MITCHELSTOWN BOXING CLUB

- Great display -

The Mitchelstown Boxing Club made up a quarter of the Cork boxing team that took on Waterford at St. Paul’s Boxing Club last Sunday. We had Danny Keating and Patrick McDonagh representing Cork for the first time, and also Arthur McDonagh. In the 39kg class Danny was up against Eric McKenna of St. Paul’s, Waterford in a bout that proved to be an outstanding display of boxing.

The fact that McKenna is the current Munster Champion didn’t bother Danny one bit as he took an early lead and for three rounds showed exactly why he has never been beaten. McKenna just could not pin Danny down who was scoring points at will with jabs and left hooks, the fight ended 16-11 in Danny’s favour.

Next we had Patrick McDonagh versus Michael McDonagh of St. Paul’s, this was another 39kg bout and both boxers gave everything from the first bell.

It was all even at the end of the first at 5-5 and after an excellent second round there was still nothing in it at 11-11, it truly was a fight that could have gone either way but it finished 16-15 against Patrick. But judging from the display he gave I am sure he will be a regular on the Cork team in the future.

Last but not least we had Arthur McDonagh versus Jamie Quigley in the 64kg class, Quigley is the current Irish intermediate champion but that didn’t bother Arthur who from the first bell controlled the fight with some fine counter punching. Quigley was almost afraid to throw a punch for fear of Arthur’s counter attack.

By the end of the second round Arthur was leading 7-3 and could have finished it when he landed a right hand square on Quigley’s jaw sending him to the canvas if not for the round ending I think that would have been that, but he got his break and came back out in the final round trying to bait Arthur into his kind of fight, big mistake the more pressure he put on Arthur the more he got hit and I think he remembered the right cross he got caught with in the previous round because he was really trying to cover up but Arthur never lost his cool and picked his punches well landing jabs and hooks keeping the Irish champion from scoring.

The bout ended with Arthur winning 15-9 and Cork winning 7-5 in what was a thrilling show of boxing from both counties.

Also last Thursday night the Cork County Leagues were on and we had three boxers competing.

Danny Keating, Vladimir Belujsky and Franc Belujsky. Danny once again showed why he was selected for the Cork team when he boxed against Tom O’Donnell from Our Lady of Lourdes Boxing Club. The first two rounds were exhibition stuff from Danny leading at the end of round 12-4, he took his foot off the gas in the last round and won the contest 16-11. Next up was Franc and although this was his first competitive bout he has been training and boxing well of late.

He came up against Luke Shortt from Our Lady of Lourdes Boxing Club. Luke took the upperhand in the first round with his jab keeping Franc from landing any of his damaging right hands and unfortunately this is the way the fight went on with Franc unable to find his range against the more experienced Cork man for much of the first two rounds.

At the end of round two the score was 12-6 against Franc. In the third round Franc started to make more progress and landed a lot of his own jabs and two and three punch combinations, it is just a pity that he ran out of time when the bell went the score was 13-10 against Franc.

Vladimir was up against Dylan Carroll from Cobh Boxing Club and like his brother Franc had difficulty in finding his range as a lot of his punches landed just short of their target. Three rounds later and 10-5 down he will be disappointed not to have had more to show for his efforts as he boxed well but his opponent was just too clever giving Vladimir a chance to settle into the fight.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who have helped to make the Mitchelstown Boxing Club the success it has been over the last two years and although we still have no proper training facilities or premises, the fact that we are able to count among our ranks County, Munster and Irish champions is a tribute to the dedication of the volunteers giving their time freely to the youth.

It is a great shame that the council would not make more of an effort to help us out as we cannot take any new members until our training facilities are improved.

KILWORTH SQUASH CLUB

- Ronayne and O’Brien take singles titles as the Charlie Mac’s team get off to a flyer -

CLUB SINGLES FINALS
On Thursday, 15th Jan we had the finals night of our December/Jan competition. There were four games in all on the night. The 3rd/4th place play-off from both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ category went to five sets.

