GLANWORTH G.A.A.

- Harbour minors reach league final -

MINOR A FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Glanworth 1-7 Mitchelstown 0-5
Our minor footballers had a good win over Mitchelstown and this victory earned them a place in the league final. This is a fitting reward for a hard working panel. Our opponents in the final will be Clyda Rovers.

Ross Murphy opened proceedings with a well-taken point in the opening minute. Scores were hard earned in the blustery conditions and the next score came ten minutes later when Mitchelstown equalised.

Our response was immediate and very significant in the overall context of the game. Martin Jackson drilled home a superb goal and we entered a purple patch. Davy Pyne scored two points from acute angles and Eoin Baker also raised a white flag after winning good possession. We were now leading by 1-4 to 0-1 but two Mitchelstown points narrowed the gap.

But Ross Murphy ended the half as he had opened it by scoring a delightful point to give us a 1-5 to 0-3 half-time lead. We were playing against the stiff breeze in the second half and our fullback line played excellently to keep Mitchelstown scoreless in the opening quarter.

We were unlucky not to score in this period but a classy Davy Pyne point after fifteen minutes extended our lead. A Mitchelstown point was countered by a point from the hard working Francis John O’Flynn. Mitchelstown pointed in the final minute but we were safely through to the final at that stage.

Mitchelstown were gallant and sporting opponents but we had too much firepower for them. We had excellent performances all over the field and when the break for the State examination is over we can look forward to an exciting summer from this team.

Liam Cotter has coached this team well and he, Noel O’Neill, Paudie Walshe and Paddy Lucey deserve our thanks. Referee: Mick Sheedy refereed the game excellently. Team: William Jackson, Philip Blackburne, Shane O’Riordan, Padraig Dinneen, Thomas Condon, Sean O’Keeffe, Johnny Magnier, David Pyne (0-3), Martin Jackson (1-0), Francis John O’Flynn (0-1), Eoin Baker (0-1), Ross Murphy (0-2), David O’Sullivan, Calum Robinson, Ciaran O’Brien. Subs used: Brian Roche and Jerry Foley.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE - DIVISION ONE
Glanworth 4-9 Ballyhooly 0-7
We emerged clear winners in this league encounter with Ballyhooly. But in the first half the game was very evenly balanced. We had a two-point lead at half-time, the scoreline being 0-5 to 0-3.

Our first half points came from Fergal Fitzgibbon (2), Tommy Fitzgibbon, Chris Pyne and Michael Pierce. Our defence played well as a unit in the opening period and we were playing good football.

We began the second half well. Tommy Fitzgibbon scored two quick points and Pierre O’Driscoll added another in the seventh minute to open up a five-point gap. A Ballyhooly point was eclipsed when the skilful Pierre O’Driscoll found the roof of the net from a free. Robert O’Driscoll scored a superb individual point after a brave run.

Two Ballyhooly points narrowed the gap to five points with seven minutes left on the clock. But we were now comfortable in every area of the field and were able to introduce five subs to the action. Michael Pierce raced in from the wing and drove home a typical goal.

A minute later Ger O’Neill, who had an enormous influence when introduced to the fray, cut through to raise another green flag. It is wonderful to see Ger regaining his fitness after enduring two serious injuries and he will once again be a major influence when we reach the vital stages of our season.

Our forwards were now turning on the style and it was entirely fitting that the fourth goal was scored by Chris Pyne after a very clever link up with Michael Pierce. We had good performances all over the field and Pat Spratt is getting an excellent response from his squad as the championship deadline approaches.
Team: Fergal Fitzgibbon (0-2), Stephen Linehan, Brian Gallagher, Shane Kiely, William Blackburne, Barry Ryan, Liam Cotter, Terence Ryan, Denis Healy, Tommy Fitzgibbon (0-3), Chris Pyne (1-1), Pierre O’Driscoll (1-1), Michael Pierce (1-1), Christopher Quirke, Alex Sheehan. Subs played: Robert O’Driscoll (0-1), Gerry O’Neill (1-0), Kevin Linehan, Sean Og Quinn, Johnny Magnier.

