MITCHELSTOWN ADULT G.A.A. CLUB

- Town versus old rivals Glanworth -

U21 ‘A’ FOOTBALL NORTH CORK CHAMPIONSHIP

On St Patrick’s weekend our lads play Glanworth in the first round of this year’s championship, which is a knockout competition. So we make this special appeal to all players to put in a major effort at training as Glanworth has always given us a run for our money.

So lads training every Friday night at 7.30pm sharp for U21 and minors, venue Limerick Road under Cork coach Paddy Sheehan and coach Ollie McGrath. Tea and sandwiches provided. Presentation of U21 medals 2007 this Friday night at Walsh’s Bar.

On behalf of Mitchelstown GAA, I wish to congratulate the successful U21 panel winners of the JB Roche Cup North Cork Championship 2008, which gave us some wonderful and sometimes heart stopping moments during the year.

To mark this occasion and presentation of medals, a social evening will take place at Walsh’s Bar, Lower Cork Street this Friday night, February 8 commencing at 9.30pm sharp, with special guest Cork senior football star Kieran O’Connor, which will be followed by light refreshments and music by DJ Denny. Everyone is invited to celebrate this special occasion.

2008 JUNIOR ‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

Town versus Doneraile This year’s draw has pitted us against archrivals Doneraile. So again we appeal for every player to give it 100% this year, as the league championship starts in a week’s time.

MEMBERSHIP DUE FOR PLAYERS

Remember lads all players must be paid up in full before you play. Contact Cyril Kiely.

MEMBERSHIP - NON PLAYERS

Membership for non-players is now overdue, contact Donal Lyons. County Board Draw overdue, contact Donal Lyons.

Well done to Ballygiblin on running the senior citizens party. Special mention to Tom O’Donoghue on a job well done and to their development open meeting last Friday night, which was a major success.

BEST OF LUCK TO VIVA MEXICO

Best of luck to everyone involved in this excellent show, main sponsor Super Valu – Alan Reidy. Tickets are very hard to come by.

SYMPATHY

Votes of sympathy to Des O’Leary’s family, Coughlan family and the O’Brien family, Mountain Barracks on their recent bereavements. Ghaeltacht Scholarships For any information contact John Courtney on: 087-2070344 or 025-84912.

- Mitchelstown Adult GAA -

JUNIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

Mitchelstown v Carrigaline This Sunday Carrigaline are coming to our local venue, Limerick Road – time 12 o’clock sharp. February 10.

We welcome Nicholas Murphy and his mates to our local venue to take on our junior ‘A’ team, which will feature a combination of youth and experienced players.

JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

Mitchelstown v Glanworth Once again we meet old rivals Glanworth. Next meeting Monday, February 18 at 9pm. Venue – Town Hall. Note time change. Minor and U21 Football training. Venue – Limerick Road on Friday night, February 8 at 7pm sharp.

MITCHELSTOWN CARMELITE LOURDES GROUP SPECIAL APPEAL

Just to let ye know lads. The above group are looking for helpers with their special weekend on February 16 and 17. So come on lads and give them a hand, which is a once in a lifetime experience. Contact Paddy Seery (The Mulberry Tree).

BALLYLANDERS SOCCER CLUB

- Bally Soccer Club Church gate collection this weekend -

There will be a club church gate collection at Ballylanders church in aid our underage teams on Saturday 9th and Sunday, 10th February. Your support is very welcome and much appreciated and will go towards the support of running the teams with equipment etc.

We run teams at under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 16s and a senior team and under 10s, under12s, under14s under16s and seniors for both males and females respectively. We have over 200 participants registered at the club this season, so we find ourselves fundraising more often to make our members/players experience an enjoyable experience.

With enough equipment for all their sport it will become more enjoyable and if they’re having fun they will win for each-other. Your support is always very much appreciated here at Ballylanders Soccer Club, by players and committee, who thank you for your support again.

All arranged games, last week, were away and cancelled, Bally stay home. The fixtures last week were called off due to bad weather, so all games will be re-arranged, please see fixtures for new arrangements. These games may change due to fixture congestion so players and supporters please be aware of these changes. Thanks.

JUNIORS

The junior team fixture is on Sunday 10th February and is home to Herbertstown, ko 2pm. Training is on Friday 8-9pm in Galbally on the astro turf pitch, arrive early please.

U16s

The Under 16s, of the first division fixture Saturday 9th February and is home vs. Cappamore, ko 11.00am. Training this week will be on Tuesday, 6.30-8pm at Castlepark.