In the ‘A’ competition Aidan Kenny and Trevor Slattery crossed racquets again and another classic ensued. Kenny flew out of the traps and before we knew it he had opened up a 2-0 lead. Slattery finally found some form and clawed his way back to 2-2. In a tense final game Trevor pulled out enough winners to take the match and clinch 3rd spot.

Ciaran McGann then went into battle with Brendan Horan and they also served up a classic. McGann took the first and Brendan responded with the next two games. This spurred Ciaran into action and he dug deep to pull a victory from the jaws of defeat.

In the B final Geoff Wales and Richie O’Brien set a fantastic tempo during the first two games. Geoff had won the first and the second was very close to completion when unfortunately Geoff picked up a serious injury. The game had to end at that point and all in the club wish Geoff a speedy recovery from his injury.

Although it’s not a nice way to win a final Ritchie had beaten some very strong players on the way to the final and is a worthy winner. The ‘A’ final took to the court when Dave Ronayne and Conor Cooney lined up against each other. In a highly entertaining final Dave came out on top, but on the night Conor gave him a very tough outing.

The first two games were very close and with an exceptional display of control and power Dave took the spoils in the end, congrats to Dave.

So our second competition of the season has come to an end, 32 players played in the tournament and we now have a full ladder that will come into action this week. Players are encouraged to play matches with players one or two positions above them in order to climb the ladder.

Dave is now club number 1 and is there to be shot at by all of us. Charlie Mac’s Division 4 Munster Squash League Team On Thursday, 22nd Jan our division 4 campaign kicked off. This team has been very kindly sponsored by Charlie Mac’s Bar in Fermoy and we thank C J McCarthy for his wonderful support.

Clubs like ourselves would not be able to compete to the highest level without such support from local business and we appreciate this fine support. On the first night of fixtures we found ourselves at home to UCC.

The students were weakened somewhat by their upcoming inter-varsities competition, but on the night a resounding 5-0 win was due to the Kilworth team showing all their years of experience.

Trevor Slattery, Conor Cooney, Aidan Kenny, Marc Gallagher and Brian Carey were the 5 players on the night. Next up are Kilbrin at home on Thurs., 29th Jan. We will have a report next week on the outcome, but please feel free to come along and support the lads if free.

COACHING SESSIONS

The 45 min coaching sessions are up and running now, there have been more than 18 participants in these sessions in the court on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Anyone interested in getting involved please call Trevor (086-9477210) / Conor (086-8239754) or e-mail trevor@slatterytravel.ie / Conor.Cooney@arup.com. There will be a competition starting in mid Feb, which will include all the newcomers. All welcome.

BRIDE ROVERS GAA

- Club celebrates 80 years -

JUVENILE AGM REPORT

On last Friday night we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the club with a concelebrated Mass and social afterwards in the Rathcormac Inn.

Fr Nelius O’Donnell PP, Fr Joe Rohan CC and Fr Liam Ryan, Mondaniel were the celebrants of the Mass. The theme of the Mass was of reflection and thanks for those who had the foresight to form a parish GAA club 80 years ago.

Nicola Barry, club runai, read the lesson with the responses and the hymns were beautifully sung by the Rathcormac Folk Group. The prayers of the faithful were read by Tom Mulcahy, Caroline Broderick, Jerome O’Driscoll, Ann Forde, Mossy O’Sullivan and Daniel Lane.

The offertory procession was led by William Finnegan who brought up a green, white and gold Bride Rovers jersey. Joe Barry brought a hurley, while Lisa Foley brought a football. Club president Pat O’Connor brought a 1930 East Cork junior ‘A’ hurling championship medal. This was the first championship won by the new club. Paddy Mannix then brought three books, which contain much club history; the first was Ned Daly’s record of club games from 1929 – 1936, also club minute books from 1951-1955 and from 1964-1969. Former club secretary, Tony Walsh and former club treasurer, Tommy Barry brought the bread and wine to the altar.