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURE

Our junior A hurlers will begin their championship journey on Friday, May 8 when they will play Ballyclough in Mallow at 7pm. We have no doubt about our ever-loyal supporters turning up in force.

DICK BARRETT SHIELD

Avondhu won the Dick Barrett Shield (U15 hurling) and we were very proud that Philip Blackburne was a vital member of the winning team. This is the first time that Avondhu won the Stephen Nolan Trophy (U14 hurling) and the Dick Barrett Shield in successive years. We congratulate Noel O’Neill who is making an enormous contribution to Avondhu hurling at under-age level.

TIMMY QUIRKE (RIP)

We were all devastated by the untimely passing of Timmy Quirke, Fermoy and Glanworth. The late Timmy was a member of the Quirke family that has made and continues to make an enormous contribution to Glanworth GAA.

Timmy excelled at both hurling and football. He played on the legendary 1966 minor football team that won the Premier County football championship. He was also a member of the minor hurling team that won divisional honours that same year.

It was most appropriate that his remains were carried from the funeral home by his fellow Glanworth players and their inspirational coach Owen McAuliffe.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Timmy’s wife Margaret, his children Jonathan, Gavin and Rory, his daughters-in-law and extended family.

Our condolences go to his brother Sean, his sisters Mary and Tricia, his uncle Jimmy and his many relatives and friends in Glanworth. May he rest in peace.

WEBSITE

Our website is www.glanworthgaa.ie

FERMOY SWIMMING CLUB - SWIMMER’S CORNER

- Medley swimming explained -

Medley is a combination of four different swimming styles into one race. This race is either swum by one swimmer as individual medley (IM) or by four swimmers as a medley relay.

INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

Individual medley consists of a single swimmer swimming equal distances of four different strokes within one race.

STROKE ORDER

Individual medley consists of four strokes. Usually each stroke has an equal part of the overall distance, i.e. 1/4th of the overall distance is swum in one stroke. The strokes are swum in this order: Butterfly; Backstroke; Breaststroke; Freestyle, with the limitation that freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Most swimmers use the front crawl.

TECHNIQUE

The technique for individual medley events does not differ much from the technique for the separate events for the four strokes. The main difference is the turning technique needed at the transition from one stroke to the next stroke. Each section has to be completed as described by the stroke rules of this section.

The butterfly section has to be ended with both hands touching the wall at the same time, but has to leave the wall on the back for backstroke. Most swimmers do this by pulling the knees underneath of their body after touching the wall with both hands, and then rolling backwards on their back.

During the roll the arms are not stretched, but rather held close to the body with the hands a few centimeters in front of the chest. This reduces the rotational moment and allows for a faster turn. At the end of the backwards roll the swimmer sinks under water and extends over the head.

The swimmer then pushes off the wall with both legs and starts the regular underwater phase of backstroke, usually a dolphin kick for up to 15 m before surfacing and swimming normal backstroke.

The backstroke section has to end with touching the wall while lying on the back. For the subsequent breaststroke the swimmer has to leave the wall on the breast. Most swimmers prefer to do an open turn, simply driving the feet into the wall.

The swimmer is then under water face down and extends the hands forward before pushing off the wall with both legs. The swimmer continues with the regular breaststroke, consisting of a gliding phase, an underwater pull-down, and another gliding phase before surfacing and swimming normal breaststroke.

A newer, but not required technique for the backstroke to breaststroke turn is a backflip. The swimmer touches on his or her backside with one hand. After touching the wall, the swimmer tucks their knees up to their stomach and flips around so that their feet are touching the wall pointing down and they can push off of the wall on their stomach.

Another, arguably faster variation of the new backstroke to breaststroke turn is very similar to the regular forward flipturn. The swimmer goes into the wall with their leading arm outstretched behind their head. The swimmer then touches the wall and immediately goes into a frontflip and proceeds with the breaststroke portion of the race.

With this turn, it is crucial that the swimmer remains technically on their back until they touch the wall, which means that the front of the body should be rotated chest-side up more than it is chest-side down, otherwise the swimmer will be disqualified. The breaststroke section has to be ended with both hands touching the wall at the same time while on the breast.