U14s

The Under 14s, of the second division have no fixture this weekend. Training this week will be on Tuesday, 6.30-8pm at Castlepark.

U12s

The Under 12s, of the second division, fixture is on Saturday 9th February and is away vs. St. Davids, ko 11am meet in the street at 10am. Training this week will be on Thursday, 6.30-8pm at Castlepark.

U10s

The Under 10s of the first division fixture Saturday 9th February and is away vs. Pallasgreen, ko 2pm. Meet at Mace, Ballylanders for 1pm to leave. Training this week will be on Tuesday, 6.00-7.00pm at Galbally astro turf.

DENNY GOLD LEAGUE UNDER 12S

The Under 12s schoolgirls fixture is on Saturday, 10th February and is home vs. Knocklong, ko 3pm

BALLYLANDERS LOTTO DRAW

Result: Next week €4,500 The numbers drawn in the Ballylanders lotto draw on Monday, 4th February were 7, 12, 14, and 24. There was no jackpot winner. The three €25 lucky dip winners were Ray Sheehan c/o Tom, Chris O’Connor c/o Giggs and Pat O’Connor c/o G.W.P. Next week’s jackpot is €4,500.

Next draw is 11th February and will be held in MacDermott’s Bar. If you would like to join the club or contribute in a particular way or need to contact a particular aged team coach try a person listed for more information: Contact: Ballylanders Soccer Club Secretary, Eoin Ryan for our schoolboys and junior teams information. 087-9212509.

Contact: Ballylanders Ladies Managers, Rob and Mary McInerney for schoolgirls teams and information. 062-46614 Contact: Treasurer, DJ Noonan for Lotto 6 or 12 monthly subscriptions, €50 and €100 respectively. 086-8550299.

Contact: Public relations officer and Children’s Welfare Officer, Justin Faust in confidence 087-2030-638.

COLAISTE AN CHRAOIBHIN SPORTS

- Colaiste triumph over rugby cup favourites -

Colaiste an Chraoibin, Fermoy 12 Youghal Community School 7

A wise man once said that it’s not the size of the team in the fight; but the size of the fight in the team and this was never more suited to this cup tie. Colaiste entered into senior rugby O’Brien Cup with a number of huge obstacles in their path but succeeded regardless with great passion and pride.

The first difficulty was the opposition. An impressive Waterpark team recently beat Colaiste but Youghal comprehensively defeated this Waterford school in the development league final. The second problem was that due to the weather Colaiste lost home advantage so had to travel to Youghal and finally when one considers that the Youghal U18 club team are flying high and undefeated in the league, Colaiste were always huge underdogs.

However, the fight in these heroic underdogs was never in doubt from the opening stages when number 8 Darren Hartnett caught the kick off and despite a nasty blood injury broke a number of tackles to put Colaiste on the front foot. The game was keenly contested in the opening 10 minutes as neither side wanted to give the opposition a foot hold to build on for the remainder of the game.

However, after a pulsating 17 minutes Youghal took the lead after an unforced error from the Colaiste side. Youghal attempted to kick a penalty from a good distance out but as this drifted under the crossbar the ball was knocked on for a Youghal scrum.

The Fermoy school were unable to defend this scrum and Youghal crossed for an unexpected converted try. To their credit Colaiste bounced back and played the remainder of the half camped in the Youghal 22. On three different occasions Colaiste crossed the line but on all three times there were judged to be held up, knocked on or in touch in the build up play. Therefore Youghal held on to their 7-point lead until half time.

Colaiste heads did not drop at half time despite not being able to break down the Youghal defence and simply vowed to give it their all for the second period or else their rugby year in Colaiste was all but over. Colaiste nonetheless got off to the worst possible start as Youghal set up camp in the Colaiste 22, but eventually got out of jail with a huge kick from out half Thomas McAuliffe.

Colaiste began to put on a bit of pressure of their own after this and the Fermoy school forwards started to dominate up front. This left Edward O’Connell to orchestrate every attack and eventually after a number of phases Thomas Donegan stormed over from close range to leave the Colaiste trailing by two points. This deficit turned into a level pegging game after the conversion, as McAuliffe nailed his kick into the breeze from an almost impossible angle.

There was only one team who was going on to win this cup tie from here as Colaiste surged forward again and again in search of winning scores. Unfortunately after a mix up in communication Colaiste found themselves back on their own 22 once again. McAuliffe, who kicked almost the length of the field, again relieved the pressure. Amazingly this kick was chased and when Colaiste’s flying winger Stephen Pratt blocked the Youghal full back’s attempted clearance, he somehow gathered possession to score the winning try.