In his homily Fr O’Donnell spoke of the important role, which the club has played in the life of the parish over the last eight decades. He paid tribute to the people who made the decision to form the Bride Rovers GAA Club. After Communion club chairperson, Kathleen Johnson read the hurler’s prayer. Though 2008 was a historic year for the club at senior level, contesting the Cork co. senior hurling championship final, our only medals were won by our minor hurlers. They were presented with their medals in The Rathcormac Inn.

Presentations were also made to Tom Kearney, Denis Ahern, Liam Cahill and John Arnold who were the selectors on the minor team. Far away from his native place, Pat Noel O’Connor also had historic victories in the Special Olympics Games, winning 3 medals and he was also the recipient of a special presentation.

At the county convention, last December, history was made when the first ever Bride Rovers club member was elected to an officership of the Cork County Board. Gerard Lane has been one of the top GAA administrators in the Imokilly division over the last 20 years and it was a great honour for him to be elected as Public Relations officer of the co board. Club president Pat O’Connor made a presentation to Gerard.

Club Treasurer James Bermingham presented a bouquet of flowers to the outgoing treasurer Annette Walsh. Thanks to the management and staff of The Rathcormac Inn for putting their facilities at our disposal and for the lovely food provided. A special work of thanks to our own club members who helped with the catering.

A slide show of club photographs came in for much positive comment, thanks to Donal Arnold and Mike Carey for setting it up on the night. Everyone in the club extends best wishes to club chairperson Kathleen Johnson.

EAST CORK DRAWS

The draws for the East Cork junior championships were made at recent meetings. In the junior Ahurling championship we meet county junior Bwinners, Lisgoold. In the junior A football championship we got a very tough draw against the 2008 champions, Cloyne.

At junior B level our hurlers will face Erins Own while in football we face Youghal. The 2008 junior football league will commence on Sunday week, February 8th.

SCOR

This is the 40th anniversary of the Scor talent competition. The East Cork final will be held on Sunday night, February 8th. We are hoping to have participants in as many sections as possible.

The competitions are figure and set dancing, recitation, solo singing, ballad group, novelty act, instrumental music and quiz. If you are interested please contact Gerard Lane or any club officer.

2009 MEMBERSHIP FEES

The 2009 membership fees are now due. No one can play for the club in any grade if the appropriate fee has not been paid. The membership fees can be paid to club treasurer, James Bermingham, or any club officer or executive member.

KILWORTH PITCH AND PUTT CLUB

- Revellers defy the elements for club social -

All roads led to The Firgrove Hotel for our annual club social last Saturday night. Despite the terrible weather and bad flu doing the rounds we had a good turnout. In out of the weather, we sat down to a beautiful hot meal served by the staff of The Firgrove Hotel.

After the meal tables were cleared. The scene was set for a night of entertainment and what entertainment was on view. ‘Crystal Swing’ Mary Burke with her beautiful singing ably supported by her son Derrick, what a performer that young lad is.

Our own superstars, Fr. Donal Leahy, Michael Dunne and Michael Lovett who seemed to be obsessed about the Cork hurling strike. I am sure his main concern is will Cork footballers bring ‘Sam’ back to Cork in 2009?

Ned Finn, Sean Hegarty, Derry Walsh, Carol Walsh and Liam Howard also performed. I am sure that group would do well in the All Ireland Talent Show on TV. For our dancers we had the ‘Slosh’.

We had a raffle on the door tickets, the winners were: Pat Leamy, Michael Gowen, Nora Lonergan, Patsy O’Mahony, Bridget Spillane, Mary Finn and Carol Walsh. Thanks to the following sponsors: Peg Doran, Nan Downey, Barnes Jewellers, Liam and Maureen Howard, Mellerick’s Chemist, The Barber Shop, D&M Fruit and Vegetable Shop.

As the clock struck 1.30am the curtain came down on a very successful night. It was a tired but happy group that returned home.

The club wish to thank all who came and supported our social, Mary Burke ‘Crystal Swing’, the management and staff of The Firgrove Hotel.