A normal breaststroke turn is usually used to turn and push off the wall. After leaving the wall the freestyle underwater phase is initiated, followed by regular freestyle on the surface after up to 15 m underwater. For medley events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Some form of front crawl is typically used.

MEDLEY RELAY

Medley relay consists of four different swimmers in one relay competition, each swimming one stroke.

STROKE ORDER

Medley relay is swum by four different swimmers, each swimmer swimming one of the four strokes. Backstroke is the first event as backstroke is started from the water. If backstroke were not the first event, the starting backstroke swimmer and the finishing previous swimmer could block each other.

The remaining strokes are sorted according to the speed, with breaststroke being the slowest and freestyle being the fastest stroke.

The order of the strokes is as follows: Backstroke; Breaststroke; Butterfly; Freestyle, with the limitation that freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Most swimmers use the front crawl.

CASTLEBRIDGE CELTIC FC

- Sadness comes to our village again -

Yet again we had to try and find ways to express our sorrow and grief for a fellow clubmate when we heard of the tragic death of Ciara O’Brien last weekend.

We all knew what a beautiful person Ciara was and that she and Stephen were inseparable as friends and partners in life. All of us feel for the O’Brien and O’Connor families at this time and can only pray that Ciara is at peace now and will always be there as a guardian angel for her parents Tommy and Ann, brothers Jack and Tom and sister Aine and especially for Steve.

We offer our deepest sympathies to all the relatives and friends of Ciara, may she now have eternal happiness and peace.

Under 12s go down to Clashmore in Cup Final Our long awaited cup final was finally played last Saturday in Cappoquin against our old foes Clashmore. This game was one that we had been waiting for over 6 weeks to play and it certainly was going to be a game to remember for the large attendance.

Castlebridge started very well and took the game to their opponents who found it hard to keep up with the fast pace of our passing and movement off the ball. We forced a couple of early corners but after 10 mins it looked like luck was on our side when we were awarded a penalty.

Up stepped captain Shane Moroney to take it but he didn’t connect as well as he could have and the keeper managed to keep it out. Even though the lads tried again and again to break down the Clashmore defence we were unable to get that score and at half-time the score was still 0-0.

A heavy burst of rain delayed the start of the second half and this seemed to give the Clashmore lads some extra pep as they came out far more lively and started to put more pressure on our back four.

But neither side could get that breakthrough and with time almost up it looked as though we were headed yet again for extra time and penalties as we had the previous year in the U11 cup against the same opposition.

A hopeful ball forward was knocked out for a corner with less than a minute to go and from that kick the ball fell to a Clashmore player on the edge of the penalty area who hit a low shot that keeper William Finnegan managed to get his hands to but alas he couldn’t stop the spinning ball from squeezing over the line and giving the Waterford side the lead with virtually the last kick of the game.

The final whistle went and the lads were gutted. You could see the lads were very disappointed to come out second best again but overall they played a great game, looked every bit as good as the favourites and probably deserved more.

No doubt this team will be back and they have some great players – man of the match Cian Kearney was presented with an award at the end of the game despite being on the losing team and all those watching knew that Castlebridge were every bit as good as the winners on the day.

They’ll be back again next season – watch this space! Squad: W.Finnegan, M.Geary, D.Quirke, P.O’Flynn, S.Walsh, J.Barry, D.Moore, C.Kearney, S.Fenton, S.Moroney, T.Collins, T.Stephenson, C.Donnellan, L.Heffernan.

UNDER 8'S WIN AT HOME
CASTLEBRIDGE 4 TRAMORE TIGERS 3
Our Under 8s played a league game vs Tramore Tigers last Sunday in Bridesbridge and it was a great to see a panel of 13 players togged out and ready to give their best. Tramore had won the previous time that these sides met so our boys were determined to put up a good show in front of the large support of parents and families who came along to the game.

After a blistering start our lads were 3 up inside 10 mins, with David Morrison, James Kearney and Peter Roche all getting scores. The game was very fast and with all the subs being used it was possible to give everyone a break after the first 15mins.