Colaiste now held a 12 to 7 lead and this was never going to be let go as the Youghal pack had no answer to the strength and commitment of the Colaiste forwards. The last 9 minutes were played in the opposition half as Colaiste kept the ball tight and eliminated all mistakes as well as keeping the Youghal defence thinking with some clever kicks. The final whistle was greeted with joy and elation from all linked to the Fermoy school.

The manner of the comeback will live long into the future in the school, as it was an immensely proud day for the brave players who put their bodies on the line for the navy and sky blue jersey. The pack was colossal throughout the cup-tie. Darren Hartnett was incredible right the way through while he was well supported by a fantastic back row duo of Wayne Fitzgerald and Laurence Lomasney. The pair were super around the park, they stole numerous amounts of opposition ball and competed throughout in the lineout also.

The try scorer Thomas Donegan got the vital score despite an ankle injury, while his second row partner Thomas O’Donoghue continues to have the season of his career with outstanding performances on every occasion. The front row also worked tirelessly and had a huge role to play in the success. Kenneth O’Flaherty never shirked responsibility all day, James O’Driscoll responded well after a few missed line-out throws and shows confidence beyond his years while Roy Gallagher caught the eye for making himself available for every crash ball off almost every ruck.

In the backs, Edward O’Connell played a captains part in the victory while Thomas McAuliffe made his comeback after a long-term injury to be an inspiration to his teammates. The centre pairing of Geoffrey Shanahan and Owen McCarthy were outstanding and strong in defence but always made themselves available to break the valuable gain line throughout the contest.

The back 3 of Kevin Walsh, Aidan O’Sullivan and Stephen Pratt were faultless, dependable and illusive all day. Their heart to chase lost causes was rewarded with the winning try while the subs used (Raymond Slattery and Lewis Mitchell) contributed in times of need to and definitely gave the team the extra innovation needed to win a tight game like this one.

What’s next for the courageous Colaiste characters you might ask? Yes it’s another away day, this time against St Caimins in Shannon, so watch this space!!!!

Colaiste an Chraoibhin: Roy Gallagher, James O’Driscoll, Kenneth O’Flaherty, Thomas O’Donoghue, Thomas Donegan, Wayne Fitzgerald, Laurence Lomasney, Darren Hartnett, Edward O’Connell, Thomas McAuliffe, Kevin Walsh, Owen McCarthy, Geoffrey Shanahan, Stephen Pratt, Aidan O’Sullivan. Subs used:Raymond Slattery and Lewis Mitchell. Subs: Adrian Clancy, Kieran Dorgan, Jeffrey Daly, Jason Pratt.

GLANWORTH G.A.A. CLUB

- Harbour players are training well -

Due to the weather conditions the pitches in North Cork were unplayable and as a result, our minor footballers did not play their opening game of the league. But they can look forward to playing Kilshannig on Sunday next.

FIXTURES

Minor ‘A’ football league: Glanworth v Kilshannig on Sunday, February 10 at 2.30pm in Kilshannig. Junior ‘A’ football league: Glanworth v Mitchelstown on Saturday, February 16 at 3pm in Glanworth, Junior ‘B’ football league: Glanworth v Ballyhooly on Sunday, February 17 at 12 noon in Ballyhooly.

CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS

The draws for the North Cork championships have thrown up several interesting games and there can be no better motivation for players to put effort into training than to know who they will be playing in the first round of the championship.

FIRST ROUND OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Under 21 hurling: Harbour Rovers v Buttevant Under 21 football: Glanworth v Mitchelstown Junior ‘A’ hurling: Harbour Rovers v Shanballymore Junior ‘A’ football: Glanworth v Kilshannig Junior ‘B’ football: Glanworth v Mitchelstown

TRAINING

All our panels are back in full training and there has been an excellent response from the players. The Under 21 and minor players have had a wonderful coaching and players and mentors are very happy with the progress being made.

Our junior panel is getting used to the new regime and reports are very positive that the players are giving a wholehearted response to Pat Spratt and his team. We hope that the positive response of our panels will continue as the season progresses.

The spirit in the club is admirable and with some mouth-watering championship games in our sights we are hopeful of yet another good year for the green and white.

SYMPATHY

We extend our condolences to the family of the late John O’Brien, Close Road, Castletownroche, who passed to his eternal reward recently. John was warmly respected as a postman who had a kind word for everyone and had many family ties with Glanworth. May he rest in peace.