TALLOW GAA

- Changes at the top in Cois Bhride -

COIS BHRIDE AGM
Hard to credit it but this was, as out-going chairman Eamonn J Lonergan pointed out, the 9th AGM of Cois Bhride Juvenile GAA Club. The years slip silently by. With outgoing chairman, Eamonn J Lonergan, secretary Brian Mulcahy and PRO Frank Roche standing down we have a new look front bench leading Cois Bhride in 2009.

Providing some continuity from the old administration to the new will be treasurer Aidan Ryan who stays in position.

New chairman Johnny Geary brings with him an impressive record of service to the GAA, as a player, coach and administrator. He has represented club and county at practically every level in hurling. His achievements with Tallow include minor and senior county medals in the eighties. His contribution to coaching at all levels is also significant.

He has been involved with Cois Bhride from the outset and prior to that was one of the main driving forces of the old Tallow Juvenile GAA Club. Johnny has worked as a selector/coach with almost every age group from under 8 to senior hurling and served a couple of terms as manager of Tallow senior hurling team.

He was also chairman of the financial committee, which was responsible for fundraising for the development of Tallow GAA grounds. His efforts here were an outstanding success. There you have it.

The new chairman has an impressive CV but the most important attribute he brings is a real passion for and knowledge of the game of hurling. We wish him, his fellow officers and committee every success. Officers Elected Chairman: Johnny Geary. Vice Chairman: Gabriel Heinz. Secretary: Elaine Aherne. Assistant Secretary: Kate Ryan. Treasurer: Aidan Ryan. PRO: Sinead Barry. Registrar: Maureen Roche. Equipment Officer: John Hennessy.

TALLOW GAA LOTTO – SUPPORTED BY KEARNEY'S RESTAUANT

19/1/09 jackpot: €13,500. Numbers drawn: 3, 7, 10 and 22. No jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners: Barbara Hennessy, Anthony Brackett, John Russell, Bernard Keating. Promoter: John Pratt. 26/1/09 Jackpot €13,700.

MEMBERSHIP/BALLRAIOCHT

Many of you will receive notification through the post regarding membership. Our membership officer Lindsay assures me that every effort will be made to facilitate the paying of membership.

A stamp-addressed envelope will be included with your notification so you won’t have to pay postage. Alternatively, if you are in the town you can drop your membership in to James Clancy at the hotel. Membership will also be taken up at the club meeting on Monday night.

If, perchance, you are not on our mailing list and wish to join Tallow GAA Club please contact Lindsay or indeed any committee member. Don’t forget that club members will get priority when tickets are being allocated. The AGM decided not to increase membership fees for the coming year.

Considering the facilities now available to players this represents considerable value for money when compared with the fees charged by many other sporting organisations and clubs.

FEES/TAILLE

Under age (minor or under): €10. Non player: €15. Non playing couple: €25. Player: €35. Player and partner: €45.

MEETING/CRUINNIU

The first committee meeting of the year will take place this Thursday night at 8.30pm in the clubhouse at Pairc Eamonn de Paor.

NOTE FOR SOCIAL DIARY

In April 2007 we held a very successful ‘Day At The Races’ fundraiser at Cork race track. As anyone who attended will attest it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out. By popular request we will be returning to Cork race track again this Easter Saturday for a gala outing.

Full details will be available in due course but I can assure you that Denis Tobin and his committee are already drawing up plans for what promises to be another memorable day out and when Dinny sets about it, you can be sure it will be well organised.

HOWYA DAVY

I have been inundated with requests from his many friends in Tallow and Knockanore to send best wishes to Davy O’Keeffe, who is in hospital at the moment for a bit of fine tuning. You know the crew I’m talking about Davy. I met most of them Sunday.

Anyway all the lads send their regards and hope to see you out and about before long. Davy is a big fan/critic of these notes so I’m sure he’ll be reading this.