The second 15 saw Tramore come back into the game and they pulled a goal back but Ben Hogan was having a storming game between the posts and was not in the mood to give away too many. In the third period both teams went for it and although Celtic got a fourth Tramore pulled back two and really tried hard to get the equaliser.

Time ran out though and a great win was secured for Celtic. Overall a great team display and every player did his best. Thanks for all the support on the day.

Under 8 squad: Ben Hogan, Cian Hogan, Michael Quinlan, Leon Doocey, Richard Morrisson, James Kearney, David Morrison, Rory O’Sullivan, Jack Kenny, Stephen Casey, Peter Roche, Declan Geary, Shane O’Flynn.

UNDER 10 DO WELL IN CLASHMORE TOURNAMENT

Our Under 10s travelled to Clashmore last Monday to play in the annual 7-a-side Len Rodgers Memorial tournament. Our first match was against Cappoquin and we started well with Alex Barry, Barry Murphy and Keith O’Leary all going well. Keith and Alex got on the scoresheet to give us a comfortable 2-0 win.

The second game was against Clashmore B and we upped the performance another notch here to get a well deserved 3-0 win. At this stage we know we had qualified for the semi-finals but we still had to play tournament favourites Dungarvan. After a hard tough game we lost 2-0 but we were happy to face Clashmore A in the semis.

We started very well and had a couple of shots on goal. As the game went on we were definitely on top but unable to find a breakthrough. With the game headed for extra time a rare Clashmore attack saw them get a goal and we simply had no time to get back in the game.

Although we were short a few regulars the lads did very well getting to the cup semi-final and only losing out 1-0 to the home side who would have fancied themselves to go all the way. Overall we cannot be too disappointed and having only lost to the two finalists it definitely put us in third place overall in the tournament.

Well done to the lads who played and thanks again to Neil, John and Martha for travelling down on the day. Panel: JP. Murphy, B. Murphy, A. Barry, C. O’Flynn, S. Daly, J. Ronayne, I. O’Riordan, K. O’Leary, M.Spillane.

FIXTURES

Sun., May 10th: Under 8 League v Lakewood, KO 5.00pm in Bridesbridge. Players meet in pitch at 4.45pm Weds May 13th: Under 8 League v St Marys, KO 7.00pm in Bridesbridge. Players meet in pitch at 6.45pm. Under Age Academy on Fridays All boys and girls up to the age of 7 are going to play on a Friday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 pm.

FAI SUMMER SCHOOL 2009

The annual FAI Summer Soccer School will be run in Bridesbridge again this year – the dates of the camp are Aug 10 – 14 and details on how to book a place are available on the FAI website at www.fai.ie or you can get a booking form from Paul at 086 8733738.

LOTTO

Lotto held in The Peddlar’s Rock on Thurs., Apr 30. Numbers Drawn: 13; 15; 28. No Winner. Match 2s: Mary Barry Donnellan; Ellie O’Brien; POB; Martin Mason; Next draw in Abbey Bar on Thurs., May 7th. Jackpot €6,500.

Castlebridge Celtic wish to thank all our sponsors, in particular Coolagown Stud, Fermoy Credit Union and Frankie Shaw, and to all our Lotto and WWEC draw members for their ongoing support.

MITCHELSTOWN AREA COMMUNITY GAMES (INCL ARAGLIN, GLANWORTH, KILDORRERY, KILWORTH)

- Table quiz a success -

The fundraiser table quiz held on Friday last at The Hunter’s Rest, Mitchelstown was good fun and raised some funds to help carry the large activity programme. Quiz maestro Owen Dawson set excellent questions to puzzle and delight the audience. A big thank you also to all the sponsors and those that put in the 24 teams.

RUGBY/TAG RUGBY NEXT SATURDAY

The county final in under 11 mini rugby and under 11/14/16 tag rugby will be held in Cobh Pirates rugby pitch on next Saturday, May 9th at 2pm. Panel of 16 and age 11/14/16 after July 31st, 2009. If interested to participate and represent our area contact Owen Dawson 086-8192289.