CURRAGHAGALLA MASS

There was a very good turnout of members and friends of the club for the Mass for the deceased members. Fr. Donal Broderick spoke with eloquence and sincerity about the important role our club plays in the community life of the parish.

We thank our friends in Curraghagalla for the warmth of their welcome and we can assure them that the hospitality of Tom Dalton at Glocca Maura was appreciated on a cold, wet night.

LISMORE GOLF CLUB

- Great scores despite bad weather -

12 HOLE STABLEFORD

Despite the poor weather we still had some excellent scores again the week. The winner of the 12 hole competition this week kindly sponsored by David Walsh, Dungarvan, was Gary Baverstock (22) who posted an excellent score of 31 points. The highlight of Gary’s round was at the 4th where his birdie 3 secured an invaluable 5 pointer for his card. In second place this week was Martin Power (14) who shot the best score of many 30 pointers this week.

Martin’s card was boosted by having 2 birdies on his card at the easy 4th and 7th holes! In third place was last week’s winner Michael O’Grady (22) who just edged out James Bennett on the last 6 holes with 30 points. This was all the more impressive as Michael had been deducted 2 penalty points from last week’s win.

DERMOT O’LEARY AGRI LTD SPRING LEAGUE

Round 3 Round 3 of the Dermot O’Leary Agri Ltd spring league has been extended due to the adverse weather conditions during the last week. It is now extended for another week.

SOUTH EAST LEAGUE

The annual South East league matches are starting next week in Dungarvan. In our section this year we have Dungarvan, Gold Coast, Youghal, Mitchelstown and Fota.

Next Sunday we are playing against the Gold Coast. All players are asked to be in Dungarvan for 10.45. Contact Details: Phone 058-54026.

CONTACT US

E-mail: lismoregolfclub@eircom.net; Website: www.lismoregolf.org

RESULTS

Monday 28th January – Sunday 3rd - 12 hole stableford sponsored by David Walsh Office Supplies Dungarvan -1st Gary Baverstock (22) 31 Pts; 2nd Martin Power (14) 30 Pts B6; 3rd Michael O’Grady (22) 30 Pts B6.

FIXTURES

Monday 4th – Sunday, 10th February 12 Hole Stableford sponsored by the Allrounder Sports Shop Dungarvan and 3rd Round of spring league extended.

- Lismore Ladies Golf Club -

RESULTS

1st Marie Condon (17) – 19 pts B.9 2nd Katherine Moynihan (18) – 19 pts.

FIXTURES

1st Round Spring League 9 Hole S/F 3rd Feb – Sat 9th Feb sponsored by East Cork Oil.

SEAN CONLON MEMORIAL FORESTRY RALLY

- The rally cars are coming! -

The forests around Mitchelstown will echo the sound of Full blooded rally cars this Sunday 10th Feb. The annual rally in Mitchelstown organized by Tipperary Motor Club and overseen by Jim O’Brien, Clerk of Course are delighted to have received a massive entry. Over 105 entries have been received.

Top drivers entered from all over the country include Stephen Moore, Ray Breen, Kevin O’Kane, James Murphy, Andrew Purcell, Emma McKinstry all driving four wheel drive WRC cars costing up to €450,000 each. There will also plenty of sideways action with some of the top rear wheel drive Escort MK2 drivers taking part.

The rally leaves the square at 8.30 and will be run over 8 stages 4 repeated twice with the main service area in the Mart in Mitchelstown. Spectators are welcome to come and see the action, Stage 1 and 5 is based in the Kilworth Complex - Gorse Lodge is a great Spectator location. Stages 2, 3, 6 and7 are in Kilcoran area. Stages 4 and 8 are in Combaun. There will be plenty of local drivers out to entertain you.

J Meade and Kevin Kearney Subaru Impreza, Owen Mulcahy and Paul Dwane Opel Corsa, Clement Lonergan and Martin Luddy Honda Civic, Sean Sheedy Corolla Twincam, George and Kevin Wiley Peugeot 205, Ciaran O’Connor and Kevin (juicey) Joyce Honda Civic, Andrew Fanning, Ford Ka.

This year sees a change with the juniors and class 1 cars running first on the road. It gives the lads that normally run behind the big 4wd a chance to run on a smooth forest road. Spectator programmes will be available from Saturday in all shops in the Mitchelstown area.

Prize giving will be held in The Fir Grove Hotel, Sunday evening, all welcome. Best of luck to all competing and if you are going to spectate please be safe and obey the marshals. Drive safely on the road.