 0-15 to 0-3 in favour of Gaelcholáiste.
The Blackwater College goalie, B Murphy (Cois Bhríde), was injured in making a great save at a stage when they were six points ahead in the second half. His replacement Rian O’Dwyer did nothing wrong but the hold-up halted their momentum and allowed Gaelcholáiste Mhuire to settle and re-focus. Gaelcholáiste drove on to level the game and won it by three points in extra time and moved on to the quarter final proper.
They are coached by Sean Óg Ó hAilpín and Tadhg Óg Murphy and I noted seven Na Piarsaigh lads on the team. Fintan O’Connor was the Blackwater CS coach, and I noted six Lismore lads on the team. Looks good for the future of both clubs as there is great learning in Dr Harty Cup hurling. Gaelcholáiste Mhuire will now play Cashel CS in the Quarter Final on in early January ‘25 while two more Cork colleges, CBC Cork play De La Salle, and Midleton CBS play St Flannans of Ennis. Great to see three Cork colleges in the quarter finals of the Harty.
John Drislane selected for the 40-Day Health Challenge.
John Drislane, Castlelyons our DJ man has been selected for the new 40-Day Health Challenge which replaces the old Operation Transformation. This is committing to forty days of eating well, moving more and improving mental well-being. After undergoing several interviews and tests John has made it to the last sixteen and will feature regularly on social media from the 6th of January to 14th February. He will be utilising our new fully lit kilometre walkway for evening exercises and the promotion crew may visit on selected occasions. Best of luck to him and no doubt there will be a bit of excitement on the walkway. You too can shorten the winter and get fit for the summer by taking part with John.
Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Jackpot at €20,000.
The last draw was held on Monday 9.12.24 and the numbers drawn were 16, 18, 28 and 31. There was no winner. The Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were as follows: - Michael Carey, John O’Connor, Polly Shanahan, Liam Martin, Conor O’Brien, Fiona O’Callaghan, Orla Hallahan and Sinenna & Mason
Next week's Jackpot is now at a monster €20,000. The next Draw be held in the Community Centre on Monday 16th December at 8.15pm. Thank you all for your support and don’t forget you can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual outlets.
Votes of Sympathy.
The following votes of sympathy were passed at our last meeting Castlelyons GAA with sincere condolences extended to Anthony O’ Regan and family, the Hegarty and O’Regan families, also to John Leetch and the Leetch family in their recent bereavements. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a nainmeacha go léir.