BOYS BASKETBALL UNDER 13/16

The county final in under 13 and 16 boys basketball will be held at Mallow Youth Centre on Saturday, May 16th at 11am. Panel of 10 and age 13 and 16 after July 31st, 2009.

BOYS SOCCER UNDER 12 / FUTSAL UNDER 13 (BOYS AND GIRLS)

The county final in under 12 boys soccer will be held at Enniskeane on Sunday, May 17th at 11 am. Panel of 16 and age 12 after July 31st. Closing date for entry is May 7th.

GIRLS SOCCER

Under 12 and 15 not yet decided on a venue. Under FUTSAL (5 +3 subs boys/girls) Saturday June 13th at 3pm. If interested to participate and represent our area contact Park united Soccer club Pa Jackson 087-6525257 or John White 086-8192289.

HURLING UNDER 11

The county final in under 11 hurling will be held in Erins Own GAA pitch on Saturday, May 23 rd at 1pm. Panel of 20 and age 11 after July 31st. Closing date for entry is May 10th.

BOYS FOOTBALL DEFERRED TO MAY 24

The CMP Dairy county finals in under 10 football fixed for Glanmire on Saturday last had to be postponed due to poor pitch conditions. New date – May 24th 1pm. Brian Roche, Tom Brenock and company to manage, guys.

ROUNDERS / SKITTLES

The county finals in rounders under 13 / 15 and skittles under 12 girls and under 14 mixed will be held at Carrigtwohill primary school on Saturday, May 30th at 1pm. Closing date for entry is May 19th.

GIRLS GAELIC FOOTBALL UNDER 12

The county final in under 10 football will be held at Glanmire GAA pitch on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm. Panel of 20 and age 10 after July 31st 2009. Contact Willie Kenneally 087-3806382 Closing date for entry is May 20th.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

under 13/16 The county final in under 13 and 16 girls basketball will be held at Christ the King school Turner’s Cross, Cork on Saturday, June 6 the at 10am. Panel of 10 and age 13 and 16 after July 31st 2009. Closing date for entry is May 24th.

ATHLETICS

Mitchelstown Community Games area athletic sports are fixed for Monday, May 18th at St. Fanahan’s College at 7.15 pm. Tell your friends. A big variety of events.

Outdoor club training on Monday sand Wednesdays 7-8pm at St. Fanahan’s College grounds with relays, sprints, walks, marathon, jumps, hurdles, and ball throws long pucks, discus, javelin, shot putt.

For information Jennie Connolly 087-3170658, Seamus Fox 086-2534427, Finbarr McCarthy 086-0712403.

NATIONAL FINALS ARE CLOSE CMP

Dairy county champs model making Anthony Sheehan; projects James Rea, Conor Clancy and Scott Fitzgerald, Stephen Brooks, Jack Fitzgibbon, David Flynn, Keith Fitzgerald; Michael Gallagher, Gavin Jackson, Josh Evans, Conor O’Brien, table quiz Fergal O Baoill, Fergal Fouhy, Robert O’Doherty, Padraig Moynihan and Darren McNamara will represent Cork in the first national finals in Athlone IT on May 22 -24.

The campus will have bouncy castles, samba drumming, Frisbee throwing, singing workshops as part of an impressive assortment of amusements.
NOTE: Age after July 31st, 2009. For information click www.communitygames.ie contact Jennie Connolly 087-3170658, Seamus Fox 086-2534427, Helena Norris 086-3285634, John O’Sullivan or Alison Doyle 086-1648040.

MITCHELSTOWN GOLF CLUB

- Murphy Cup this weekend -

The annual Murphy Cup competition is scheduled to take place this weekend. The event will, however, only go ahead if it can be run as a counting competition.

Many thanks to Peter and Eileen Murphy for their generous sponsorship of this prestigious event again this year. This is also the first monthly medal and “golfer of the year” event of the year which is sponsored this year by Auntie Mae’s pub.

The weather is the critical factor though and, as already stated, neither of these events will go ahead if they cannot be set up as a counting event due to the weather.

