Munster Club Championship game this weekend

Now nineteen days on from that disappointing county final loss and it’s back in the ring and get back on the horse. Champions Erins Own are not eligible. Being a senior club and winning a county premier junior title, prestigious as it is, isn’t enough ensuring progress. So St Catherines will now represent the Rebel county in the Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship. Quarter-final is on this weekend. Opponents will be Waterford champions Ardmore. It’s on in Fraher Field, Dungarvan, on this coming Saturday afternoon. Throw-in is 1.30pm. Six years since the Saints have been in such a position. Losing to then Tipperary champions Ballybacon Grange at the same stage of the competition when played in Ardfinnan on Sunday, November 12th 2017. Catherines were County Junior champions that year, beating Brian Dillons in a replayed final.
One of the most intense weeks in club history. County final a week previously. Replay back in Páirc Uí Rinn two nights later. Inevitable period of celebrations before the staging of the Strictly major fundraiser on the Saturday night in Little Island. Sound familiar?!
That said, the Saints made the livelier start. Ronan Clancy pointing twice from placed balls. Shane Kearney with the key pass picked out Rory Galvin to add another. In all, making it 0-04 without reply to 9 minutes. It could and should have been more. Slowly the opposition were settling into it. Getting on top in the middle of the pitch. Getting their first score from play on the 20 minute mark. A hattrick of pointed frees from the hugely influential Brendan Cummins tied it all up on a half time scoreline standing at 0-06 each.
Points from Brian Mulcahy, Daniel Mangan adding two had it at 0-09 to 0-06 to 34 minutes. When Gerry Cronin finished off the opposition’s and the game’s only goal sixty seconds later. Ballybacon now very much in the ascendancy. Four unanswered points followed and on five minutes over, an Aaron Lonergan point concluded scoring matters. Finishing up at Ballybacon Grange 1-11 St Catherines 0-09. They were to go on and meet either Bodyke or Ardmore in the decider.
Scorers: D Mangan and B Mulcahy (0-03 each), R Clancy (0-01 free) (0-01 ’65) (0-02) and R Galvin (0-01). Ballybacon scorers: B Cummins (0-05 frees), G Cronin (1-01), A Lonergan (0-02 frees) (0-03), B Hewitt and A Savage (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Ed Aherne, Eoin Wallace, Stephen Morris, Liam O’Connor, Conor Hegarty, Eoin Condon, William Walsh, Conor Kearney, Shane Cotter, Padraig O’Connor, Ronan Clancy, Rory Galvin, Brian Mulcahy, Daniel Mangan, Shane Kearney.
Subs: James Neville for Conor Kearney, Richard O’Connell for Shane Kearney, Patrick Roche for Ronan Clancy, Philip Keane for Padraig O’Connor, Niall O’Regan for Shane Cotter. Referee: Jason Mullins (Limerick).
Better look this time around. Things can only get better!
Round 1 Group 3 East Cork Mulcahy Steel sponsored U21 B Hurling Championship
Castlelyons 1-10 St Catherines 1-17
Anything but easy which is only to be expected before the Saints worked out a commendable seven point success from this divisional tie when played under the lights at Castlelyons on Saturday evening last at 6.30pm.
That said, Colm McCarthy had Castlelyons into the lead. Pointing the game’s first score from play inside 50 seconds. They wouldn’t be headed for the duration of the game’s opening half. Exerting dominance in the halfback line and around the middle. Building up leads, mainly through Olan Lenehan and Brian Spillane of 0-06 to 0-03 and again at 0-07 to 0-04 to the end of the opening quarter.
Influential in the football tie against Glanmire 2 at Ballynoe six days previously and again Will Leamy was playing a central role in the Saints’ involvement. Three successive points on 16, 21 and 24 minutes had it at 0-08 to 0-07 before Oisín Fitzgerald with his second point of the half saw parity restored for a fourth time with two well-matched teams together on a half time scoreline standing at 0-09 each.
A championship tie resuming in a deluge of rainfall. Continuing right through to game’s end. As Sean O’Donoghue evaded all and sundry. Goaling from a placed ball and a lead of 1-09 to 0-09 to 34 minutes. Although clearly trying, it was a score Castlelyons wouldn’t sufficiently recover from. O’Donoghue was accurate both from frees and general play. A duo of back-to-back Kian O’Donoghue points added to the tally. After Jake Bryan denied Oscar Hallihan with a smart reflex stop. The kind of save that wins you championship games. Leon Doocey did breach the Saints’ rearguard. Goaling on 56 minutes. But the Saints closed it out with late scores from top scorer O’Donoghue from a ’65 and Kyle Wallace at the death. Hopefully the injury incurred by Darragh Morrison isn’t too serious. Cobh are also in this group.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (1-03 frees) (0-01 ’65) (1-07), W Leamy and K O’Donoghue (0-03 each), K Wallace and O Fitzgerald (0-02 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan (capt), D Galvin, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, C McAuliffe, J Hayes, D Morrison, G O’Brien, K Wallace, K O’Donoghue, S O’Donoghue, K Barry, W Leamy. Subs: H Draper for G O’Brien (33), C Dinneen for K Barry (53), C Pietropaolo and E O’Driscoll for J Hayes and C McAuliffe (both 58). Referee: PJ Aherne (Carrigtwohill).
Juvenile section
3rd/4th Place Playoff Plate Final Division 3 Rebel Óg East U12 Football League
St Catherines 1-05 Crosshaven 1-09

Hugely influenced by rain, mist and more rain, again compounded by a swirling wind and it was Crosshaven who emerged four point victors from this U12 Plate Final played at a wet and windy Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, October 25th last. St Catherines were doing their best and points from Sean O’Keeffe and team captain for the night Jack Mulkerrins saw the deficit standing at 0-03 to 0-02 to the end of the opening quarter. When Flynn McGrath pounced for a peach of a goal just before the break with the visitors ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-05 to 0-03.
Three unanswered points, two from play from captain Louis Lacheiner, one of the neatest players on view, extended the margin within seven minutes of the change of ends. Though now clearly against the elements Kenneth O’Connell was able to wiggle his way through for a goal now 10 minutes into what are 25 minute halves. Noah Keane converted a placed ball shortly afterwards. But Crosshaven confirmed their superiority. Converting a ’45 late on. By the time you get to these few words the Saints should have played St Colmcilles in the hurling league final.
Scorers: K O’Connell (1-00), S O’Keeffe (0-01 free) and N Keane (frees) (0-02 each), and J Mulkerrins (0-01). Crosshaven scorers: L Lacheiner (0-02 frees) (0-06), F McGrath (1-01), R Barry and B Ryan (’45) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Sean Maguire, Cian Fitzgerald, Sean Moore, Tadhg Shiels, Aaron O’Gorman, Kenneth O’Connell, Adam O’Connor, Noah Keane, Jack Mulkerrins (match captain), Zach Pyne, David Temple, Brian Coakley, Jack Kearney, Padraig O’Sullivan, Sean O’Keeffe. Also: Oisín Feeney, Olan Sheehan, Adam Coakley, James Bryan and Darragh Kenneally. Absent on night: Gary Leahy. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Harty Cup
St Colman’s Fermoy remain in contention for a knockout place in the Harty Cup. Recording a solid victory over Pobalscoil na Trionóide in their round 2 group 2 encounter (3-14 to 1-12) played on the 4G pitch in Bishopstown on Wednesday, October 25th last. They now face St Josephs, Tulla in a must-win encounter which should be on around the middle of the month. Elsewhere Midleton CBS remain unbeaten and are uncatchable at the top of group A.
Fixtures
Saturday, November 2nd at Fraher Field, Dungarvan, quarter-final Munster Junior Hurling Championship v Ardmore at 1.30pm. Sunday, November 3rd at Ballynoe round 2 group 1 Mulcahy Steel U21 C Football Championship v Glenbower Rovers at 11.30am (fixture provisional).

Nice win for Cathal Sheehan
Recent hurling defeats hurt. ‘I get knocked down but I get up again!’ But there was a certain satisfaction felt by all locals on Cathal Sheehan riding his first winner. For a while there we thought he was going to be the next seanchaí. Took part in Scór na nÓg agus Scór na bPáistí competitions. Trying to balance the stage and the odd cameo role for the pundits in the pub. With his GAA, mostly hurling activity. Highlight immediately springing to mind was a three goal contribution in a 5-09 to 3-09 success over Bandon in a division 1 Coiste na nÓg county U14 hurling semi-final. That was played on the evening of Saturday, September 28th 2019 up there in Lotabeg, home of Mayfield GAA. Scoring that invaluable second goal in the defeat of Charleville in that Rebel Óg North U17 Hurling Final at a ferociously wet Kildorrery two years later. That was Saturday evening, October 23rd 2021. Note that soft borders were in play.
But the equine lure was always there. We knew that. Cathal Sheehan loved horses. Succeeded in getting a summer stint from school up there with Willie and Patrick Mullins. Two others in the Imokilly area were also going up and down. So eventually spins to and from Leighlinbridge could be shared. Now he is apprenticed to Declan Queally near Dungarvan. Riding his first winner aboard grandad Sonny Cotter’s Midnight Show. Previously unlucky at Loughrea before going on to win the five and six year olds geldings maiden at the recent Westmeath Harriers point to point at Umma House. On the same day there was a meeting at Ballycrystal, Co Wexford. Riding there was Shane Cotter. Second cousin of Cathal Sheehan. Assuredly his day will come too. You see we feel it in the waters! On the day Cathal scored those three goals a further 2-03 was added by Shane. Let that be your guide. Ride on!
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Anne Fahy, Conna who sadly passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Rebels’ Bounty
Though no success came from the one they really wanted, nevertheless two Kilworth individuals had commendable wins lately. First of all, Joe Aherne was the winner of the recitation category from the recent county Scór Sinnsir finals held at the Éire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens on Friday night, October 13th. Only on Thursday night last, Paudi Lynch collected first prize of €20,000 from the October Rebels’ Bounty Draw. There was no local win. Perhaps juvenile secretary Lisa Moore can relate to what Paudi won. There’s still time. Keep going!
Lotto results
Details from the draw held in the clubrooms on Monday night, October 23rd at 9pm. Numbers drawn were 14, 15, 27 and 28. No jackpot winner. €30 consolation winners were Christy Clancy, Thurles, Susan McCarthy, Caher, Glengoura, Bernie Burke, Ballynoe, Diarmuid O’Connell, Ballynoe and Patrick Kind, Sheheenarinky, online. Most recent draw, being a bank holiday, was held on Tuesday night, October 31st, jackpot €18,400. I’ll be back!
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Saints into provincial Junior Hurling Championship Semi-Final


Two second half goals were hugely influential in helping the Saints secure a well-earned eight point victory over Waterford champions Ardmore in the AIB Munster Junior Hurling quarter-final when played in Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Saturday afternoon last.
Elsewhere a week of mixed emotions on the juvenile pitches. Winning their division 4 U12 hurling league final after incurring a heavy loss to Bantry Blues in their division 2 U15 football championship semi-final on bank holiday Monday, October 30th. Read on.
Quarter-final AIB sponsored Munster Junior Hurling Championship
Ardmore 1-11 St Catherines 2-16
In what can only be described as a teak tough challenge it was the Saints who deservedly emerged victorious from this provincial junior hurling championship quarter final played on tacky underfoot conditions at Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Saturday afternoon last. Clare based referee Joe Mullins throwing in the sliotar right on the scheduled 1.30pm starting time. With Kenny Murphy shooting Ardmore ahead with their only first half score from open play inside 30 seconds. Thereafter an opening quarter dominated by the free taking skills of Sean O’Donoghue and Seamus Keating with two well matched teams together on 5 occasions including 0-05 each to 20 minutes and again 0-06 all to 26 when the Saints began to compile some semblance of control and authority. Four unanswered points in a five minute spell setting up a lead on a half time scoreline standing at 0-10 to 0-06.
A lead halved through the opening passages of play on the turnover when following imposing Eoin Condon approach play, ideally placed Matthew Mulcahy picked his spot. Finishing off the game’s and the Saints’ opening goal. Eoin Davis would quickly add his third pointed free. Thus making it 1-11 to 0-08 to 36 minutes.
Keating still reliable from placed balls before corner forward James Flavin evaded his marker. Finishing off the opposition goal. Trimming the deficit to a 3 point margin being 1-12 to 1-09 to 42 minutes.
Catherines making sensible use of the bench. Nathan Sheehan pointing a beauty before playing a part in Brian Mulcahy’s and Catherine’s match-winning second goal on 59 minutes. Next up are Tipperary representatives Ballinahinch in the penultimate round at a Cork venue on week ending November 18th/19th.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-07 frees), B Mulcahy (1-02), M Mulcahy (1-01), E Davis (0-04 frees), R Galvin and N Sheehan (0-01 each). Ardmore scorers: S Keating (0-09 frees), J Flavin (1-00), K Murphy and C Keating (0-01 each0.
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan (joint captain), L O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, C Hegarty (joint captain), K Wallace, S Cotter, W Leamy, R Galvin, S O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, E Condon, M Mulcahy. Subs: K Neville for F O’Connell (41), N Sheehan for W Leamy (46), K Barry for M Mulcahy (54), J Neville for K O’Donoghue (61). Referee: Joe Mullins (Clare).
Juvenile report
Semi-final Coiste na nÓg U15 Football Championship Division 2
Bantry Blues 6-15 St Catherines 3-03
Initial disappointment at defeat would be understandable. But realistically the Saints can’t bear any grudges. Well beaten by a pacy, slick moving Bantry Blues fifteen in this Coiste na nÓg semi-final played on the 4G pitch at back of south stand in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on bank holiday Monday, October 30th at 3.30pm. Thankfully horrendous rainfall had given way, and it was a contest played in distinct autumn sunshine. Not a breeze relevant.
Oisín Murphy giving the opposition the lead. Pointing the game’s opening score on 30 seconds. Eoghan O’Mahony with a timely equaliser shortly afterwards. Thereafter a contest dominated virtually ran by the aforementioned Murphy. A hattrick of goals done and dusted by 8 minutes, adding a fourth 3 minutes later. In all he registered a tally of 4-06. Two points from placed balls. 4-05 coming in a devastating first half display of finishing.
In what seemed a score coming against the run of play, Jaydn O’Connor, all on his own, finished off the opening Saints’ goal just at the end of the quarter hour mark. Showing there was still life in the Saints, taking an Alan Cotter pass and Tristan Clancy billowed the roof of the opposition goal for one of the scores of the day just before the break. Bantry Blues ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 4-09 to 2-01.
Dan Joe O’Neill and Colin McCarthy finished off any lingering hopes of survival. Goaling twice in the opening 3 minutes of the turnover. Liam Moore kicked a smashing point. A championship tie finishing off with a well taken Ronan Hickey goal from a thundering strike right at the death. Result long decided though. County Final should be on next weekend.
Scorers: J O’Connor (0-01 free) (1-01), T Clancy and R Hickey (1-00 each), E O’Mahony and L Moore (0-01 each). Bantry Blues scorers: O Murphy (0-02 frees) (4-06), DJ O’Neill (1-02), C McCarthy (1-01), R O’Boy and R Kennan (0-01 free each) (0-02 each), D Dullea and J Sheehan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Shane O’Donoghue (capt), Shay McCarthy, James Kenneally, Cathal Barry, Sean Walsh, Kyle O’Donoghue, Ronan Hickey, Liam Moore, Tristan Clancy, Billy Aherne, Julian Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, Callum O’Driscoll, Jaydn O’Connor, Eoghan O’Mahony. Subs: Tadhg Walsh for James Kenneally (32), Liam Kilmartin for Callum O’Driscoll (36), Tomás Morrison for Cathal Barry (40), Eoin Dillon for Eoghan O’Mahony (45), Cathal Higgins for Billy Aherne (48). Referee: Brian Barrett (Douglas).
Final Division 4 Rebel Óg East U12 Hurling League
St Catherines 1-08 St Colmcilles 1-06
An age group closing out their season following a hard-earned success from this evenly contested U12 hurling league final when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, November 1st. Mist and light rainfall prevailing. Though thankfully no sign of the much-publicised storm Ciaran. Both teams taking a while to settle in. Carthach Kelleher intensifying the atmosphere. Pouncing for the lead goal on 5 minutes. In response the home-based team coming much more into it. A few points, both frees and general play forthcoming. Noah Keane among the scorers. Then, bang, the key moment.
There can be no doubt there was only one thing on David Temple’s mind. Collecting the sliotar before crashing it to the roof of the net with aplomb on 22 minutes. To all forwards that’s what you’re supposed to do isn’t it?!
Catherines ahead on an interval scoreline of 1-05 to 1-02. Remember U12 leagues are 25 minutes a-side. A lead quickly extended by the always influential Kenneth O’Connell three minutes into the change of ends. With St Colmcilles, a combination of Carrig na bhFear and Whites Cross closing in, he was on target again from a placed ball having it at 1-07 to 1-05 now 13 minutes into the second half. With the opposition laying siege to the Saints’ goal in those hectic, demanding closing minutes. Replacement Olan Sheehan hurled some nice ball. As did Darragh Kenneally. Between the posts Padraig O’Sullivan was on top of his game. Making many crucial, timely match-winning stops. Allied to the staunch, inspiring defending of Sean O’Keeffe and in particular Sean Moore at fullback. Make sure this wasn’t easy. Everything had to be earned. As it should be. A deserving title. Something not looking likely say six months ago. Plaudits too to mentors Ed Aherne, Shane O’Brien, Pat O’Sullivan, Tim O’Connor and manager Martin O’Keeffe. They were always nice to the players encouraging them all the way. What a moment as Martin Leahy, Rebel Óg made the post-match presentation. Captain Gary Leahy the recipient. Carrying out his post-match duties with honour and respect. Enjoy the rest of the year lads. Hope the man with the red suit and white beard comes down that chimney.
Scorers: D Temple (1-03), K O’Connell (0-02 frees) (0-04) and N Keane (0-01). St Catherine’s team: Padraig O’Sullivan, Gary Leahy (captain), Sean Moore, Tadhg Shiels. Jack Mulkerrins, Sean O’Keeffe, Zach Pyne, Kenneth O’Connell, Aaron O’Gorman, Sean Maguire, Noah Keane, Brian Coakley, Cian Fitzgerald, David Temple, James Bryan. Also: Adam O’Connor, Jack Kearney, Olan Sheehan, Oisín Feeney, Darragh Kenneally and Adam Coakley. Referee: Mike Carey (Bride Rovers).
What’s coming up?
No definite fixtures. But outstanding are a division one U15 hurling Plate Final v Colmans and a division 1 U16 hurling league Final v Bride Rovers. There is still a division 1 U17 hurling league final with St Colmans to be played and an U17 division 2 football Plate Final against Mayfield. Expect a resumption in the group stages of the divisional U21 championship.
Big honour
Well done to Bride Rovers chairman Pa O’Driscoll who refereed the recent Castlehaven/Nemo Rangers Bon Secours County Senior Football Championship Final.
Imokilly Safe Club Awards
Croke Park health and safety team undertook a pilot Safe Club Awards Scheme in East Cork in 2023 to raise awareness of safety, reducing risks and ultimately making GAA grounds safer for everyone. This initiative involved clubs performing safety audits of their grounds and being audited by an external auditor. A function was held in Midleton Park Hotel for all clubs, where prizes were given out by Shay Bannon, Chair of Health and Safety and Patrick O’Brien, Croke Park. St Catherines performed well and came in joint third place amongst all clubs in the division.
St Catherine’s committee undertook several safety walks during the year which helped identify and correct items in the grounds that could become safety hazards. One of the most visible changes is the new electronic scoreboard which no longer requires the use of a ladder. Initiatives like Safe Club help ensure that the grounds remain a very safe place for members, visitors and the wider Parish community. Congratulations and well done to the club safety committee lead by Safe Club officer, Ed Galvin.
Lotto

