Hope everyone had an enjoyable St Patrick's Bank Holiday Weekend. Our club had just one match over the last few days - the JFL1 encounter away against Fr O'Neill's, whilst on Sunday night there was a chance to relive the successes of last year , as the JAFC and U21 hurling medals were presented. Thanks to Eileen and all at Clifford's for hosting the event.

O'Neill's Strong Finish

Three x 2 pointers inside the closing stages of the match helped Fr O'Neill's run out 0-15 to 0-9 winners against Castlemartyr in Saturday's JFL1 clash at Aghavinve. The reds looked in good position early in the second half, having wrestled momentum away from their hosts with a strong first half finish and a good restart. In fact, they had turned a three point deficit into a two points lead either side of the short whistle, but failure to score after Andrew Kelly's 38th minute white flag was to cost them.

In a relatively tame opening quarter, points by Liam Martin and Billy McGann had edged us into a 0-2 to 0-1 advantage. But by the time Billy kicked his second point on 24 minutes, O'Neill's had struck five on the bounce to lead 0-6 to 0-3. Thus, a late two pointer by our netminder Conor Whyte and follow up point from Darragh Cashman were most welcome and meant we retired just one adrift at 0-7 to 0-6.

That positive second-half start offered further encouragement. Mike Kelly's fisted effort, Billy McGann's third of the day - after good work by Daire Coughlan and the aforementioned Andrew Kelly point - had us sitting on a 0-9 to 0-7 lead. With Barra O'Tuama and Odhrann Cantwell going well in defence, it appeared as if Castlemartyr had got the upper hand. However, the home team gradually took encouragement as we failed to kick on and jumped back ahead on 53 minutes with the first of those late two pointers. Having re-established the lead, they managed the closing minutes well to leave Castlemartyr pointless after three close games.

Thus, game four at home to Lisgoold on March 30th now takes on extra significance.

Team -

Conor Whyte,

Declan Kelly, Odhrann Cantwell, Cathal Martin,

 Ruairi Murphy, Barra O'Tuama, Darragh Leahy.

Daire Coughlan, Darragh Joyce,

Mike Kelly, Billy McGann, Liam Martin

Eoghan Martin, Darragh Cashman, Andrew Kelly

Subs - Warren Broerick, Cian Murphy, Eoin Cashman

Scorers - Billy McGann 0-3, Conor Whyte 0-2 (2 pointer), Liam Martin, Darragh Cashman, Mike Kelly and Andrew Kelly 0-1 each.

Cork V Galway

It's certainly an attractive proposition on Saturday evening at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh as Cork take on Galway in Round 6 of the Allianz Hurling League - with a place against Tipperary in the Final, the prize for the winners. Kilkenny's win over Limerick last Saturday simplified the equation, with Clare and Wexford now relegated and Tipperary straight through to the final, before they play their last game. A big crowd is expected by the banks of the Lee on Saturday evening to cheer on Cork. Tickets are now on sale online. Best of luck to Ciaran and the rebels.

Sunday Hurling Double Bill

It's a Sunday double bill at Paddy Wash Memorial Park with both our hurling teams in League action.

First up at 11.30am, Ballygarvan will take on our intermediates, who will be hoping to get their first brace points having drawn their iopener against Ballyhea. Ballygarvan had a similar outing, also sharing the spoils with visitors Milford on day one after another tight affair.  

Eoin Coleman from Youghal is on the whistle for the game.

Then, at 4.30 pm, Sarsfield's visit for the East Cork JHL1 clash.. The Riverstown outfit scored 0-23 in response to 2-17 from Carraig na bhFear in an exciting draw two weeks ago, whilst we just came up short despite a late rally at home to Cloyne.

Anthony O'Regan from Youghal makes a return visit to take charge of this tie.

Supporters are asked to please support both our teams on Sunday.

Last Call For Membership BUndles

We are still some way short of our target - but in many cases, people are leaving it until the last minute. The clock is now ticking very fast and we need your support with our membership bundles to ensure our club can continue with its development plans. A new meeting room/kitchen and gym are top of our immediate priority list - so please join our club - gold, silver and bronze packages are an option for all supporters. Please play your part - follow the attached link to sign up.

Pitch Signage

A huge thanks to all the business community , many of whom over the past few months, have signed up for renewal of pitch advertising for the next term - this is also a very important source of revenue for our club.

If there is someone out there who is interested in becoming involved with a new sign or indeed who may know someone who may wish to avail of the option, now is the time come forward in advance of what is going to be a vrry busy playing season ahead at Paddy Walsh Memorial Park - please call me 086-8778182 for further information on attractive packages that are available. As always, we urge our members and supporters to support our advertisers, who are supporting our club.