SPRING LEAGUE CONCLUDES THIS WEEKEND

The final of this year’s spring league sponsored by Keary’s of Little Island will take place this weekend. The weather caused the final to be re-scheduled. It was hoped that the league could have been finished a fortnight ago.

After 4 rounds of scoring resulted in team number 7, 18, 10 and 1 qualifying for the final. Team 7 Stephan Slattery, Niall Kavanagh, Dave McCarthy, Brendan English, John Courtney. Team 18 Vinnie Ryan, Ned Finn, Noel Swanton, James Kelly, Niall O’Brien. Team 10 Ger Harte, Paddy Dunne, Brian McSweeney, Paddy Dunlea, Michael Waldron. Team 1 Denis Howard, Jerry Quinn, Keith McGrath, Pat Lawton, Frank Harty.

The scores from the qualifying rounds are carried forward and will be added to the team scores from the final this weekend. The top scoring team will emerge as the winners this year. Team 7 have a clear lead going in to the final and must be favourites to win at this stage.

However, it will all down to who will perform the best and each of the 4 teams have done well and have a chance. You can enter each day of this week’s event. However, the first card returned will count for those playing in the spring league final.

Once again the club wishes to sincerely thank Keary’s of Little Island for sponsoring this year’s spring league competition. A special word of thanks goes to Paudie Donegan for organising the sponsorship for this year.

In these difficult economic times major sponsorship is difficult to secure. With Paudie’s efforts and Keary’s of Little Island’s generosity, the club was able to run this very important event in 2009. Their involvement was welcomed and all at the club wish Keary’s of Little Island and Paudie every success in business for 2009 and the years ahead.

In these difficult economic times it is important that club members support of event sponsors whenever possible. Keary’s of Little Island are worthy of our support. Thanks again Paudie.

FRIDAY NIGHT, 8TH MAY

Just come along to the club at 5.30pm and join in on what promises to be a very entertaining and relaxing scramble with our budding stars. Club Singles/Fourball and Mixed foursomes.

The draws for a club singles / fourball and mixed foursomes has been completed and have been posted in the club house, please ensure all deadlines, fees are adhered to as referee for this year’s competitions is our men’s club captain Jerry O’Riordan and sentiment is not part of the plan for this year’s defaulters, please be warned.

CLUB CLASSIC

This fundraising event will take place on May 21st and May 22nd. Entry fee is €120 for a team of 3 (any combination). Entry fee includes lunch. Enquiries and entries to Joanne Hunter at Mitchelstown Golf Club, 025-24072 / Michael Fogarty 087-9964003 or online www.mitchelstown-golf.com

CLUB SWEEEPS TICKETS

Could anyone who still has sold or unsold sweeps tickets please return them to Joanne in the office as soon as possible please.

SOCIETY BOOKINGS

The club is presently formulating the diary regarding society bookings for 2009. Early booking is advised. Contact Joanne at 025-24070 for further details.

COURSE INFORMATION NUMBER

Daily updates on course availability are available by ringing 025-24231. Details on all up coming competitions are available by logging on to www.mitchelstown-golf.com

MITCHESLTOWN LADIES GOLF CLUB

The results of the weekend’s 3 ball better ball sponsored by Mitchelstown Credit Union, 1st P Finn (18), B Murphy and Chris Ablett (19) 45pts, 2nd J Hanley(12), J Walsh (15) and M Hanley (17) 43pts, Gross R O’Riordan (3), J O’Riordan (5) and D O’Riordan (6) 32 gross pts and 3rd P Dunlea (19), K Dennehy (8) and J Ahern(18) 41pts.

Well done to the Mitchelstown ladies who had a great win over Raffeen Creek 3/1 in the interclub fourball on 2nd May sponsored by MIELE. All outstanding prizes will be presented by ladies club on Friday, May 8th at 8.30pm.

MITCHELSTOWN SEANOIRI GOLF 2009

THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH
MIXED SCRAMBLE
The ladies joined the seanoiri in the weekly scramble. A big number played in the competition, and they all enjoyed playing golf on a beautiful sunny day.