First choice hurling team advance to Munster Junior Final

What a weekend as the Saints advance to the decider following a deserved victory over Tipperary representatives Ballinahinch in the semi-final of the Munster Hurling Championship at a well prepared Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday afternoon last. Elsewhere keeping their winning run going in the divisional U21 C Football Championship. Success for two Parish schools in the Sciath na Scol football finals. All events preceded by the AGM of the juvenile club. Focus on which will surface next week. Ok off you go. Read on.
Semi-final AIB sponsored Munster Junior Hurling Championship
St Catherines 2-17 Ballinahinch 0-11
In view of the prevailing conditions weatherwise, Páirc Uí Rinn was in pristine condition for this provincial junior hurling championship semi-final starting exactly on the appointed 1.30pm time on Saturday afternoon last. Catherines had the edge through the opening exchanges. Opening up with 3 unanswered points through 2 minutes and forging a well earned 0-05 to 0-02 lead with eight minutes gone on the clock. Ballinahinch with the experienced Shane McGrath mopping up a lot of loose ball and mainly through the accuracy of Brendan Ryan from placed balls had the teams all square at 0-05 each to the end of the opening quarter and again at 0-07 each to 28 minutes when Eoin Davis, with a traditionally well struck free from distance, had the Saints back into a lead on 32 minutes. That 0-08 to 0-07 scoreline maintaining itself to the break.
In a contest more resembling the quarter final from Dungarvan two weeks previously as time wore on and with Kyle Wallace troubling Darragh McGrath, again Matthew Mulcahy was on target, goaling from close range. Establishing a lead of 1-08 to 0-09 to 34 minutes. Adding the next score from play 6 minutes later. With conditions in their favour and if anything the wind getting stronger, the youthful Catherine’s team began to pile on the pressure. They were rewarded with Eoin Condon playing a part in picking out Brian Mulcahy to slap home a second goal. Establishing an imposing 2-10 to 0-10 advantage to the end of the third quarter and beyond.
Now revelling in the open space and getting much return off the bench Catherines piled on the pressure in the closing exchanges. Registering the final seven scores from the hour. Points from Rory Galvin, Will Leamy, Kevin Barry and Aaron Neville memorable and a gallant Ballinahinch outfit a spent force well before the finish. Catherines now play Limerick representatives Feenagh/Kilmeedy in the Munster Final on the first weekend of December.
Scorers: M Mulcahy (1-04), B Mulcahy (1-01), S O’Donoghue (0-03 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-04), E Davis (0-03 frees), K Wallace, R Galvin. W Leamy, K Barry and A Neville (0-01 each). Ballinahinch scorers: B Ryan (0-04 frees) (0-05), J Kelly (0-02), A Kelly, J Foley, S McGrath (free) and K Kelly (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherines’ team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan, L O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, K Neville, S O’Donoghue, S Cotter, W Leamy, K Wallace, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, E Condon, M Mulcahy. Subs: E Wallace for F O’Connell (37), K Barry for K Wallace (49), J Neville and N Sheehan for K O’Donoghue and W Leamy (both 53), A Neville for B Mulcahy (56).
Referee: Eamonn Stapleton (Doon, Limerick).
Round 2 group 1 Mulcahy Steel sponsored East Cork U21 C Football Championship
St Catherines 2-06 Glenbower Rovers 1-08
St Catherines, following a narrow one point success over Glanmire 2 in the previous round, top their group following a hard-earned four point win over Glenbower Rovers in this tie in Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Though with conditions favouring the Saints at the outset there was still a strong cross-field wind to the fore with two well matched teams sharing four points to the end of the opening quarter and beyond, when the Saints began to exercise a grip. Hugely influential Gavin England setting up a threatening Sean O’Donoghue for the lead goal on 23 minutes. Fisting a quickly followed up point, a trait all too few players resort to and with Kevin Barry also finding the target added a tally of 1-03 without reply to lead at 1-05 to 0-02 to the end of the opening half against a Killeagh team making their debut in the competition.
Replacement Kieran Kelleher quickly into his stride. Pounding for a second Saints’ goal on 25 minutes. Desperately unlucky not to add another early in the fourth and final quarter by now Evan Lane was the most influential player on the pitch. Scoring the goal to which a few well taken points were added. But the Saints had done enough and will be at home to Cobh in the U21 B Hurling championship this upcoming weekend.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (2-02), K Kelleher (1-01), K Barry (0-01 free) (0-02) and G England (0-01). Glenbower Rovers scorers: E Lane (0-02 frees) (1-05), D O’Brien (0-02) and H Connon (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: K Wallace, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, D Galvin, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan, J Hayes (team captain), C England, K O’Donoghue, K Barry, S O’Donoghue, C Dinneen, N Sheehan, G England, H Draper. Subs: K Kelleher and C Pietropaolo for C Dinneen and H Draper (both second half), B O’Connor and E O’Driscoll for E England and F O’Connell (both 46), I Ohrim for K Barry (54), C Hayes for K Kelleher (temp) (57).
Referee: Eoin Colman (Youghal).
Sciath na Scol Finals
What a day out for the youth of the schools of the Parish. Winning the DGF9 and of 9 ciath na Scol Finals held at an all-excited Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday morning, November 15th last.
First up the girls of Curraglass school proving too strong for fellow parishoners Ballynoe in a Final played at 12 midday. High noon! Finishing at 4-07 to 0-01 for Curraglass. Better luck for Ballynoe then in the boys’ football decider following on a hour later at 1pm. Beating Bartlemy 95-10 to 1-06). Both matches being 9-a-side and 15 minutes per half.
Final teams
Curraglass: Lily Mai Harpur, Ava Hickey, Rebecca Lee, Evie Rose Harpur, Grace O’Connor, Aoife O’Connor, Beibhinn O’Regan Seadon Aideen O’Connor, Roisin Cummins, Ella Moore, Emily Broughan Henry, Áine Kate O’Regan Seadon, Sophie O’Connor, Fiadh Josh, Tamsin Kelly, Lottie Byrne.
Ballynoe Girls: Lily Sheehan, Sarah Burke, Kate O’Connell, Meadbh Dinneen, Grace Higgins, Jill Beecher, Ciara O’Connell, Righain O’Sullivan, Michell Hamill, Aoife Cotter, Cara Kilmartin, Sara O’Connell, Kate Hegarty, Bríd O’Sullivan, Áine Dinneen, Sasha Beecher.
Ballynoe Boys: Adam Fitzgerald, Jack Mulkerrins, Sean O’Keeffe, Ruairi Molloy, Kenneth O’Connell, Ronan Geaney, James Bryan, David Temple, Padraig O’Sullivan, Jack Mulcahy, Killian O’Donovan, Mark Early, Ronan O’Flynn, Sean Foley, Cillian Fitzgerald, James Beecher, Robbie Pietropaolo, Charlie Hickey, Cladiu Vasi Ardelean.
Harty Cup
A hard earned three point success (2-19 to 2-16) for St Colemans over recent past winners Tulla in Limerick on Wednesday, November 15th now means four Cork schools are into the knockout stages of the Harty Cup. Also going forward are Midleton CBS, CBC Cork and Charleville CBS.
Fixture list
Saturday, November 25th at Rathcormac, Final Division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 HL v Bride Rovers at 11am. Depends on outcome of Rovers/Carrigtwohill championship match. Sunday, November 26th at Ballynoe, round 2 group 3 Mulcahy Steel sponsored East Cork U21 B HC v Cobh at 11.30am.
Lotto results
Presenting you with the results of the weekly lotto draw from Monday night, November 13th last. Numbers drawn were 12, 17, 26 and 27 and there was no winner. Consolation winners on the night were; Cotter family, Ballynoe, Rena O’Regan, Cullinagh, Ballynoe, Catherine McCready, online, Neilus Kearney, c/o PH Conna, and Shane O’Regan, online. Most recent draw with accumulated €19,000 jackpot was scheduled for the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night last, November 20th. Anyone who wants is welcome to call. They start around 9pm.
All-Stars selection
Waking on Thursday morning last to the naming of the GAA/GPA Hurling All-Stars team. Apart from goalkeeping role no real contentious selections seemed up for grabs. Though it must be said what if Sean Finn and Declan Hannon hadn’t been injured. Mikey Butler, Huw Lawler and John Conlon mightn’t be as automatic then. Football team going out live on Friday evening. We were at the juvenile meeting, the grass roots, where it all starts. Sure it’s far away from All-Stars we were reared!
Mention of which five counties were awarded with Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton now the oldest ever All-Star.
Condolences
We offer our sympathy to Vinny McCarthy on the death of a family member in the UK. Also to the O’Keeffes, Newtown, Ballynoe on the sad passing of Fr Martin.
Speedy recovery
Get well soon to underage player and athlete Kenneth O’Connell after picking up an injury over the weekend.
St Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Munster Club Hurling Final Weekend