SPONSOR TALLOW AREA CREDIT UNION

Tallow GAA Lotto – supported by Kearney’s Restaurant 26/1/09 – Jackpot €13,700. Numbers drawn: 4, 6, 11, 22. No jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners: Liz Barry, Michael Prendergast, Jim Conroy, Eamonn Donnelly. Promoter: Colin Cunningham. 2/2/09 jackpot €13,900.

COIS BHRIDE JUVENILE GAA CLUB

The AGM of the Cois Bride Juvenile hurling club took place on Friday, January 23rd at 8.30pm in The Shamrock Inn, Knockanore. The outgoing committee members Eamon Lonergan, chairman Brian Mulcahy, Secretary and Aidan Ryan treasurer gave detailed reports to those attending.

All selectors, committee members and members who helped out throughout the year were thanked by the chairman John McDonnell and Liam Ahearne; also conveyed their congratulations and thanks on behalf of the Tallow and Shamrock GAA clubs.
The following is a list of the new committee members: Cois Bhride committee members 2009: Aidan Ryan (treasurer), Brendan Ormonde, Brian Mulcahy, Denis Tobin, Eamonn Lonergan, Elaine Ahearne (secretary), Frank Roche, Gabriel Hynes, John Allen, John Beecher, John Hennessy, John Sliney, Johnny Geary (chairperson), Kieran Ahearne, Kieran O’Donoghue, Lena McCarthy, Liam Aherne, Mary Murphy, Maureen Roche, Michael Leahy, Ned Tobin, Sinead Barry (PRO), Will Motherway, Kate Ryan (assistant secretary).

Anyone who was unable to attend on the night and wishes to become a committee member or selector may do so by contacting one of the officers.

BALLYLANDERS G.A.A. CLUB

- Golden Goal -

The golden goal was once again a great success last week. The game the minutes were sold for Liverpool v Everton. The minutes were sold twice for this game and there were two winners. The winners were James Stapleton and Maurice Kelly, both winning €150 each.

Minutes are once again being sold for this weekend; they can be bought both from sellers locally and over the counter from KFM Betting. The people who have the minute, which the first goal is scored in will win €150 each.

ALL STARS

The South GAA Board is holding an awards night this Saturday night, 31st Jan in Bulgaden Castle. Ballylanders has three representatives receiving awards on the night, Johnny Murphy, Jimmy Barry Murphy and Mike Meade.

It is a great achievement for these and for the club to have been honoured with these awards so support would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are on sale for the event for €30 and are available to buy from the club.

TABLE QUIZ

A reminder for people that a table quiz is being held in Gallahue’s Hall on Friday, 6th Feb at 9pm sharp. Main sponsors for the night are Lynch Well Drilling and Gallahue’s Bar and Restaurant. Teams are of 4 and the cost of entry is €40 per table.

If you have not already entered a team you can contact any member of the committee or enter a team on the night.

MEETING

The next club meeting is being held on Thursday, 12th Feb in the Day Care Centre at 9pm. All are welcome.

BALLYLANDERS BORD NO NOG

The Bord na nOg AGM was held last Sunday night in the Day Care Centre. There was a relatively small number at the AGM itself, which is disappointing considering the amount of children who play with the club.
The officers for the coming year are: Chairman: Andrew Gubbins; V Chairman: Colm Noonan; Secretary: Marie Lane; Asst Secretary: Dominic Fitzgerald; Treasurer: Bobby Kelly; Registrar: Colm Noonan; County board delegates: Andrew Gubbins, Colm Noonan and Bobby Kelly; Children Liaison Officer: Marie Lane.

Danny Kelly stepped down as secretary after ten years. Danny has been a great servant to the Bord na nOg during this time and he has done great work with the young people in the community. He is wished best of luck with his new role as chairman of the ladies club and with his involvement with the senior club.

Best of luck also to Marie Lane in her new positions as secretary and child liaison officer. Hopefully this may encourage more parents with children playing our games to get active in the club.

TEA PARTY

Congratulations to Glenroe GAA on their annual tea party. It was held in Bulgaden Castle last Saturday night and was once again a great success.