RESULTS

1st, Frank Roche, Olive O’Brien, Con Ryan 40 3/15 2nd Ml McGrath, Pat Dalton, Jerome Quane 41 1/15 3rd J.J. McCarthy, Martina Nugent, Gorm Priesler 41 7/15. Usual Thursday competition, May 7th, draw 13.00pm. No seanoiri golf on Thursday, May 14th, as the North Cork Alliance are holding a 3 ball champagne scramble on behalf of the COPE Foundation. Any combination can play, entry fee; €10 per person.

All are welcome to play for this worthy cause. Tel: 025-24072.

ARAGLIN G.A.A.

- Juveniles out in force -

36 young people from the Araglin area turned up for last Sunday’s training session in the community field. This was a great response and we hope they will all be back this coming Sunday at 11am. It was great to see so many enthusiastic boys and girls. It was also very encouraging to see all the parents in attendance.

LA NA GCLUB (CLUB DAY)

Croke Park has declared Sunday next May 10th as La na gClub or if you prefer Club Day. This date marks the 125th anniversary of the GAA.

The occasion ties in nicely with our initiative to get the juvenile side of our club up and running and weather permitting the youngsters will see plenty of action next Sunday.

The juvenile goals are being put out and our new club flag will be on display. Children will be divided into different age group and they’ll be introduced to some new skills.

We hope to register every young player in attendance and take some photographs to mark the occasion.

HURLERS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING WAYS

With due respect to the fine men of Ballyhooly, an Araglin win against these chaps was long overdue. They proved too good for us in league and championship last year, however, following a fine performance in The Inch last Sunday we recorded a well merited win.

John Condon was dispatched to the venue to give an account of proceedings and he provided the following report.

‘This game played in Araglin was a big boost to team morale when a good all round performance resulted in a victory over league table toppers Ballyhooly. Araglin began slowly with our opponents getting the early scores. Our first score came from Kevin and this point was followed by two more from Dooner (both frees) plus another from James – the first of his eight.

A mistake by the Ballyhooly goalkeeper was capitalised on by Tom Browne who whipped the ball to the net. This goal was the lift we needed and it was followed by points from Seamie and James. There was just 3 points between the sides at half-time 1–6 to 1–9.

'The improvement that followed Tom Browne’s goal continued in the second half with Tom Lyons in particular having a stormer at full back. He was aided by John Browne and Brian Keane. The half back line was also impressive with sterling displays coming from Georgie, Shay and Kevin.

'Mike Lyons in goals was very steady. Unfortunately the hard working Dave Browne had to depart the scene following an injury, he was replaced by the experienced Mark Hickey.

'Mark made an immediate impression by scoring a cracker of a goal. We were doing very well at centrefield with the powerful Dooner and stylish Paul Hickey providing plenty of ball to our lively forwards James, Nelius, Dave, Seamie, Tom and Michael Kearney.

'Following a very solid display Shay was forced to retire before the end of the game, he was replaced by P.J. Ahern. Araglin dominated the second half and succeeded in putting Ballyhooly on the back foot. Ballyhooly only added a goal to their half time total while Araglin added a goal and 7 points.

'Final score Araglin 2–13 Ballyhooly 2–9. This was fine win following a good performance over Ballyclough mid-week’. Team: Mike Lyons, Brian Keane, Tom Lyons, John Browne, James Kearney, Shay Russell, Kevin Fitzgerald, Tom Kenneally, Paul Hickey, James ‘Gus’ Kearney, Nelius Kearney, Dave Browne, Michael Kearney, Seamie O’Gorman and Tom Browne. Subs: P.J. Ahern, John Condon, Moss Reidy, Denis Drislane, Mark Hickey, Brendan O’Brien, Paddy O’Donoghue, Shane O’Keeffe, Stephen Drislane and Mick Cunningham. Referee: Nelius O’Donoghue (Charleville)

WEEKLY LOTTO

Numbers drawn on Thursday 30/04/09 were: 06, 20, 21 and 30. No winner. Lucky dips of €20 each to: Paddy Griffin, Araglin; Bill, Mick and John c/o. Araglin GAA; Robert Carey, Doon, Araglin and Ben Carey, Ballard, Araglin. This week’s jackpot is worth €8,100.