Another big upcoming weekend with the Saints up against Limerick representatives Feenagh Kilmeedy in the final of the AIB sponsored Munster Junior Hurling championship. Game fixed for Carrigoon, Mallow on Saturday, December 2nd. Throw-in will be 1.30pm. Very best of good luck. Just giving you an update on other events. With last weekend’s proposed round 3 group 3 U21 B Hurling Championship tie not played, now means the Saints are through to the divisional semi-finals. With the way the games have unfolded the Saints and Carrig na bhFear to meet in the Mulcahy Steel sponsored East Cork U21 Football Championship. Also coming up is the parent club AGM up there in Lacken at Glengoura Hall on the night of Saturday, December 9th.
Juvenile game of the week
Final division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League
Bride Rovers 5-15 St Catherines 1-10
A physically stronger Bride Rovers wound up the clear and comprehensive victors. A brace of first quarter Denis Fitzgerald goals providing initial opening initiative and a lead of 2-02 to 0-04 to the 15-minute mark. Team captain Gearoid Sheehan playing his part before Sam Aherne struck for the visitors’ goal. Kyle O’Donoghue picking out Conor Murray with a quickly followed up point on 27 minutes and although five points adrift to 17 minutes the Saints clawed their way back into contention with parity restored for a third time on an interval scoreline standing at 2-05 to 1-08, in the final of the division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 Hurling League at an overcast Rathcormac on Saturday morning last.
That was as good as it was going to get. Bride Rovers very much on the front foot from there on in with midfielder Cormac Barry on top of his game. From both frees and open play we had him down for a tally of 1-11 in an ever-widening margin with their captain Jack Mannix, who later picked up the winning trophy from board officer Martin Leahy, crashing in the final goal almost at the death.
Pundits watch out for a few more games before we can claim a juvenile season to be over. There is a third/fourth place playoff Shield Final from the division 1 U15 Hurling Championship. That’s down for Cloyne v St Colmans. Also to be the venue for the division one U17 hurling league final. With the equivalent football squad playing Mayfield in a division 2 plate final scheduled for Lotabeg.
Scorers: J Temple (0-05 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-08), S Aherne (1-00), A Cotter and C Murray (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: Shane O’Donoghue, Shane Walsh, James Kenneally, Cathal Barry, Ronan Hickey, Tristan Clancy, Liam Moore, John Temple, Cillian Hickey, Kyle O’Donoghue, Gearoid Sheehan (captain), Sam Aherne, Thomas Dee, Conor Murray, Alan Cotter. Subs: Eoghan O’Mahony for James Kenneally (38), Callum O’Driscoll for Conor Murray (44), Shay McCarthy for Cathal Barry (51). Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
Condolences
We offer our sympathy to the Cotter family, Longueville, Ballynoe on the passing of Alice’s brother John Feeney, in Ballyduff. Predeceased by husband Paudie and condolences to the Galvin families on the death of Breda (Ahern) up there in Lacken, Glengoura. Ar dheis Dé to raibh na nanamacha dílse.
Lotto results
All the details from the weekly lotto draw held in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, November 20th last at 9pm. Numbers drawn were 4, 10, 16 and 32. No jackpot winner. The consolation winners on the night were; Jeanette Barry, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, Seamus Woods, Woodview Park, Tallow, Brian Hayes, Church House, Ballynoe, Christine McLean, Ballynoe, online and CMP O’Brien, Rathdrum, Ballynoe. Most recent draw now with an accumulated jackpot of €19,200 was scheduled for Monday night last, November 27th.
Big fixture of upcoming weekend
Saturday, December 2nd at Carrigoon, Mallow, Final AIB Sponsored Munster Junior Hurling Championship v Feenagh/Kilmeedy at 1.30pm.
St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club Annual General Meeting report
First there was the camogie get-together. Followed six evenings later by the ladies football version. Then a sizeable attendance was present for the AGM of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club held in a side room off the main hall of Ballynoe Community Centre on Friday night, November 17th last. Addressing the meeting for the first time as chairman and after opening proceedings just a tad beyond the scheduled starting time of 7.45pm. Shane Fitzgerald emphasised the relevance and importance of John Mulcahy to the club. Company Mulcahy Steel continue as juvenile sponsors. Supplying the machine in helping the clubhouse café to get off the ground back in the spring. Thanking local businessman Vincent McCarthy for the strategic location of the timber seat adorned in club colours where you can enjoy your cappuccinos, americanos, minerals and snacks etc. Singling out Mike Walsh who as well as being a board official, always offers his services to referee local games if required. Now that the Saints have reached the Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Final chairman Shane would like to see more of that panel get involved with the younger players down the pitch. Please contact James Spillane if any squad of players require the use of Conna Community field re team training. Seanie Farrell does great work in the schools and along with Steve Cummins were the chief organisers of the Parish schools football blitz. Having organised an equally impressive hurling turn-out 7 months previously.
Remarkably only two days before the general meeting there were those memorable successes in the Sciath na Scol Finals at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Curraglass securing a win in the girls’ football. First time ever for Ballynoe NS to attain a football title when winning the boys’ 9-a-side early on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 15th at the prestigious Cork city venue.
Elsewhere there was a drug awareness night. While a follow-up might come in a focus on cyber bullying. Telling the meeting that St Catherine’s camogie, ladies football and juvenile GAA clubs annual social is pencilled in for the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, March 8th 2024. Further details later.
Often wondered how chairmen and secretaries divide their issues re highlighting at AGMs. Shane Fitzgerald and Lisa Moore achieved it. With only the slightest hint of overlapping and sure we’re all human!
It was a secretary’s report commencing with this year’s annual social attended by in excess of 300 people on Friday night, January 20th. Next items of profile were the safeguarding courses taking place in January and February with full attendance each night. Then time for membership renewals. Away from the main age groups there were U11 tournaments in Mullinahone with the U10s participating in the annual tournament in Ballyduff. Congratulating Shane Riordan representing Curraglass NS and Cork in the football primary game v Clare in Ennis on the afternoon of Sunday, April 9th. Evan O’Driscoll being a member of the Cork East team, conquerors of Dublin in the hurling Celtic Challenge tournament final played in Birr in early June. In fairness Lisa wouldn’t omit anything. Taking time out commending Ally Mulkerrins being part of the Cork team that defeated Galway in the All-Ireland U16 camogie final. Decider played in Mallow on Saturday, July 29th. Daddy was delighted! Without saying, there was the contribution of Laura Hayes part of the Cork squad thrashing Waterford in the Senior camogie final on the Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend.
There were two club successes in the county Scór na bPáistí finals this year held in the excellent GAA pavilion in Ovens on Saturday night, April 1st. Kate O’Connell performing ‘John Condon’ in the solo singing category and Stephanie Carr in sean nós dance. I tell ya – they’re no fools!
A record attendance in excess of 150 boys and girls converged on the GAA pitches for the week-long Kellogg’s annual Cúl Camp from the morning of Monday, June 26th. Expressing thanks to Martina O’Connor, camp co-ordinator and camp head coach Padraig O’Connor. Child Protection Officer Ber Feeney does an excellent job. A reminder that all injuries must be reported to club medical officer, Ronan Clancy. Lisa’s full and meticulous report read, presented and adopted.
Supporting the secretary’s report and club PRO John O’Mahony presented a resume of all juvenile competitive matches played in what remains a still intensely busy season. League and championship in both codes. To which we add Féile na nGael and Féile na Peil. Succeeding in getting both domestic tournaments in honour of two club stalwarts played. Doubling as a league match with the Saints seeing off the challenge of Castlelyons in the U12 hurling tournament final for the Paddy Sheehan Cup. Having already beaten Fr O’Neills in the Albert Griffin Cup, currently an U13 hurling tournament. With the way the age groups evolve, expect a change there towards the end of 2024.
Treasurer Paddy Ryan presented a double-barrelled financial report entailing regular club business. Treating the dealings of the club house café separately. Paddy’s as always well prepared report read and adopted. Sought for an oversight and outgoing parent club chairman Tom Morrison thanked the officers re reports. All work being done for the benefit of the youth. Stressing the importance of Strictly coming up early in the new year. A major fundraiser going towards the development of extra land. Appealing for your support for the weekly lotto draw. Concluding by presiding over election of officers.
Managers appointed accommodating both codes
U6 Liz Lane, U7 Denis Linehan, U8 Paddy Ryan and Eamon Buggy, U9 and 10 Patrick O’Neill, U11 and 12 Steve Cummins and Sean O’Farrell, U13 and 14 Martin O’Keeffe and Paul Higgins, U16 Brian Davis, U18 (minor) Brian Sheehan.
Officers elected
Chairman Shane Fitzgerald, vice-chairman Paddy Ryan, secretary Lisa Moore, treasurer Eric Flynn, Asst treasurer Ray Collins, membership Marie Coakley, PRO John O’Mahony.
A well constructed meeting of 2 hours duration. With people spilling our from host room to outside hallway one couldn’t be sure how many were in attendance. It was lashing outside. Make a beeline for the car. Oops – passenger window half open. Now there’s consternation!
St Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club

Saints crowned Munster Junior Hurling Champions


AIB sponsored Munster Junior Hurling Championship Final
St Catherines 2-14 Feenagh/Kilmeedy 1-15
Safe to say losing is part of the game. Advancing that opening line though it’s how one reacts to a defeat. Catherine’s supporters were more disappointed with the performance than the loss to a good Erins Own team from the County Final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on October 14th. Now seven weeks on and fortunes have improved. Transformed to such an extent that following a rousing performance and contest the Saints are crowned provincial champions following an absorbing Munster Junior Hurling Final against Limerick representatives Feenagh/Kilmeedy at a well-prepared Mallow venue on Saturday afternoon last. Waterford representative Nicholas O’Toole throwing in the sliotar exactly on the 1.30pm starting time. Ironically a provincial decider between two teams beaten in their county deciders. Mungret were Limerick winners. With the Saints starting without four players for a multiplicity of reasons from county final day. There’s your backdrop. But that was then. This is now.
Eoin Condon with a lofty probing delivery causing consternation, not dealt with and the umpires had no hesitation in waving the green flag. Adjudging the sliotar to have crossed the line for the first and lead goal on three minutes. Joy short-lived. John O’Gorman releasing Ruairi O’Connor on the overlap. Billowing the net from close range for an emphatic response ninety seconds later. Game on.
Kyle Wallace, Kian O’Donoghue and Brian Mulcahy points saw the Saints shading it at 1-05 to 1-02 to the quarter hour.
In fairness the Limerick boys were more economical with their shooting and in their finishing. Only recording two first half wides. O’Connor’s goal aside, a Luke Ryan point was their first from open play but enough to tie up matters at 1-05 each. Eighteen minutes elapsed on a clock advancing oh so sharply. Eoin Davis, who tallied the game’s first score inside two minutes, again playing a significant part when striking from distance, saw his delivery flashed to the net quicker than you could say Eoin Condon, who we credit with the second goal as well and a lead of 2-06 to 1-06 to 22 minutes. Two Feenagh points both the property of centrefield player Sean Kelly saw the margin maintain itself at three points still favouring the East Cork team. Standing on an interval 2-08 to 1-08 scoreline. Clearly a competitive encounter between two even and well-matched teams. Assuredly way tougher than the previous two matches. Conditions were cold and largely sunny with little or no wind prevailing.
A second David Boyce point and two further pointed frees from the unerring Diarmuid Coleman would see parity restored for a second time at 2-09 to 1-12 to 39 minutes. Catherines resorting to the bench. Gearoid O’Brien, Eoin Wallace and Kevin Barry all surfacing in a subsequent seven-minute spell. Anything Diarmuid Coleman could do for Feenagh/Kilmeedy matched by the excellent Sean O’Donoghue. A trio of unanswered points including two from play as the opposition fullback saw red, saw the gap stretch out at 2-13 to 1-12 to the fifty minute mark. Kevin Barry with a beauty from a tightish angle had it at 2-14 to 1-13 two minutes later. Kilmeedy still reliant on Coleman from placed balls. Game over. Title for the Saints. Fourth Cork club to win the Munster Junior Hurling Championship in a five year period. There was no competition in 2020 due to the coronavirus. Bob Ryan of the Munster Council, with Sean Kelly in tow, made the post-match presentation. Eoghan O’Riordan the recipient. Other vice-captain Conor Hegarty is in New Zealand. But will be back.
Post match victory parade on Sunday evening coming up following the news that the Saints now meet last season’s beaten finalists Easkey of Sligo in the last four. We also congratulate neighbours Castlelyons on their Intermediate success. Now facing Tooreen of Mayo in their All-Ireland semi-final. We’re all on a journey. Where will it end?
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-05 frees) (0-09), E Condon (2-00), K Wallace, K O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, K Barry and E Davis (free) (0-01 each). Feenagh/Kilmeedy scorers: D Coleman (0-09 frees), R O’Connor (1-00), D Boyce and S Kelly (0-02 each), M Fitzgibbon and L Ryan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan (vice-captain), L O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, K Neville, K Wallace, S Cotter, W Leamy, R Galvin, S O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, E Condon, M Mulcahy. Subs: E Wallace and G O’Brien for L O’Connor and W Leamy (both ’42), K Barry for M Mulcahy (50). Referee: Nicholas O’Toole (Mount Sion, Waterford).
What’s coming up
Saturday, December 9th at Glengoura Hall, Club AGM at 8pm. Sunday, December 10th at tba, semi-final East Cork U21 B Hurling Championship v Whitechurch at 2pm.
Condolences
Seemingly what are always busy weeks now began with the burial of Tom Twomey, Glentrasna, Ballynoe on the afternoon of Monday, November 27th. Tom played at least U16, Minor and U21 hurling for the club. Son John lined out a fullback on the St Catherine’s team what won out the 2002 County U16 B Football Championship. Beating Seán Clarachs (Rath Luirc) in a Final played in Ballygiblin.
Deepest sympathy also to Munster Scór secretary Margaret Whelan, Knockaheem, Leamlara, on the sad passing of brother-in-law John Joe after a short illness borne bravely. Ar dheis Dé to raibh na nanamacha dílse.
Rebels’ Bounty
Cathal Noonan from Lismire up there near Kanturk collected the big prize of €20,000. But no success for what we call the locals from the most recent Rebels’ Bounty draw. Just one more coming up the middle of the month with that €100,000 sure to attract significant appeal. You never know!
Tractor Run
Mentioned as a possible fundraiser at the AGM, confirmed within a few days. And now St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club are delighted to host a Christmas Light Tractor Run on Saturday, December 23rd. Starting at 4pm sharp with registration opening at 2.30pm at St Catherine’s GAA grounds in Ballynoe (P51H275). Registration is €20 per tractor which will include refreshments at the venue for drivers. Prizes for best lights and best Christmas dressed driver.
Route begins in Ballynoe and on to Glengoura, continue to Curraglass and on to Conna. Then turning left in Aghern and turning back to Ballynoe. Looking forward to a great convoy of tractors and spectators along the route. Any enquiries to Juvenile Club chairman Shane Fitzgerald or Paddy Ryan, vice-chairman St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.
Lotto results
Details of the weekly lotto draw from Monday night, November 27th. Numbers drawn were 1, 7, 23 and 29 and there was no jackpot winner. €30 consolation winners on the night were; Helen O’Sullivan, s/o Kals, Conna, Denis Lane, Ballynoe, online, Luke Fitzgerald, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, John Paul Flynn, online and Mo O’Connor, Ballybride, Conna. With a jackpot of €19,400, most recent lotto draw was scheduled for the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night last, December 4th at 9pm.
St Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

All roads lead to Ballinasloe


Being bandied about provisionally 24 hours previously. Confirmation reaching us on Friday afternoon that Ballinasloe (Galway) is the venue for the All-Ireland Junior Hurling semi-final. Easkey of Sligo are the opposition. Throw in at 1.30pm on this coming Saturday afternoon. That makes for an early start. Before that the Saints lost out to a better, slick-moving Carrig na bhFear outfit in the divisional U21 C Football Championship Final played in cold conditions under the lights at Glenville on Tuesday night, December 5th. Getting back to winning ways with a well-earned win over Whitechurch in the semi-final of the U21 B Hurling Championship at windy Rathcormac on Sunday afternoon. Coming as it did 24 hours after hosting the parent club AGM. We now gather our thoughts, reflect and our report on same appears next time around. For now, hear comes match reports. Off you go.
Action on the playing fields
Final Mulcahy Steel sponsored East Cork U21 C Football Championship
St Catherines 1-04 Carrig na bhFear 1-12
We were just completing a 3 or 4 day snap and temperatures remained on the north side of freezing for this championship final played under the lights at a well prepared Glenville venue on the night of Tuesday, December 5th.
Ahead at 0-03 to 0-01 just beyond the ten minute mark when Ruairi Quinlan and Rob Sheehan combined before Sean O’Donoghue crashed home the all-important goal. Joe Dunphy, Evan Murphy points among others followed. Kyle Wallace and Will Leamy on target for the Saints with Carrig na bhFear in a strong position and ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-09 to 0-02.
Preceded by that bit of argy-bargy when substitute Kieran Kelleher involved in its creation saw the Saints goal finished off by Gavin England 12 minutes into the second half. Short semblance of hope.
But the margin was too wide. Carrig na bhFear were too good and were clear and deserving winners of the U21 C Football Championship. After which East Cork Board Chairperson Avril Geary and Don Hegarty, Board Executive, and himself a Carrig na bhFear man, made the presentation to joint captains Dylan Foley and Tadgh O’Donoghue.
Scorers: G England (1-00), K Wallace (0-02 frees) (0-03) and W Leamy (0-01). Carrig na bhFear scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-02 frees) (1-03), S Whelan and D Foley (0-02 each), D Dunphy, J Dunphy, C Docherty, E Murphy and PJ O’Donovan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Diarmuid O’Connell, Cathal McAuliffe, Fionn O’Connell, Darragh Galvin, Gearoid O’Brien, Eoghan O’Riordan, James Hayes (team captain), Kian O’Donoghue, Nathan Sheehan, Conor England, Kyle Wallace, Cathal Dinneen, Will Leamy, Gavin England, Kevin Barry. Subs: Ciaran Pietropaolo for Conor England (26), Evan O’Driscoll and Kieran Kelleher for Darragh Galvin and Cathal Dinneen (both second half), Harry Draper for James Hayes (40), Conor Hayes for Kian O’Donoghue (47). Referee: PJ Aherne (Carrigtwohill).
Semi-final Mulcahy Steel sponsored East Cork U21 B Hurling Championship
St Catherines 1-18 Whitechurch 1-12
In a contest where the greatest single influence was what was termed by the Met Office as being Storm Fergus as the Saints returned to winning ways with hard-earned success over Whitechurch, minus the services of All-Ireland winning captain Michael Mullins in the semi-final of the divisional U21 B Hurling Championship at a ferociously windy Rathcormac on Sunday afternoon last at 2pm. Good start for the Saints with Gearoid O’Brien and Kyle Wallace among the scorers before a key Kian O’Donoghue hand pass picked out Oisin Fitzgerald, who, rampaging up through the middle from the back, pointed the score of the opening half and a 0-04 to 0-01 lead to 9 minutes.
But with that strong wind at their backs, two thus far evenly matched teams were together 3 minutes later. Before the key score of proceedings up to then materialised. Wingback Brian O’Reilly billowing his way through before booting the sliotar to the net. Whitechurch 1-06 to 0-06 to the good on 23 minutes. Moving on to 1-09 to 0-07 at the break. With unerring free-taker Ronan Murphy pointing two more in the opening 4 minutes of the second half.
In that ever-intensifying wind and some delectable Nathan Sheehan point scoring one of the features of the turnover and with Sean O’Donoghue largely trustworthy from placed balls, parity would again be eventually restored for a fourth time at 1-12 to 0-15 to 55 minutes. Before a Kevin Barry goal sealed it about 3 minutes overtime. Dungourney were 5 point winners over Cloyne on the other side a day previously. They now play St Catherines in the East Cork U21 B Hurling Championship Final.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-08 frees) (0-09), K Barry (1-01), N Sheehan (0-03), K Wallace (0-02), G O’Brien, O Fitzgerald and W Leamy (0-01 each). Whitechurch scorers: R Murphy (0-07 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-09), B O’Reilly (1-01), J Hegarty and C Egan (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan (team captain), D Galvin, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, C McAuliffe, J Hayes, G O’Brien, N Sheehan, K Wallace, W Leamy, S O’Donoghue, K Barry, C Dinneen. Subs: C Leamy for C Dinneen (40), C Pietropaolo for D Galvin (50), E O’Driscoll for C McAuliffe (57). Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).
Big match of the weekend
Saturday, December 16th at Ballinasloe, semi-final AIB sponsored All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship v Easkey 9Sligo) at 1.30pm.
Harty Cup
With 12 of the 16 scores coming from placed balls surely a true indicator of the awful conditions, at the end of which Christian Brothers College booked their place in the quarter-final at the expense of St Colmans (1-07 to 0-08), when their Harty Cup qualifier went ahead in Carrigoon on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 6th. Well done to all the local boys on the panel and team who take great pride in representing their alma mater and always show massive respect for the competition. Along with CBC, Midleton CBS and Charleville, CBS will now represent the rebel county in the knockout stages.
Intercounty scene
Apart from the Teddy Mc memorial games at the weekend, intercounty activity is largely on the back burner. Administrative matters to the fore. GAA Go v live national television. A yet further reshuffled National Hurling League for 2025, as the games for the upcoming campaign are revealed. Cork begin their national football league division 2 campaign against Donegal at Ballybofey on the afternoon of Sunday, January 28th. A busy weekend following. Footballers again away, this time to Louth in Ardee. As will the hurlers, starting their national hurling league division 1 campaign in Ennis v Clare on Sunday afternoon, February 4th. First home matches will be Cork v Kilkenny in the hurling league at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening, February 10th at 7.30pm. Cavan will be visitors to the rebel county for round 3 of the national football league at 4pm on the afternoon of Saturday, February 17th. Currently in the master plan for 4pm.
Lotto draw results
There was no winner of the weekly lotto draw after a meeting of the club executive held in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, December 4th at 9pm. Numbers drawn were 3, 18, 25 and 27. Consolation winners were E Kenneally, c/o PH Conna, Michael Kenneally, Shean, Ballyduff, Daniel Mangan, Conna, online, Moss Beecher, c/o PH Conna and J Hurley, Castleview, Conna. With a jackpot of €19,600, most recent draw was down for Monday night last, December 11th. Subsequent draws will take place on Monday, December 18th and draw closest to the big day, what we call the Christmas Draw with festive bonus prizes will go ahead after the tractor run early on the evening of Saturday, December 23rd. Circa 7pm. All welcome to call in. Another reminder when with you again next week. Pundits beware first draw of the new year goes ahead on Tuesday, January 2nd 2024.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

League action in most age groups


St Catherines had a second win in their divisional Junior Football League campaign. Disappointing week at juvenile level. Tasting defeats at U12, 14, 15 and 18, spread over both codes. Miniature reports on same coming up. But first of all, details from the most recent weekly lotto draw, held on Bank Holiday Monday last, April 10th. Numbers drawn were 15, 19, 26 and 30, and the jackpot wasn`t won. Consolation winners on the night were Batt Leahy, Curraheen, Conna, Michelle Higgins, Ballyknock, Ballynoe, Laurence O’Connor, c/o PH Conna, Maeve and Ronan Horgan, Glentane, Ballynoe and Betty Creamer, Aghern. All of which means the lotto draw on Monday night, April 17th in the clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9pm now has a jackpot of €12,800. Ok off you go and read on!
Underage success continues for gallant Rebels
Following a brace of wins the previous week against the Déise and Cork continued their solid start to the provincial underage hurling championship campaign. Between and Tuesday and Wednesday evening of last week inflicting the double, this time on Tipperary in their respective U17 and 20 Munster Hurling Championship matches played. Both Limerick and Clare must still be played in both age groups.
Now to the real glamour side of the game. Starting on Saturday evening with Armagh proving much too strong for Antrim up north in the Ulster Football Championship. Of course it’s disappointing but no real shock with the Rebels coming up short in Ennis. Cork go into the qualifiers now with that still maintained feeling that the provincial football championship this year will have its lowest ever financial intake, It’s a shoe-in for the Kingdom at this stage, third, maybe second gear to suffice before raising the bar when it counts.
In many ways Mayo losing to Roscommon resurrected memories of Cork hitting 6 goals against then reigning hurling champions Limerick in the league final of 1974. Two weeks later off to Walsh Park losing by a man and eight points to Waterford in the first round of the Munster Hurling Championship. As we hinted a few weeks back Championship is the great leveller. It will put manners on you. Just ask the footballers of Cork and Mayo. More surprises will come.
Match reports
Round 4 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League
Dungourney 0-02 St Catherines 2-07
Initially Eoin Condon was fouled. Kevin Barry roofed the resultant penalty kick on 90 seconds and the Saints were into a lead they never remotely looked like surrendering when this junior league tie was played at a dry, albeit bitterly cold Dungourney on Saturday evening last. Aforementioned Condon along with Sean O’Donoghue and Ed Kenneally added points. But the real half time discussion centred on chances not availed of.
A second Saints’ goal polished off by Eoin Wallace on 38 minutes as good as settled it. Eoin Davis’s handling between the posts was assured, reliable and trustworthy before Niall McGrath converted a brace of Dungourney frees coming up to the finish. Next up will be Fr O’Neills.
Scorers: K Barry (1-0 penalty) (0-01 free) (1-02), E Wallace (1-00), E Condon (0-02), S O’Donoghue, E Kenneally and L O’Connor (0-01 each). Team: E Davis, P Keane, E O’Riordan, J Neville, W Leamy, L O’Connor, F O’Connell, E Kenneally, A Neville, E Wallace, H Draper, K Barry, S O’Donoghue, E Condon, R Clancy. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Juvenile section starts with round 4 County Premier 2 U18 Hurling League
St Finbarrs 1-16 St Catherines 1-13
Conor O’Donoghue was proving the main scoring threat for the home-based team. Namesake Sean recording all six first half scores for a weakened Saints’ outfit. His goal easing the visitors narrowly ahead at 1-03 to 0-05 on 17 minutes as a duo of nice John Barrett points helped turn it around at 0-09 to 1-05 when this round 4 U18 hurling league tie was played at a dry, chilly Togher on Friday evening last. Highlights on the turnover saw Ciaran Leamy and Kian O’Donoghue share a four-point scoring salvo to which Nathan Sheehan added one of the scores of the hour. Pointing from distance on 43 minutes. Preceding a timely Gearoid Sheehan penalty block 7 minutes later. Adam Philips scored the Barrs’ goal. Probably the match winning score. Next up is football in Farranree. Then the week after the rearranged hurling match with Carrigtwohill. While Aghada come to Ballynoe on Wednesday, April 26th.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-04 frees) (0-01 ’65) (1-08), C Leamy and K O’Donoghue (0-02 each) and N Sheehan (0-01). St Catherine’s team: G Sheehan, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Murray, D O’Donovan, K O’Donoghue, C Hayes, N Sheehan, D O’Connell, T Barry, S O’Donoghue, J Temple, J Bryan, C Leamy, G O’Callaghan McCarthy. Subs: K Kelleher for J Bryan (second half), A Bryan for T Barry (48). Referee Chris Broderick (na Piarsaigh).
Round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League
St Nicks 8-06 St Catherines 5-08
Despite the lopsided scoreline an U14 football league tie frequently in the balance played in strong spring sunshine on the Glen field next to Blackpool Fire Station at 7pm on Thursday evening last.
Billy O’Connor, strong and influential in the fullback line. Midfielders Tadgh Walsh and Alan Cotter regularly driving forward and the launchpad for many attacks on a Saints’ outfit narrowly ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-05 to 3-04.
Ronan Hickey keeping the momentum going to the three-quarter mark with stronger, taller opposition pulling away from there on in. After two cancellations hurling should be starting out this coming weekend.
Scorers: A Cotter (3-02), T Walsh (0-04 frees) (1-05), R Hickey (1-00) and S Walsh (0-01). Team: J Cunneen, Jaimie Mulkerrins, B O’Connor, N Keane, K O’Connell, S Walsh, R O’Donoghue, A Cotter, T Walsh, E Dillon, R Hickey, T Morrison, S O’Keeffe, E O’Mahony, J Coughlan. Subs: S Early for J Coughlan (second half), Jack Mulkerrins for S O’Keeffe (58). Referee: Peter Finnegan (Douglas).
Round 1 Rebel Óg East U12 Football League
St Catherines 2-07 St Vincents 5-06
An always competitive encounter as the Saints began their divisional U12 campaign at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 5th last. David Temple and Padraig O’Sullivan among the scorers in helping to make it 1-06 to 1-02 for the home-based team at the end of the opening half. Noah Keane and Sean Moore combining before Sean O’Keeffe released the excellent Kenneth O’Connell to finish off his and the Saints’ second goal. Thus making it 2-07 to 1-05 to 43 minutes. A few positional switches reaping reward for the Farranree boys with the influential Darragh O’Connor pouncing for a hattrick of goals in the closing exchanges of what are 25 minute halves. Indeed, denied a fourth by a timely Sean Maguire block between the posts. St Catherines were due to open their hurling campaign in Araglin earlier this week. Back on the football pitch with a visit to Rostellan on this coming Monday evening. See fixtures.
Scorers: K O’Connell (0-02 frees) (2-03), D Temple (0-03) and P O’Sullivan (0-01). Team: S Maguire, G Leahy, C Fitzgerald, N Keane, S Moore, Z Pyne, A O’Gorman, K O’Connell, J Mulkerrins, D Temple, P O’Sullivan, S O’Keeffe, B Coakley. Also T Shiels for B Coakley (29), J Kearney for P O’Sullivan (32), J Bryan for J Mulkerrins (35). Referee: David Hickey (Youghal).
Féile na Peil
Have you ever been up to Kildorrery? As the subheading goes! It being the venue for section B group 3 of Féile na Peil on Saturday morning last. Opening match v Lisgoold finished a draw (1-06 to 2-03) before a 1-04 to 0-01 success over the host venue secured a final place for the day against Bride Rovers, coming in from Castletownroche as winner of the other section involving Ballycastle Gaels and St Colmcilles. Games were 17 minutes a-side. Bride Rovers defeating the Saints (6-02 to 0-02) in a 30 minute final (15x2). All games in Kildorrery refereed by Aidan Hyland (Kilworth). St Catherine’s playing panel were: Shane O’Donoghue, Shay McCarthy, Sean Walsh, Billy O’Connor, Billy McKee, Julian Pietropaolo, Liam Moore, Alan Cotter, Ronan Hickey, Billy Aherne, Kyle O’Donoghue, Callum O’Driscoll, Tadgh Walsh, Jaydn O’Connor, Eoin O’Mahony and Tomas Morrison. Feile na nGael comes up the end of the month.
St Catherines v Valley Rovers – reprise
In May of 2009 we played Courcey Rovers there. Last visit to Brinny saw St Catherines overcome Cloughduv in the Rebel Óg East U13 B Hurling Championship final. Date was Sunday morning, August 25th 2013. A team captained by Ben O’Brien. But an intermediate hurling league match between Valley rovers and St Catherines was played at the venue on the evening of Saturday, May 19th 2012. Throw-in time was 7.30pm. Match referee was Joe Larkin (Douglas). Contest ending on a scoreline of Valley Rovers 3-06 St Catherines 0-09. All to whet your appetite you understand!
St Catherine’s lineout was Shane Walsh, Stephen O’Brien, Conor Hegarty, Ed Kenneally, Aaron Neville, Ronan Clancy, Liam O’Connor, Shane Cotter, Daniel Mangan, Padraig O’Connor, Damien Farrell, Brian Mulcahy, John Mulcahy, Patrick Roche, James Neville. Also Kevin Mangan.
Some match reports may have to be pushed back
With a pretty decent size of an upcoming fixture list some match reports might have to go back until we’re with you again in a week. Bear with us!
Fixtures
Tonight Thursday, April 13th round 4 division 2 Junior Hurling League in Cloyne at 7pm. Friday, April 14th at Castlemartyr/Dungourney round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League v Kiltha Óg at 6.30pm.
Sunday, April 16th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League v Cobh at 11am. Also – at Brinny, round 4 Red FM Sponsored division 4 County Hurling League v Valley Rovers at 11.30am. Also – round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League in Watergrasshill at 4pm (rearranged).
Monday, April 17th at Rostellan, round 2 Rebel Óg East U12 Football league v Aghada at 6.30pm. Wednesday, April 19th at Farranree, round 4 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football league v St Vincents at 6.30pm.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Divisional B and C Championship draws made


You’ve already received your information regarding county programme aimed at club. Appearing in this slot back on January 12th. Commencing their campaign in the County B football against top seeds Oliver Plunketts. It’s down for Blarney on the afternoon of Saturday, May 6th. Didn’t have a great time there last year. ‘Things can only get better!’
Moving on and will be up against St Finbarrs in the first match of group C of the premier junior hurling championship. That’s to be played in Cobh on the Sunday of the August weekend. You should be up to date with equivalent league programme as well.
So to the newly released divisional programme of knockout competition. In chronological order will be based in group two of the East Cork Junior B Football Championship. Playing Erins Own first in early July. Cobh and Russell Rovers are also in that section. St Catherines have entered the twelve team three groups of four East Cork Junior C Football Championship which comes up later the same month. They will be in section one as will Glenville, Carrig na bhFear and Aghada.
St Catherines will be in the three team group three of the divisional Junior B Hurling Championship which also involves Castlemartyr and Sarsfields. According to the master plan a competition set to commence around the middle of August. As is the C Grade Championship. St Catherines will be in group three along with Killeagh and Cobh.
Updating still further with information on the juvenile age groups. St Catherines will play division one in both codes of the Rebel Óg East U14 leagues. U14 Football League section two also includes Erins Own, Mayfield, St Colmcilles and St Nicks. Included in the hurling section along with Killeagh, Kiltha Og, St Colmans, Watergrasshill and St Colmcilles. It’s division two for St Catherines. Based in section one of the Regel Og East U16 Football League. Accompanied by Bride Rovers, St Vincents, Castlelyons and St Michaels. While the hurlers of the same age group will be in section two division one of the league. They will be in with Blackrock, Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill and Cobh. For U18 the Saints are in the division two football league as are Bride Rovers, Cobh, Kilworth Araglen Og, Mayfield and St Vincents. That competition is scheduled to start shortly. St Catherines are based in section two of the Premier Two U18 hurling league. Placing them in a pool along with Aghada, Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill, St Finbarrs and Youghal. Nothing on U12 yet. Not scheduled to start until April anyway. Down for Monday nights.
Now this comes up every year. Just to reiterate that players of 12, 13 and 14 years of age can play in U14 competitions. Likewise, players of 14, 15 and 16 years of age may play on the U16 competitions. Ed Galvin informing a recent juvenile meeting that a foundation course of 3 hours duration will be held in the Alley and the Clubrooms in Ballynoe between 10am and 1pm this coming Saturday, February 18th. Looks like we will have fixtures for you next week.
Harty Cup Final
There’s no doubt their success over reigning All-Ireland champions Ardscoil Rís in the penultimate round proved a terrific boost and a win for Cashel Community School from their first appearance in such a decider when overcoming the challenge of previously unbeaten Thurles CSB, conquerors of St Colmans in the penultimate round, when before an eager almost 8,000 attendance won out the Harty Cup Final at Semple Stadium on Sunday afternoon, February 5th last. That said, both Tipperary schools go forward into the Croke Cup. As do St Kierans Kilkenny, Presentation College Athenry, Coláiste Eoin Dublin and Good Counsel Wexford. Leinster title was won by Offaly schools. But being a combined team were deemed ineligible to progress.
Weekend intercounty action
There can be no doubt we are now in the throes of intercounty action. Minor leagues are sorted. Two weekends have been played in both national league competitions and from now until the end of July will see provincial championships decided in both codes and All-Ireland hurling and football finals played as the initial section of the split season gathers momentum week on week.
Waterford already a man down on six minutes struggled for long periods with lowly Laois. But after the numbers were equalled were very much the dominant force in Portlaoise. Manager Davy Fitzgerald declaring afterwards they will want to start putting a reasonably settled looking line-up on the field with knockout competition commencing mid-April. Antrim will be visitors next and Waterford will be expected to win that too. A better effort was expected from the Banner also on Saturday night on the Ennis Road. Limerick recording their first win of the current National Hurling League. Easily getting the better of neighbours Clare.
Pat Ryan will have to be pleased with the Rebels thus far. Two out of two now for Cork who recorded a well-earned win in Salthill in a round two encounter between two understrength teams. Next up will be a double header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Cork play Westmeath in the hurling at 1.45pm followed by the Limerick match in the National Football League at 3.45pm. Both matches down for the afternoon of Sunday, February 26th. That said Cork will be in action before that. Meeting the Dubs in the Park in round three of the National Football League this coming Saturday afternoon, February 19th. Throw in will be 3.45pm. In fairness using that age old cliché ‘so far, so good!’
We also watched the action the Aviva. Ireland were impressive and deserved their success. They have a break now of a fortnight before heading for Rome. Again much being made of the best team beating the world’s number 2 ranked side and they could well be in the opposition again in the World Cup quarter finals come September. They could well be right. Hopefully they are. But for Ireland to even emerge from a hugely competitive group they will have to play out of their skins every day. You’ve been warned!
Slowly coming out of bleak winter
We’re in the middle of February, mornings and evenings noticeably evolving. Being the time of year involved probably adds to the awareness. It being a difficult festive and holiday period. Losing a number of lifelong neighbours and friends. Noticeable too a good few hospitalised in the corresponding period. Speedy recovery to all of them. You know who you are.
Monday morning, February 6th idyllically beautiful. Cold – yes. Sunny – yes. There will be worse than this. Surely? Historic occasion. It being the first ever bank holiday planted in the second of our 12 month calendar. Honouring St Brigid. Boy what a comeback she has made!
Off we go deeper into scenic picturesque, beautiful East Cork. To Killeagh where after one or two enquiries we root out the home of one of our new national heroes Trooper Shane Kearney who had been discharged from a Dublin hospital the previous week. After his unfortunate upheaval out in Lebanon before Christmas. Dad Paudie is a well-known referee at divisional level. Handling matches for both the East Cork Board and Rebel Óg. He is well known and liked in the St Catherines Club. As he would be across the entire area. Clad in the traditional tracksuit top of his beloved club Shane is doing well. Bit quiet and reserved maybe. Having come through proverbial hell. But every day now will bring further improvement. Though he must go back mid-summer to the hospital.
Must also commiserate with Bridget from the Fermoy office of The Avondhu on the sad death of her sister Kay Hynes of Glanmire only last week. Their brother Michael Feeney lives in Kilclare, Conna. They would all be first cousins of Imelda O’Connell, ex-secretary St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
Sadly a weekend finishing up with further grief and sorrow. Margaret Spillane of Kilavorilla passed away on Friday evening last. My God what devastation has been felt in houses along that road since year’s turn. Deepest sympathy to James and also to Marie Clancy award winning administrator and camogie president and extended Spillane and Clancy families at this sad time. Resultingly the club qualifier of Scór na bPáistí scheduled for Monday night last, February 13th was deferred and now takes place in Ballynoe Community Hall at 7pm sharp on Monday evening coming, February 20th. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nanamacha dilse.
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night last, February 13 – numbers drawn were 3, 23, 24 and 32. There was no winner of the €11,000 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were Richard O’Connell Ballynoe, Eileen Roche Curraglass, Betty Creamer Aghern, Nora Cotter c/o Castlelyons PO and Lorna Dunlop c/o Fisherman’s Rest Conna. All of which means draw on Monday night, February 20th in the clubrooms Ballynoe at 9pm now has an accumulated jackpot of €11,200. Everyone welcome.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Return of Rebels’ Bounty


Not aware of any financial return to St Catherine’s customers following the GAA National Club Draw held on Wednesday night, March 15th last, Similar story intertwined with the return of Rebels’ Bounty. Draws for the first three months of 2023 taking place on Thursday night last, March 30th. Real big winners were Hayley and Aban O’Riordan of Naomh Aban for the month of January. As was Thea Daly of Randal Óg in February. While March €20,000 winner was Shirley Twohig from Grenagh. Don’t panic, plenty of time yet!
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night, April 3rd. Numbers drawn were 5, 8, 23 and 27 and the jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Pat Hartigan, Conna, Matt McAuliffe, Ballynoe, Sheila O’Leary, Carrigeen, Conna, Pat Clancy, Monagown, Conna and Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe. Next draw on Easter Monday night, April 10th, in the clubrooms Ballynoe at 9pm will have a jackpot of 12,600.
County Scór na bPáistí finals
Success on the double for the Saints. Kate O’Connell performing John Condon in the solo singing and Stephanie Carr winning the sean nós dance category when the County Scór na bPáistí finals were held at the excellent GAA Pavilion in Ovens on Saturday afternoon last. Beginning at 3pm. St Catherines finishing runners-up in the novelty act section. Group members were Shriya Tellis, Scarlett Dinneen, Edril Jessar, Ethan Bryan, Tomas Morrison, Layla McNamara, Julia Witnik and Emma Turley. Congratulations and well done to all. Scór na bPáistí ends at county final stage.
Quiz in the Big Tree
In excess of 21 tables participated, with many more in attendance around the place ,which made for a successful undertaking when the annual fundraising table quiz for the handball club was held at a busy Big Tree Bar in Aghern on Saturday night last. Plenty of spot prizes and helpers on hand saw the occasion run along smoothly.
Match reports
Round 3 division 4 Red FM Sponsored County Hurling League
St Catherines 0-20 Ballyhea 1-16
First of all, an Eoin Condon goal on 48 minutes enabled the Saints secure a share of the spoils when a first team hurling challenge was played in Ballyduff on Tuesday night, March 28th last. Mikey Kearney doing a share of the scoring for the opposition in a contest finishing on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-11. While although enjoying equally as much in the possession stakes, poor finishing was proving costly for the home team especially in the opening half of this round 3 hurling league tie played in largely sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. That said, an effective and timely Gearoid O’Shea double save on 20 minutes would keep the visitors ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-10 to 0-09. A lead increased when a probing Pa O’Callaghan delivery was flicked to the net for the game’s only goal by John Morrissey. Making it 1-11 to 0-10 to 38 minutes. But the Saints were sticking to their task and some outstanding Gearoid O’Brien points would see parity restored for a second time on a scoreline of 0-16 to 1-13 just at the end of the third quarter. Taking the lead for the first time sixty seconds later with a timely left-sided Daniel Mangan strike. Tiernan Hanley tied it all up again. Just into overtime before keeper Eoin Davis, some considerable distance out, pointed the winner from a placed ball on 60 minutes. Next up are league matches in Youghal and Brinny. Keep it going lads.
Scorers: E Davis (0-08 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-09), B Mulcahy and G O’Brien (0-04 each) and D Mangan (0-03). Ballyhea scorers: E O’Leary (0-07), J Morrissey (1-02), P O’Callaghan (0-02 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-04), J Hickey (0-02) and T Hanley (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, L O’Connor, E O’Riordan, J Neville, C Hegarty, E Wallace, K Neville, K Wallace, B O’Brien, K O’Donoghue, R Galvin, S O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, D Mangan, G O’Brien. Subs: K Barry for K O’Donoghue (41), H Draper for G O’Brien (53), S Cotter for R Galvin (59). Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Round 3 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League St Catherines v Castlemartyr was called off. Juvenile section commences with round 3 of the Premier 2 County U18 Hurling League.
St Catherines 1-12 Bride Rovers 3-15
Conor O’Riordan putting the final touch to a free from out the field had Bride Rovers ahead at 1-01 to 0-03 on 10 minutes of this league tie when played at an overcast Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, March 29th. Yet some excellent finishing from Sean O’Donoghue, placed balls allied to a brace of well taken points from Diarmuid O’Connell saw parity restored for a second time on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-09 to 1-06.
Cillian Barry with a second goal on 32 minutes and with neither team advancing with a full quota of players it was a score serving a cruel psychological blow. Closest the Saints would come saw it at 2-11 to 1-12 to 52 minutes. Herculean defending from Evan O’Driscoll and Kian O’Donoghue was noteworthy as the Saints strove manfully to claw back the deficit. A third Rovers goal on 57 minutes putting the death knell on it.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-07 frees) (0-01 pen) (0-09), D Morrison (1-00 pen), D O’Connell (0-02) and J Temple (0-01). St Catherine’s team: G Sheehan, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C McAuliffe, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, C Hayes, D O’Connell, D Murphy, S O’Donoghue, C Leamy, C Pietropaolo, J Temple. Subs: C Dunning for C McAuliffe (36), T Barry for C Leamy (52). Also C Murray, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, J Bryan and K Kelleher. Referee; Jonathon O’Connell (Watergrasshill/Glenville). The round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League match featuring St Catherines v St Colmcilles was called off.
Round 1 section 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League
Bride Rovers 4-15 St Catherines 1-15
Running concurrent with the aforementioned division 4 league match in Ballynoe was this round 1 tie which saw two evenly matched teams together to the interval on a scoreline of 1-06 to 0-09 when played in Rathcormac on Sunday morning last. With the home team assuming control thereafter. Next up will be Cobh visitors to Ballynoe early on the morning of Sunday, April 16th.
Scorers: J Temple (0-04 frees) (0-06), G Sheehan (0-02 frees) (0-05), S Wallace (1-00), F McCready, A Cotter, T Clancy and T Dee (0-01 each). Team: S O’Donoghue, S Walsh, C Murray, L Moore, F McCready, J Kenneally, J Pietropaolo, T Clancy, C Hickey, K O’Donoghue, J Temple, S Ahern, S Wallace, G Sheehan, A Cotter. Subs: T Dee for S Ahern (37). C O’Driscoll and C Barry for S Wallace and K O’Donoghue (both 43). Also B McKee, J O’Connor, L Kilmartin, E O’Mahony and B Aherne. Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).
Rebels inflict double underage championship losses on Decie
It started on Tuesday night, March 28th and a virtuoso scoring performance from Sarsfields forward Barry O’Flynn when initiating the first of back-to-back victories over Waterford. This time it was in the provincial U17 Minor Hurling Championship. A team eventually adorned as the hour moved on with 11 East Cork players on the lineout. Including the Killeagh trio of Barry Walsh and Sean Meade and although centre back Ben Walsh is listed as captain that position goes to Jaydn Casey of Youghal on return from injury. Twenty-four hours later finishing what was a hard-earned win in the U20 hurling championship also at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday night, March 29th. What unusual fate has befallen Clare. Two matches. Two draws. Still, it’s as good as one win. They battle on still with prospects. While an appropriate honour for that magnificent stadium on the banks of the Lee. It being the venue for this weekend’s national hurling league final between Limerick and Kilkenny. Same pairing nine months on from last year’s All-Ireland senior hurling final. It’s the first final in Cork since 1980. Beating a Joe McKenna inspired Limerick in a replayed final. One recalls Blackrock duo Danny Buckley and Eamonn O’Donoghue netting vital Rebel goals the second day. Limerick later turned it around. Beating Cork in the Munster final of that year. They also beat Tipperary in the last league final (3-12 to 3-11) in Cork. A final not involving Cork. That was played on Sunday, May 23rd 1971. Tipp beat Cork in the semi-final. As did Limerick beat Clare. Come September and Tipp were crowned All-Ireland champions.
Next on your fixture list (weather permitting!)
Tonight Thursday, April 6th at Glenfield, round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League v St Nicks at 7pm. Friday, April 7th at Togher, round 4 Premier 2 County U18 Hurling League v St Finbarrs at 6.30pm. Saturday, April 8th, Féile na Peil qualifiers, time and venue tbc. Also round 4 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League in Dungourney at 7pm. Monday, April 10th at Araglen, round 1 Rebel Óg North U12 Hurling League v Kilworth/Araglen Óg at 6.30pm.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

County Scór na bPáistí finals weekend highlight


It’s a big weekend for St Catherines, with qualifiers in three categories for the county Scór na bPáistí finals. Kate O’Connell performing John Condon in the solo singing and Stephanie Carr is in the sean nós dance decider. As are Shriya Tellis, Scarlett Dinneen, Edril Jessar, Ethan Bryan, Tomas Morrison, Layla McNamara, Julia Witnik and Emma Turley putting on Oiche insan Museum in the sketch final. Best of luck to all competitors. County Scór na bpáistí finals proceed in the Eire Óg GAA Pavilion on Saturday, April 1st. Beginning at 3pm.
Latest lotto details
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night, March 27th. Numbers drawn were 2, 6, 9 and 10 and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation winners were Moss Beecher c/o PH Conna, Conor Hegarty Ballymonteen Ballynoe, Rena O’Regan Cullinagh Ballynoe, K Mangan c/o PH Conna and Jennifer Galvin online. Draw in the Clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, April 3rd at 9pm will be for a jackpot of €12,400.
Action on the national front
It was a day starting out with Westmeath preserving their top flight status. Beating not far away Laois in a division one Hurling League playoff at a poorly attended Thurles. Of course, the real stuff would follow on at LIT stadium in the first of the national hurling leagues semi-finals. Tipp starting admirably, going four points up at the short whistle. Yet were outscored 1-13 to 0-04 in the resultant 25 minutes. You just wonder what kind of psychological damage has been inflicted on Liam Cahill’s charges. Which could also be said about the Rebels from semi-final two played 24 hours later at Nowlan Park on Sunday evening last. Much is being made of the schemozzle and the resultant sending off. But you feel the Cats would collect the cream anyway. So, eight months on from the presentation of Liam and it’s Limerick and Kilkenny in a final again. No real cribs. They are the two best teams anyway. Question is, are the chasing pack closing in?
While the football draw with Derry was commendable. Over the years they were always viewed as the weakest province. Ones you’d like to get. Perceived to be the whipping boys. But Connaught dominated division one of this year’s National Football League. Mayo, Galway (both finalists) and Roscommon top three. Sligo topped group four. Whipping boys. Who are the whipping boys now?!
End of March, nearly into April. Football championship starts on the second weekend. Now there’s a competition that could put manners on ya!
Action from the field of play
Round 3 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League
Glenbower Rovers 0-01 St Catherines 2-05
Windy and occasionally showery conditions prevailing in the first competitive outing over a five-day period. But at least this tie went ahead when played under the lights at Killeagh on Friday night last. Strong defensive play with Eoin Davis, Eoin O’Riordan and James Neville to the fore allied to the scoring prowess of Kieran Kelleher and Kevin Bally in particular, combined in placing the visitors into a lead not for relinquishing. Ahead on a half-time scoreline of 1-04 without reply before the strong running Eoin Condon picked out just introduced substitute Harry Draper who finished off the second and match winning goal on 38 minutes.
Scorers: K Kelleher (1-01), H Draper (1-00), K Barry (0-02), E Condon and R Galvin (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, K Neville, E O’Riordan, J Neville, W Leamy, L O’Connor, F O’Connell, A Neville, R Galvin, E Wallace, K O’Donoghue, K Barry, K Kelleher, E Condon and S O’Donoghue. Subs: H Draper for K O’Donoghue (second half), P Keane for K Kelleher (37), B O’Connor for S O’Donoghue (39). Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Juvenile column starts with round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League
Bride Rovers 0-03 St Catherines 4-07
First of 3 underage games between these two clubs in a condensed eight-day period following this tie played at an initially sunny but eventually dull, overcast and misty Rathcormac at 1pm on Saturday afternoon last.
Yet another brace of Kieran Kelleher goals, currently on fire in that forward line, allied to the point scoring ability of Ciaran Pietropaolo and in particular Kian O’Donoghue, eased the visitors into a lead not for catching.
Diarmuid O’Connell with his second and a fourth Saints’ goal just two minutes into the resumption more or less confirmed the outcome against a Rovers’ team enjoying large chunks of possession yet struggling in front of the posts.
Scorers: K Kelleher (2-01), D O’Connell (2-00), K O’Donoghue (0-01 free) (0-03), C Pietropaolo (0-02) and J Hickey (0-01). St Catherine’s team: T Dee, T Bally, C McAuliffe, C Dunning, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Hayes, D Morrison, N Sheehan, C Leamy, K O’Donoghue, S O’Donoghue, D O’Connell, C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher. Subs: D O’Donovan and D Murphy for C Leamy and S O’Donoghue (both second half), J Hickey for K O’Donoghue (36), J Bryan for T Barry (46), K O’Donoghue for C Pietropaolo (54). Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
Round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League
St Catherines 2-08 St Colmcilles 2-08
Early goals from Sean O’Keeffe and Eoin O’Mahony in turn were standing the Saints in good stead when this round 2 U14 tie went ahead in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday evening last. A brace of Tadgh Walsh points followed. Establishing a 3-point lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-02 to 1-02.
Resisting ferocious third quarter pressure and Alan Cotter extended the margin standing at 2-08 to 1-05 to 52 minutes. But a late Joe Aitken goal secured a share of the spoils for the Carrignavar/Whites Cross combination who return for the hurling league this weekend.
Scorers: S O’Keeffe (1-02), A O’Mahony (1-00), A Cotter and T Walsh (0-01 free)(0-03 each). St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Moore, K O’Connell, S Walsh, S O’Riordan, A Cotter, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, T Morrison, S O’Keeffe, E O’Mahony, A Burke. Subs: S Earley for A Burke (45), N Keane for S O’Keeffe (54). Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
What’s coming up on your fixture list
Friday, March 31st at Ballynoe, round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League v St Colmcilles at 6.30pm. Tonight (March 30th), at Ballynoe, round 3 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Castlemartyr at 8pm. Saturday, April 1st at Eire Óg , County Scór na bPáistí finals at 3pm. Sunday, April 2nd at Rathcormac, section 2 round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League v Bride Rovers at 11am. Sunday, April 2nd at Ballynoe, round 3 division 4 Red FM County Hurling League v Ballyhea at 11.30am. Monday, April 3rd, U12 Football League starts, no fixture at time of going to press.
Saints line out versus Ballyhea
Ballyhea are visitors for county division 4 hurling league on Sunday morning. We present a few Saints’ line-ups from league encounters over the years. First the team that played senior hurling league in Ballyhea on Sunday, May 11th 1995. Winning on a scoreline of 3-15 to 3-13. We’re just whetting the appetite!
Scorers: C Clancy (0-08 frees), (1-00 pen) (1-10), D O’Connell (2-01), J Sheehan, D O’Leary, E Geaney and K Morrison (0-01 each). Team: Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Richie Hegarty, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Patsy O’Donoghue, Johnny Sheehan, Declan O’Neill, Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison, Christy Clancy, Dave O’Connell, Eddie Geaney, Brian Cotter. Also, Ed Galvin and Michael Hegarty. Referee: Pierce Jacob (Milford).
Intermediate Hurling League in Ballyhea on Sunday, April 10th 2-11
Ballyhea 2-13 St Catherines 4-12
Scorers: K Morrison (2-03), K Dinneen (0-02 frees) (0-02 ’65) (0-01 sideline cut) (1-04), B Mulcahy (1-03), S Kearney and S Cotter (0-01 each). Team: Ed Aherne, Conor Hegarty, Ronan Clancy, Martin O’Keeffe, Stephen O’Brien, Patrick O’Neill, Ed Kenneally, Patrick Roche, Liam O’Connor, Shane Cotter, Shane Fitzgerald, Brian Mulcahy, Kevin Dinneen, Kieran Morrison, Shane Kearney. Also: Matthew Mulcahy and Noel O’Brien. Referee: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll).
Intermediate Hurling League in Ballynoe on Saturday, April 21st 2012
St Catherines 0-06 Ballyhea 0-11
Scorers: D Mangan (0-03 frees) (0-04), S Kearney and B Mulcahy (0-01). Team: Ed Aherne, Conor Hegarty, Shane Fitzgerald, Ed Kenneally, Cal Aherne, Liam O’Connor, Patrick Roche, Stephen O’Brien, Ronan Clancy, James Neville, Daniel Mangan, Brian Mulcahy, Shane Kearney, Kieran Morrison, Padraig O’Connor. Also Matthew Mulcahy, William Walsh, John Mulcahy, Conor Kearney and Aaron Neville. Referee: Jer O’Connell (Lisgoold).
Quality programming on TG4
We would all accept that perhaps they lack the resources. But few would deny TG4 produce quality programming. They have access to European rugby competitions. Occasionally show the odd race meeting. Their week-long Listowel coverage is accurate and informative. They present excellent GAA items of interest. Show intercounty football and hurling league action, county and provincial club games in both codes, promote camogie and the Laochra Gael programmes are legendary. Frequently worthy of repeats. While all the time TG4 are sponsors of the Ladies Gaelic Football Championship. Impressive eh? In Ros na Rún have their own soap opera and produce well structured quality documentaries.
Still very much in the mind was two years in the making condensed into four hour-long historical reviews on the history of the Blackwater. Two more popped out at us last week. Laochra na Rasaíochta recently did and excellent review on top trainer Willie Mullins Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup winners over the years. They might have to do another one now! Most recent version homing in on Aintree National winners emanating from the old sod taking in the years 1999-2007. So you had BobbyJo, Papillon, Numbersixvalverde, Silver Birch, Ted, Ruby, the Carberrys, onto Martin Brassil, Robert ‘Puppy’ Power and Gordon.
There it was. After the first commercial break signposts around the area, a quick flash of Tom’s Corner Shop, without closing in on the lotto posted placed on the front door! And of course the bridge. Yes, we’re in Conna heading for Curraheen. Jimmy Mangan and Montys Pass, Aintree Grand National winner 2003. Making various contributions throughout the hour was Barry Geraghty, winning jockey on the day. Imminent would be the back-to-back victories of Tiger Roll and Davy.
Then on Thursday night Darra O Cinnéide started na Goirt Órga (Fields of Gold) featuring the great stadiums of the world. Jason Mohammed of BBC Sport, who we would recognise from Final Score, blown away by the size and atmosphere generated by Croke Park. There was a visit to the Anfield dressing rooms and a stadium in Korea whose name now escapes me. But the real highlight was the stadium of Portuguese club FC Braga. Now the winner of numerous awards. Built from scratch. Hewn from a cave and a rock. Mind boggling. Quality programming. It’s back on tonight (Thursday) featuring what Croke Park is like on All-Ireland Final day. Also a trek across the Irish Sea and a visit to Wrexham FC. Watch it.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club

Here comes summertime!


Just ahead of schedule review a reminder that clocks, watches, phones etc go forward this weekend. Yes, summertime begins at 2am on this coming Sunday morning, March 26th. Wouldn’t want you missing that match. Come to think of it we haven’t seen that much sunlight yet!
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, March 20th. Numbers drawn were 1, 15, 18 and 25 and the jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners were Tom Finn c/o PH Conna, Kevin Galvin Lacken, Margaret Barry phone number supplied, Pat Clancy Monagown Conna and Pat Rumley c/o PH. Which means the next draw with a jackpot of €12,200 will be held in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, March 27th.
That was the week that was
What a week that was as the Olympics of national hunt racing started with Barry Connell and Marine Nationaile surging home to win the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday afternoon, March 14th last. With it you feel another star was duly arriving on the greatest stage of all. Did you notice how many third and fourth string Mullins horses Michael O’Sullivan from Lombardstown was aboard for the rest of the week? Or is the mind playing tricks and simply overreacting to a spine tingling first day double? Understandable excitement with the impending retirement of Honeysuckle just after the mind-blowing performance of Constitution Hill in claiming her Champion Hurdle crown just before.
We rooted for Johnny Barry on Mahler Mission. Alas a late fall put paid to his chances in the National Hunt Novices Chase. Gallopin Des Champs made up for that cruel final fence fall 12 months ago and was class personified on final Gold Cup day. Remember he’s only 7 years of age. Remember you were witnessing vintage Willie Mullins and Paul Townend all week. Staying alive and you feel Willie will yet surpass the one hundred winner mark at the greatest festival of all. This year still has Aintree, Fairyhouse and Punchestown to come. Breathtaking.
On matters equine can we wish the best of good luck to the local committee on the staging of Ballynoe point to points this coming weekend. An institution in the Parish. That’s where a lot of these jumping stars start out. With maybe as many as 9 different trainers attaining success resulted in an 18-10 victory for the Prestbury Cup in the Cotswolds.
Grand Slam
A marvellously successful week for Irish sport completed by a hard earned though deserved win over the Roses at the Aviva on Saturday evening last. A Six Nations tussle with two seismic first half occurrences coming up to the break. That first half try for the home-based team before Freddy Steward saw red just before the break. Ireland wore down the English challenge and further tries from Henshaw, Herring and Sheehan with his second duly arrived. Rare that three of the four Irish tries scored were by hookers. A fourth Grand Slam arrived. But after previous wins came in Belfast, Cardiff and London this was a first attained in Dublin. Now the World Cup commences in early September with the Final scheduled for the end of October. Hold your breath.
National Leagues
When the terms semi-finals and final rise to the surface it gives one due notice of where we are with the national leagues. It’s Cork v Kilkenny at Nowlan Park and Limerick v Tipperary in this weekend’s hurling semi-finals. With the decider down for April 8th/9th. It looks like a Dublin/Derry Division 2 National Football League Final while Cork will meet Clare in the Munster Senior Football Championship at Ennis on Sunday, April 9th at 2pm. Winners play Limerick in the semi-final on Saturday evening, April 22nd at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Throw-in will be 7pm.
Round robin stages of the provincial hurling championship commence a day later. It’s Clare at home to Tipperary with reigning Munster and All-Ireland title holders Limerick up against Waterford, more than likely in Thurles. Waterford without a home pitch. One week later coming to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to play the Rebels. That’s timed for 4pm. Let the games begin!
Round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Midleton 4-20 St Catherines 1-05
Challenge games were being arranged, played and seen out. Opening sequence of matches in the hurling and football leagues fixed according to the master plan. All seeing the light of day. Likewise with the U18 leagues involving both codes. That was the story presenting itself through the month of February and early days of this month. On reflection an exceptionally dry period. Then from the middle of last week the situation changed. Down came the rains, pitches suffered, and games were pulled on a daily basis. Be they adult or juvenile. The only adult game played - and you would imagine just barely - was this division 2 junior hurling league tie at Clonmult Park on Sunday morning last. Midleton the superior force against understrength opposition who still produced the score of the contest. A probing Kian O’Donoghue delivery first timed to the net by an alert Eoin Sheehan on 54 minutes.
Scorers: E Sheehan (1-00), R Clancy (0-03 frees), W Leamy and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, C McAuliffe, P Keane, J Mulcahy, W Leamy, L O’Connor, D Galvin, J Hayes, K O’Donoghue, C Dinneen, R Clancy, S Cotter, E Sheehan, S Walsh and G Hartnett. Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Juvenile starts with O’Callaghan Cup
With twelve players from the starting line-up shared equally between Bride Rovers, Watergrasshill and St Catherines and defeated Harty quarter-finalists St Colman’s Fermoy for the first time since 2-11 were crowned Cork PPS Senior Hurling College Champions. Defeating Gaelcholáiste Mhuire 1-24 to 1-10 in the O’Callaghan Cup Final when played at the MTU campus on Tuesday, March 14th last. Included in the starting team would be Gearoid O’Brien, Oisín Fitzgerald, Fionn O’Connell and Sean O’Donoghue.
Section 1 round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U16 Football League
St Catherines 1-02 St Vincents 4-08
Switched from home to Farranree and the better team were victors of this tie when played on Sunday last at 12 midday. Scorers: J Temple (1-00) and G Sheehan (0-02 frees). St Catherine’s team: T Dee, F McCready, J Kenneally, C Barry, S Walsh, S Aherne, L Moore, J Pietropaolo, C Hickey, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan, T Clancy, S Wallace, J O’Connor and J Temple. Subs: C Murray for S Wallace, S O’Donoghue for F McCready, C O’Driscoll for J Pietropaolo, S McCarthy for L Moore. Also B Aherne. Referee P Walsh.
Upcoming on your fixture list
Friday, March 24th at Killeagh, round 3 division 2 East Cork Junior Football league v Glenbower Rovers/Killeagh at 8pm. Saturday, March 25th at Rathcormac, round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League v Bride Rovers at 1pm. Sunday, March 26th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League v St Colmcilles at 6pm. Wednesday, March 29th at Ballynoe, round 3 Premier 2 County U18 Hurling League v Bride Rovers at 6.30pm.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Lotto draw now has a jackpot of €12,000


It’s unlikely last week’s omission upset you too greatly. You’ll get them if you have to. Making up for it with the details from the last two weekly lotto draws. Numbers drawn were 9, 14, 16 and 32 and there was no jackpot winner on Monday night, March 6th. Consolation winners were Tom Morrison, Curraheen, Conna, James Ahern, West St, Tallow, Billy O’Connell, Kilphilibeen, Balynoe, Bill and Therese O’Keeffe, Ballynattin, Ballynoe and Donal O’Connor c/o HOC, Conna.
Results of the most recent draw from Monday night last, March 13th. Numbers drawn were 12, 15, 18 and 25 and a jackpot then standing at €11,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were KSSL c/o Conna PO, Carmel O’Keeffe, Fermoy, Siobhan Hayes, c/o HOC, Conna, Catherine McCready, online and Chris Dinneen, Monagown, Conna.
All of which means the draw on Monday night, March 20th in the Clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9pm now has an accumulated jackpot of €12,000.
Times, dates and venues for East Cork Junior B And C Championship Draws
Now, we’re doing this in the order it was received. Like the draws for the County Junior B1 Football Championship were with you on December 15th. Times, dates and venues followed a month later. Appearing on these pages on Thursday, January 12th. Though rep Colm Burke did inform us at a recent club meeting that the date for the proposed third round of fixtures is not proving popular. It being the Sunday of the June weekend. Onto Thursday, February 9th when the divisional league pairings through both codes were revealed. Championship draws were out a week later. It being Thursday, February 16th. Now getting you right up to speed with times, dates and venues for the East Cork Junior B And C Football and Hurling Championships.
St Catherines commence their divisional Junior B FC campaign against Erins Own at 3pm on Saturday, July 1st. Venue will be Castlemartyr. Then playing Cobh at Lisgoold on Friday evening, July 14th at 7.30pm. Back in Castlemartyr again when concluding their section B campaign, meeting Russell Rovers at 6pm on Sunday evening, August 20th.
Based in group A and the Saints start their Junior C FC campaign with a home draw against Glenville on the afternoon of Saturday, July 15th. It’s down for 3pm. Aghada have the home draw when meeting St Catherines one week later, on Saturday, July 22nd in Rostellan again at 3pm. Final group game will be against Carraig na bhFear. Fixed for Rathcormac on Friday evening, August 18th with a throw in of 7.15pm.
It`s a three-team group C for the Saints when they begin their East Cork Junior B HC against Castlemartyr at Dungourney on Friday evening, August 11th at 7.30pm. Then it’s Sarsfields on Sunday, August 27th at 12midday in Lisgoold. Clearly possessing a bye when it comes to round three.
St Catherines, Killeagh, and Cobh are the three teams domiciled in section C of the East Cork Junior C HC. Playing Killeagh at Ballynoe on Monday night, August 14th at 7.30pm and away to Cobh on Sunday, September 3rd. Times for 11.30am. Clearly not playing round two.
Club appointments
Revealed at the most recent meeting of the parent club held at 9pm on Thursday evening last is that Mary Galvin will be the new Club Development Officer. While Colm Burke will be the club proxy delegate to the East Cork Board. A few more decisions need to be made. In good time. All in good time.
National League action and other significant events over a busy weekend
Conceivably all four games played thus far could have gone the other way. It’s not too harsh a comment. Just keep that in mind for now as the Rebels move onto a semi-final with a game left to play. Cork play Clare this weekend in Ennis. At the best of times never an easy place to go. It’s encouraging though that it’s a Cork senior hurling team still seemingly bereft of quite a few first team players. Elsewhere the Cork footballers play a round six National League fixture against Louth at Ardee on this coming Sunday afternoon. Throw in will be 1pm. Remember ’57!
It`s down to the finish now as a shellshocked England head for the Aviva Stadium and it to be our national feast day. You would like to think Ireland will be able to absorb the loss of all injured players in their quest to defeat the old enemy and achieve what will be only the fourth grand slam in their history. Still, like Wexford hurlers last Sunday be very aware of a team coming in off the proverbial hammering. This will be no penalty kick.
Ok, two awards did come to this country. But not at all what was hoped for. Remember those banner headlines from early February – Ireland in Oscars heaven. That was after receiving 14 nominations. Still the proof of the pudding is in the eating! And the truth in all this is despite all the bolony, we did badly. All Irish media, be it print, TV, radio etc were engrossed in all home grown produce. Any opposition contenders were largely overlooked. Virtually also-rans. Real tunnel vision stuff. After all this settles down and new films come out just remember fourteen nominations is massive. But no more.
But the real hero of the weekend was Liam Burke up there across the road from Glengoura Church where his sister Carmel has been chapel woman for many years. Son Jonathon has over 50 winners in this year’s British National Hunt racing season and should be riding Love Envoi this week in Cheltenham. Liam is now the second oldest rider to win a race in Ireland and the oldest for a hundred years when his part owned Jeuchters Glory won the Bumper at Limerick on Sunday last. Surely it being the stuff of dreams. Ride on!
Juvenile action on the field of play
Round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League
St Catherines 2-07 Mayfield 1-04
Though not overly stretched Thomas Dee was dealing capably with anything coming his way between the sticks. Outside of him a halfback line of Cian McCarthy, Evan O’Driscoll and Conor Hayes, surging forward with intent and purpose at every given opportunity. Oisín Fitzgerald popping over some glorious points in this league tie played under lights at a bitterly cold Ballynoe on Friday night last at 8pm. Again though it was the finishing of Kieran Kelleher which really caught the eye and warmed the heart. There was a class finish for the first goal on 22 minutes. Setting up a lead for the home-based team on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-04 to 0-02.
In the move of the game involving Ciaran Pietropaolo finished with a delightful Sean O’Donoghue low cross field pass drilled in by the ideally placed Kelleher for the invaluable second goal just three minutes on from the resumption. Sole Mayfield scorer was Calvin O’Donovan with the goal surfacing on 40 minutes. Bu the time you get round to reading these notes second match from the Premier Two HL v Carrigtwohill was due for Ballynoe. Last night, Wednesday, March 15. There are 2 upcoming fixtures v Bride Rovers over both codes coming up the end of the month. Spread over a four-day period.
Scorers: K Kelleher (2-00), O Fitzgerald (0-01 free) (0-04), D O’Connell, C Leamy and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each). Mayfield scorer: C O’Donovan (0-03 frees) (1-04).
St Catherine’s team: T Dee, C Dunning, C McAuliffe, T Barry, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Hayes, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, C Leamy, K O’Donoghue, S O’Donoghue, K Kelleher, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell. Subs: G O’Callaghan McCarthy for C McAuliffe (40), J Hickey for K Kelleher (49), J Bryan for C Leamy (54), G Sheehan for D O’Connell (57). Referee Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Round 1 division 1 section 2 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League
St Catherines 1-03 Erins Own 6-11
Milder though breezier and wetter than it has been in recent times is how it was when opening their league campaign in overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday afternoon last.
Aodhan Burke, Alan Cotter and Tadgh Walsh were in for good early scores before a stronger Erins Own assumed almost complete control from there on in. With the result sealed long before the finish. Equivalent hurling to start in Watergrasshill this weekend.
Scorers: A Cotter (1-00), T Walsh (0-02 free) and A Burke (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Moore, C Higgins, S Walsh, K O’Connell, A Cotter, B O’Connor, E Dillon, T Walsh, T Morrison, J Mulkerrins, E O’Mahony, A Burke. Subs: S Riordan for C McCarthy (second half), S Early for J Mulkerrins (36), D Temple for T Walsh (48). Referee: Anthony O’Regan, Youghal.
Upcoming matches from the fixture list
Friday, March 17th at Magners Hill, round 2 division 4 Red FM County Senior Hurling League v Youghal at 11.30am. Saturday, March 18th round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League v Watergrasshill (away) at 3pm. Sunday, March 19th round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Midleton (away) at 11.30am. Sunday, March 19th at Ballynoe, round 1 section 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U17 Football league v St Vincents at 12noon.
Scór na bPáistí County Semi-Final
Now then let’s go through the Scór na bPáistí County Semi-Finals from Friday night last. There may have been a little misdemeanour previously. But St Catherines can now without question look forward to three finals the next day. Stephanie Carr is in the sean nós dance. As is Kate O’Connell performing John Condon in the solo singing competition. Also advancing are the group made up of Edril Jessan, Shrina Tellis, Scarlett Dinneen, Layla McNamara, Ethan Bryan, Tomas Morrison, Emma Turley and Julia Witnik in the novelty or sketch section. Piece put on labelled Oiche insan Museum. Performing with honour and distinction but unfortunately the ballad group consisting of IL Lane, Caitlin Twomey, Scarlett Dinneen, Amy Collins and Aoife Kenneally didn’t progress. They were singing Red is the Rose and Trasna na dTonnta. Now then take note. This year’s Cork county final of Scór na bPáistí will again be held at the Eire Óg GAA pavillion in Ovens. Going ahead on the afternoon of Saturday, April 1st at 3pm. Best of luck to all contestants.
Unfortunately, St Catherines had no entries in the East Cork Scór na nÓg finals which were held at 7pm on the Sunday night last in Lisgoold Community Hall.
Camogie Club Annual Table Quiz in Big Tree Bar
Nice people and good vibes making for an even better atmosphere all made for a memorable, enjoyable gathering for the camogie annual fundraising table quiz at a busy Big Tree Bar in Aghern on Saturday night last. Chairman Dave O’Sullivan declaring the club to be blown away, such was the magnitude of support on the night. They seemed to have plenty of staff. Quick to collect answers. Thus speeding up the information appearing on the scoreboard. Spot prizes were well received and well done to Mike Barry and staff in catering for the sizeable fun-loving crowd. Well done. Great night.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Round 1 Division 4 Red FM County Hurling League
St Catherines 0-19 Kildorrery 1-11
Two wins from three preceding challenge games resulted before the Saints procured a well-earned victory from their opening competitive match of the season when this round one tie when ahead in overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last.
Opening exchanges dominated by the freetaking exploits of Rory Galvin and James Keating with two thus far evenly matched teams together at 0-03 each and again at 0-05 each to 17 minutes. That said the home-based team were having the better of it from there to half’s end. Brian Mulcahy and Gearoid O’Brien were finding the range with 3 glorious long range frees from Eoin Davis establishing a five-point lead with the Saints ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-11 to 0-06.
Status quo maintained at 0-14 to 0-09 to 45 minutes. Further points from Daniel Mangan and Sean O’Donoghue with Rory Galvin ever accurate from placed balls pushed out the margin through the fourth and final quarter before the aforementioned Keating crashed home Kildorrery’s and the game’s only goal right at the death. Upcoming first team league matches are against Youghal. Ballyhea and Valley Rovers.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-07 frees), E Davis (0-04 frees), D Mangan (0-03) B Mulcahy (0-02), B O’Brien, G O’Brien and S O’Donoghue (0-01 each). Kildorrery scorers: J Keating (0-02 frees) (1-04), M Walsh (0-03 frees), S Kelly and P Harrington (0-02 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan, P Keane, C Hegarty, O Fitzgerald, J Neville, B O’Brien, K Neville, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, S O’Donoghue, G O’Brien, D Mangan and M Mulcahy. Subs: L O’Connor and E Wallace for K Neville and P Keane (both 42). A Neville for C Hegarty (47), K Barry for M Mulcahy (48), K O’Donoghue for S O’Donoghue (54), H Draper for G O’Brien (56). Referee: Christopher Scanlon (Russell Rovers).
Round 1 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 0-12 Watergrasshill 0-11
Colin Fenton was in strong scoring form in visitors Watergrasshill building up a narrow three-point advantage on a half-time scoreline of 0-08 to 0-05 in the opening division 2 HL tie of the season when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last.
That said the Saints were sticking to their task. Strong defensive play from James Neville and with William Leamy and Ben O’Brien sharing four points, two evenly matched teams were together for a fourth time at 0-11 each to 49 minutes. When Ronan Clancy struck for the match winning score with about 3 minutes to go. Next up are Midleton.
Scorers: B O’Brien and R Clancy (0-01 free) (0-03 each), H Draper and W Leamy (0-02 each), A Neville and J Hayes (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, S O’Brien, K Neville, D Galvin, B O’Connor, J Neville, P Keane, J Hayes, A Neville, H Draper, B O’Brien, K O’Donoghue, C Dinneen, R Clancy, W Leamy.
Subs: S Kearney for S O’Brien (17), E Sheehan for E Aherne (28), D Morrison for K O’Donoghue (second half). Also E Philpott and P Ryan. Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
Round 1 section 2 Premier 2 County U18 Hurling League
Youghal 0-16 St Catherines 5-15
A brace of John Temple goals at the beginning of both halves, the first coming inside the 5- second mark, meant the Saints were always in the ascendency when opening their Premier 2 campaign at a dull, overcast albeit dry Magners Hill at 3pm on Saturday afternoon last. Further scores from Darragh Morrison, Ciaran Leamy and Ciaran Pietropaolo with Oisín Fitzgerald pointing twice from distance followed in establishing a 1-10 to 0-08 interval advantage over a Youghal team very reliant on James Murray to register on their tally.
Having polished off the second early on the change of ends, John Temple then turned provider as Sean O’Donoghue skilfully and delightfully struck for a third visitors’ goal. Nathan Sheehan pointing from over near the sideline and it was 3-13 to 0-10 to 38 minutes and again at 4-14 to 0-12 at the end of the third quarter. Surging up from the back though they could have moved following a few substitutions and Conor Hayes became the 9th player to record a Saints’ score when forcing in a 5th goal on 57 minutes. It’s football v Mayfield this weekend. Next U18 hurling match will be against Carrigtwohill. Both matches in Ballynoe. See fixtures.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-02 frees) (2-03), J Temple (2-01) C Hayes (1-00), O Fitzgerald (0-01 ’65) and C Pietropaolo (0-03 each), D. Morrison (0-01 free) (0-02), C Leamy, K O’Donoghue and N Sheehan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: G Sheehan, C Hayes, E O’Driscoll, C McCarthy, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, C McAuliffe, D Morison, D O’Connell, D O’Donovan, C Pietropaolo, N Sheehan, C Leamy, S O’Donoghue, J Temple. Subs: C Dunning for S O’Donoghue (44), T Barry for O Fitzgerald (47), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for J Temple (56), C Murray for C McCarthy (57), J Bryan for C Leamy (58). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Next on your condensed fixture list
Friday, March 10th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League v Mayfield at 8pm. Sunday, March 12th at Ballynoe, round 1 division 1 section 2 Rebel Óg East U14 Football League v Erins Own at 3pm. Tuesday, March 14th at Sallybrook, round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Glanmire at 8pm. Wednesday, March 15th at Ballynoe, round 2 section 2 Premier 2 U18 Hurling League v Carrigtwohill at 8pm.
Sympathy
Condolences to the Hurleys, Garryanne, Upper Aghern on their recent family bereavement.
Intercounty league activity
Another good weekend at the office for John Cleary’s Rebels. Last Sunday’s win in Miltown Malbay their third from five outings in Division 2 of the Allianz National Football league. As attention shifts back to the sliotar. Wexford will be smarting from a heavy loss to the Banner in the last game. So should be coming with all guns blazing to Páirc Uí Chaoimh this coming Sunday afternoon, March 12th. Remember they won the corresponding fixture last year below in Chadwick Wexford Park. Be warned. Throw-in will be 3.45pm. Both Cork teams will be on the road the following Sunday with the footballers playing Louth in Ardee. That starts at 1pm. While the hurlers will be in Ennis for a 1.45pm throw-in. Hopefully they can keep it going.
What a week approaches
Just yet you can’t be using the word plethora. That said, there will be the regular flurry of matches. When does a flurry become a plethora? Stay tuned! Saturday night coming, March 11th sees the staging of the table quiz at The Big Tree Bar in Aghern. Biggest camogie club annual fundraiser of the year.
Then the focus of our attention shifts stateside in the busiest week of the year thus far. Headlines like “Ireland in Oscars heaven” and that’s just after the nominations will now be tested credibility-wise. Sunday, March 12 is awards night. In fairness we don’t seem as buoyant since the Baftas do we?
Irish media attention moves swiftly along from Hollywood to Cheltenham as the Olympics of National Hunt Racing touches base in what is geographically known as the west country. Now almost the preserve of the Irish. Galmoy, John Mulhern, Tommy Carmody now a joyous but distant memory. Basically, the UK seem reliant on Shiskin. Jonbon and Constitution Hill. You would think that overall if that trio were to come up trumps, well then satisfaction abounds. Barry Connell, Joseph O’Brien, Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliot will descend on the Cotswolds with meaningful thoughts and relevant hopes of plucking significant prizes and therefore major money. All that depends on the strike rate of Willie Mullins as the Master of Closutton could well have the favourite for maybe a dozen championship races next week. Such would be his strength in depth, second even third choice strings are more than capable of edging their noses in front.
There’s Six Nations in Edinburgh and Dublin. So studying all that – off goes the phone. Leave a message!
East Cork Scór na bPáistí Finals
A glorious treble for the Saints from the East Cork Scór na bPáistí finals held over two sessions at a busy Watergrasshill Community Hall on Sunday afternoon and evening last. Kate O’Connell with ‘John Condon’ winning out the amhranaioch aomhnair or solo singing competition. Also taking part without success was Aoife Kenneally with her rendition of ‘Red is the Rose’. Terrific success for St Catherines performing ‘Red is the Rose’ and ‘Trasna na dTonnta’ in the ballad group decider, winning the Dave Hoare Cup in the process. Group members were Amy Collins, Scarlett Dinneen, IA Lane, Caitlin Twomey and Aoife Kenneally. Treble completed in the novelty act or sketch, thus claiming the June Daly Cup with ‘Oiche insan Museum’. Group consisting of Edril Jessan, Shriya Tellis, Tomas Morrison, Layla McNamara, Ethan Bryan, Emma Turley, Julia Witnik and Scarlett Dinneen. Unlucky were Noah Keane, Jack Cunneen, Ronan O’Donoghue and Tomas Morrision. Just losing out in a play-off in the question time category. St Catherine’s other finalists were Aodhan Burke in solo music, Shane Riordan, Sean Moore, Kaylee O’Connor, Bebhinn O’Regan and Aoife O’Connor in the instrumental music section and Ellen O’Keeffe, Rebecca Lee, Aoife O’Connor, Juliet Aherne, Hannah Barry and Kaylee O’Connor performing ‘Battle of the Tackle’ in the novelty divisional final. Aghada were deemed strongest overall club. Taking home the Buckley/Casey Cup. Now it’s off to the Eire Óg GAA pavilion in Ovens with the County Scór na bPáistí semi-final going ahead on this coming Friday night, March 10th at 7.30pm.
Lotto
This week’s lotto results will appear along with details from Monday, March 13th in next week’s notes which come out on Thursday, March 16th.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

One or two practice matches have been played. Another could be imminent. Junior and newly introduced U18 football league are up and running. Hurling equivalent should commence this weekend. As should the opening fixture in division 2 of the East Cork Junior Hurling League. But when your club’s standard bearers in Imokilly that normally would be your first choice hurling team, are sampling the action, then can one say the season has started in earnest. So St Catherines are pencilled in to start their division four Red FM County Senior Hurling League campaign this coming weekend. Opponents will be Kildorrery. Geographical location, divisional difference and grading contrast have meant not much history prevails between St Catherines and Kildorrery. But just to whet the appetite, heighten awareness as it were, this week a brief reflection on their only championship encounter allied to the last league match between the clubs.
Kildorrery started the better. Dave Kelly pointing the way on 45 seconds of their fourth round County Intermediate Hurling Championship tie played at Rathcormac on Saturday evening, August 31st 2013. But with the teams together for a second time the Saints effort received a significant boost following a well taken Shane O’Brien goal. Setting up a lead on a scoreline of 1-04 to 0-04 to 16 minutes. Michael Walsh and Shane Cotter exchanged second quarter points. Maintaining the status quo. Half-time with the Saints still ahead. Score now standing at 1-09 to 0-09.
A timely Ed Aherne block between the sticks, Finbarr Stapleton and the razor-sharp Peter O’Brien added further points which meant two well matched teams were upsides each other now for a fourth time at 1-09 to 0-12 to 38 minutes. Shane Kearney industrious, always hard working, points the Saints’ first second half score from open play. Substitute Sean O’Farrell, Daniel Mangan, Brian Mulcahy and aforementioned O’Brien added to the tally and in a seemingly strong position as the Saints made for the winning line. But an Andrew O’Brien goal on 57 minutes reduced the margin to a two point gap and everything was up in the air again. A Sean O’Connor point trimming it to the minimum. But time ran out. St Catherines winners on an end scoreline of 1-17 to 1-16.
Kildorrery established a clear early advantage in the last competitive encounter between the teams. Shooting into an early 6-point lead in a round 6 Intermediate League tie played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, July 9th 2019. But an Eoin Wallace goal allied to the point scoring ability of Brian Mulcahy and Shane O’Brien saw the two teams together at 1-08 apiece, before Kildorrery polished off a late second quarter second goal from the prolific Peter O’Brien and were back in front on a score of 2-08 to 1-08 by half-time. Dylan Kent, William Fouhy and Shane Fitzgerald added to the tally and victory would go to Kildorrery on an end scoreline of 2-19 to 1-15. It was a result virtually putting paid to any hopes of league progression for the home-based team.
Statistics – 2013 Championship match
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-05 frees) (1-05), S Kearney (0-05), D Mangan (0-03), B Mulcahy (0-02), S Cotter and S O’Farrell (0-01 each). Kildorrery: P O’Brien (0-08 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-12), A O’Brien (1-00), D Kelly, M Walsh, F Stapleton and. S O’Connor (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Conor Hegarty, James Neville, Cal Aherne, Shane Fitzgerald, Liam O’Connor, Daniel Mangan, Ronan Clancy, Eoin Condon, Shane Kearney, Padraig O’Connor, Brian Mulcahy, Shane O’Brien, Shane Cotter (capt). Also Sean O’Farrell, Patrick Roche and Matthew Mulcahy. Referee: Michael O’Mahony (Kilbrittain).
2019 League match
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-07 frees) (0-08), E Wallace (1-00), B Mulcahy (0-03), S Cotter (0-02), R Galvin and P Roche (0-01 each). Kildorrery scorers: P O’Brien (0-06 frees) (1-10), J McEnery (1-00), D Kent and C Harrington (0-02 each), S Kelly, S Fitzgerald, W Fouhy, J O’Sullivan and L Kelly (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team; Eoin Davis, Eoin Wallace, Daniel Lonergan, Kieran Neville, Shane O’Regan, Conor Hegarty, James Neville, Shane O’Brien, William Walsh, Shane Cotter, Brian Mulcahy, Niall O’Regan, Patrick Roche, Rory Galvin, Philip Keane. Also Stephen O’Brien and Johnny Hurley. Referee Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
First competitive matches of new season
Round 1 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League
St Catherines 1-02 Erins Own 4-11
Kian O’Donoghue worked hard for the goal and opening score of the match inside two minutes. But thereafter Erins Own took over this Junior Football League tie played at a dry but cold Ballynoe on Sunday last at midday. Conor Lenihan influential on the half-line and goals from Adam Mylod and Ronan Blackton had them in a very strong position by half-time.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (1-01) and J Hayes (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, J Neville, E O’Riordan, P Keane, N Sheehan, L O’Connor, F O’Connell, R Galvin, O Fitzgerald, J Hayes, E Kenneally, H Draper, K Kelleher, K O’Donoghue and W Leamy. Subs: M Mulcahy and S Cogan for H Draper and W Leamy (both second half), B O’Connor and C McAuliffe for N Sheehan and K Kelleher (both 39’), W Leamy and H Draper for F O’Connell and O Fitzgerald (both 52’). Referee Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League
St Catherines 7-14 Kilworth/Araglen Óg 2-04
A hattrick of Kieran Kelleher goals coming through the opening 20 minutes laid the foundation for an emphatic Saints’ victory when opening their newly introduced U18 League campaign under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last.
Sean Óg Kenneally goaled from a penalty 10 minutes into the second half. But a hoped-for recovery never materialised. A contest played out with four left-footed precision-like points from substitute Kian O’Donoghue. There are upcoming hurling league matches against Youghal and Carrigtwohill. Next match in this competition will be at home to Mayfield again under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night, March 10th.
Scorers: K Kelleher (3-01), O Fitzgerald (0-01 free) (2-02), C Pietropaolo (1-03), K O’Donoghue (0-04), C Leamy (1-00), C Hayes, C Dunning, J Hickey and D O’Connell (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team; T Dee, T Barry, D Morrison, D O’Donovan, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, C McCarthy, C Hayes, N Sheehan, C Leamy, O Fitzgerald, D O’Connell, K Kelleher, C Pietropaolo, J Bryan. Subs; C McAuliffe, K O’Donoghue, A Bryan and J Hickey for D Morrison, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald and J Bryan (all second half), G Sheehan for D O’Connell (42’), D O’Connell for C Pietropaolo (49’), also D Murphy and G O’Callaghan McCarthy. Referee Arthur Murphy Killeagh.
Upcoming weekend fixture list
Friday, March 4th at Magners Hill, section 2 round 1 County Premier 2 U18 Hurling League v Youghal at 3pm. Sunday, March 5th at Ballynoe, round 1 division 4 Red FM County Senior Hurling League v Kildorrery at 11.30am.
Double header in Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Bit like Ireland in Rome from the day before and Cork made a number of changes for their National Hurling League encounter against Westmeath early on Sunday afternoon last. First half goals from Shane Kingston and Shane Barrett helping to establish a six-point home victory. Double completed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh with a resounding win over Limerick in round 4 of the National Football League. Cork are at home to Wexford in the next hurling match. Footballers away to Clare. Words previously used “So far so good!”

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again


With a few challenge games onto a season set to start in earnest over the next two weekends. First out of the traps and Kilworth Araglen Óg are visitors to Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh as the newly introduced division two Rebel Óg East U18 Football League kicks off this weekend. As does division two of the East Cork Junior Football League. St Catherines play Erins Own at Ballynoe on the Sunday morning. As of now all three days and nights of the weekend after that are booked. St Catherines will be at home to Watergrasshill in division two of the divisional junior hurling league under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night, March 3rd. Followed a day later by the first of two impending trips to Youghal, it’s U18 hurling league on the Saturday, Catherines also have a visit to the coastal town when the first choice hurling team call in on them in the middle of next month. But before that open their division four Red FM County Senior Hurling League campaign. Meeting Kildorrery at home early on the morning of Sunday, March 5th. Just might take a short look back on a few tussles with the Avondhu based opposition when back with you again next week. Deo volente!
U16 and U14 leagues are imminent. We park that there now. Don’t want to muddle you up this early.
So here they are, opening fixtures of the new season – Friday, February 24th at Ballynoe, round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U18 Football League v Kilworth Araglen Óg at 8pm. Sunday, February 26th at Ballynoe, round 1 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Erins Own at 12 noon.
Sympathy
Recently passing away was Fr Eddie Griffin, a direct descendent of the Ballynoe family and who we remember saying Masses in the local church. Especially through the seventies and eighties. He was buried recently in Bray. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
National Football League
Another intense few days of intercounty GAA activity. Mayo edging out Kerry in Castlebar on the Saturday night. Roscommon, Galway and even lowly Sligo continued a good and enjoyable period for the Western province 24 hours later as the National Football League gathers further momentum. Most of the papers on the Saturday had interesting features on the Cork/Dublin All-Ireland semi-final replay from 1983. Presumably by way of preview to the league match between the same two counties the next day. Although all of 40 years ago now it remains the most atmospheric and greatest Gaelic games spectacle to adorn the southern capital. Maybe due to the progress of time but had overlooked the fact that the masterful Tom Creedon passed away that night after an unfortunate accident. It being August 28th 1983. Same night as Catherines had defeated Midleton in the East Cork Junior A hurling below in Copperalley in Youghal. Indeed, the Saints had first two goals bagged with punters still coming through the gates. Such was the build-up of traffic getting out of the Rebel city. No motorway or bypass in those far off times.
Eoghan McSweeney and Mattie Taylor polished off the Cork goals last Sunday. Another was disallowed. Presumably there was a square infringement. A few other chances weren’t availed of. Some embarrassingly so. Very much a work in progress. There really isn’t much room for error from now on. Starting this weekend with a double header. First up the round 3 hurling encounter v Westmeath at 1.45pm, then the footballers face Limerick, throw in will be 3.45pm. Both matches in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
What must be obvious to all and sundry are the huge crowds attending the programme of league matches. Boosted by excellent weather conditions. Not a cancellation in sight thus far. Long may it continue. Touch wood.
Off the field of action and Jarlath Burns is President Elect of the Association. Uneven age groups hold up at underage level and the Kingdom could be heading for the Munster Hurling Championship. Main points of interest emerging from the Annual Congress in Croke Park. Also the week that saw the retirement of another Tipperary stalwart. Yes, John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer calls it a day from intercounty action. A joy to behold and a delightful player to watch. He wouldn’t be long punishing you. Ireland head for Rome in the Six Nations and then we will be into another attractive weekend. Hang in there!
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night, February 20th. Numbers drawn were 13, 17, 19 and 23. There was no jackpot winner. The consolation winners on the night were – Roy Hartigan c/o PH Conna, Marie Mellerick Conna, Caroline Jones c/o TVM Bartlemy, Michael Lane Shanakill Curraglass and Mary Ronayne c/o TVM Bartlemy. A draw for a jackpot now standing at €11,400 will take place in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, February 27th at 9pm. Everyone welcome.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Lotto jackpot back up to €11,000


Now what have we for you this time around? Well, we have a brief reflection on likely league and championship opposition at divisional B and C grades entailing both codes. U16 and 18 grades in both football and hurling are now with the club. Much made of that protest march last weekend and it triggered off memories of a juvenile social held at Lismore Hotel in the spring of 2011. Brief look back on that. Allied to the most recent lotto results and much more. Get stuck in!
Upcoming divisional league and championship opposition
You’re already well versed in county league and championship opposition through both codes. This week homing in on likely pairings for the divisional equivalent. Starting with the big ball and St Catherines will be based in division 2 of the East Cork Junior Football League. Also in there will be Midleton, Glanmire, Glenbower Rovers, Aghada, Fr O’Neills, Erins Own and Dungourney. According to the master plan likely to kick off (like the pun?!) in a fortnight’s time. While eight teams constitute the East Cork Junior B Football Championship. Being Castlelyons, Russell Rovers, St Catherines, Cobh, Dungourney, Glenville, Erins Own and Glanmire. Football manager is Liam O’Connor with the Saints also lining out in an eleven team Junior C Championship. That also involves Glanmire, Aghada, Midleton, Lisgoold, Ballinacurra, Bride Rovers, Glenville, Glenbower Rovers, Carrig na bhFear and Carrigtwohill. One could see those teams subdivided into different groups.
Again eight teams make up the division two Junior Hurling League. St Catherines aside there will also be Midleton, Aghada, Castlemartyr, Watergrasshill, Youghal, Cloyne and Killeagh. That could commence first weekend of next month. There are twelve teams in the Junior B Hurling Championship, Ripe for picking into three groups of four. They being Aghada, Youghal, Watergrasshill, Castlelyons, Castlemartyr, St Catherines, Sarsfields, Cloyne (1), Lisgoold, Killeagh, Cloyne (2) and Erins Own. Ed Galvin will take charge of B And C teams. With the C squad just championship only and in with Bride Rovers, Russell Rovers, Midleton, Carrig na bhFear, Carrigtwohill, Killeagh, Fr O’Neills, Cobh, Dungourney and Erins Own. It might be early in the new season. But as the saying goes ‘may the best team win!’.
First of the juvenile gradings revealed
This is how we’re going to tackle a subheading such as that. First of all, Rebel Óg have been asked by the powers that be to organise U18 competitions for the imminent new playing season. So the general outline of juvenile fixtures for 2023 is shaping up like this so far. First of all, clubs are expected to enter U13, U15 and U17 as they are the primary age grades. However it will be a season beginning with U18, U16, U14 and U12 with U18 leagues coming into play on week ending February 25/26. They will continue until around early May where the U17 leagues should be starting around the 10th, stopping for the exam break and continuing until championship commences in mid-July. You should have noticed by now that helpfully the U18 and U17 leagues won’t overlap. U14 championships will be as per last year. U13 leagues, U15 and U17 championships commence after exams until their inevitable conclusion. It would be hoped U16 championships could be brought in then. Like they were in 2021 and 2022.
So far gradings at U18 and U16 level have been revealed. With the U18 hurlers playing premier two and division two for football. St Catherines are based in division one hurling and two in football. In theory it all looks easy enough to follow. We will be back to you again as more age group activity surfaces.
Scór
Marie Clancy says 7pm sharp is the time for the Scór na bPáistí trials in Ballynoe Community Hall on Monday night, February 13th. Names still sought for East Cork Scór na nÓg finals in Lisgoold Hall on Sunday evening, March 12th. Time 7pm.
Meeting of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club
As the subheading points out there will be a meeting of St Catherines underage committee in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on tonight Thursday, February 9th. Timed for 8.30pm.
National League Weekend
Before a ball would be kicked or struck there were numerous developments off the pitch when it comes to GAA affairs. Like there won’t be a replay in the Kilmacud Crokes – Watty Graham’s Glen All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship final. Looks like a venue must still be found for the Katie Taylor/Serrano world title fight. Thanks to full attendances and the Ed Sheeran and Garth Brooks concerts, Director General Tom Ryan was telling us on Thursday evening that national revenue was up nearly 30% on 2021.
Poor finishing incorporating nine first half wides, mostly from the same side, amounting to an eight-point interval deficit. But two second half goals, finished off by Robbie O’Flynn and Declan Dalton backed up by a priceless point off substitute Shane Kingston, saw the Rebels dig out a narrow confidence boosting success over reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick in their opening National Hurling League tie of the season at a well-attended Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night last. Third win over the Shannonsiders in three different competitions in about four weeks. Take it easy now. You could hardly say it was a surprise. But the margin was, as the Rebels recorded a sizeable win over Kildare at Newbridge or nowhere in the second round of the football league 24 hours later. Cork play Galway in the hurling league at Pearse Stadium this coming Sunday. Dublin will be football visitors on the afternoon of Sunday, February 19th at 3.45pm.
Lismore Hotel protests
Main item topping the national news headlines on Sunday night week last (January 29th) centred on the protests of over 200 people regarding the opening of a direct provision centre of some 117 and possibly more asylum seekers in the premises of the now closed Lismore Hotel. We had taken part in a few quizzes there over the years. But it really triggered off memories of a juvenile social held at the venue. St Catherines, winners of the last old 13-a-side East Cork U16 C Football Championship were honoured. Winning captain was Aaron Neville, manager was Seamus Neville along with fellow mentors Denis Walsh, Tom Morrison and Paul Galvin. Guest speaker at Lismore that night was Cork All-Ireland winning football medallist Paddy Kelly. Date of social was Friday, January 28th 2011.
U16 panel
Eoin Corcoran, Paddy Lee, James Neville, Adam Clohessy, Shane O’Brien, Daniel Mangan, Robert Keane, Cathal Leahy, Paul Tobin, Eoin Condon, Christopher O’Donnell, Johnny Hurley, Aaron Neville (team captain), Cormac Mulcahy, Jack Buckley, Ryan O’Neill, Jonathon O’Connell, Richard Condon, Cian Doyle, Brian Davis, Ronan Geary, Cathal Galvin and Eoin Kearney.
The U11 hurling panel were also honoured on the night – Shane Spillane (captain), Aaron Long, Cormac Galvin, Philip Keane, Niall O’Regan, Eoin Wallace, Richard Galvin, Darren Leamy, Eoin Davis, Owen O’Neill, Kieran English, Padraig Bryan, Eoin Sheehan, Robert English, Andy Leahy, Adam O’Brien and Shane Kelleher.
Mighty weekend with sport on the box
A finger injury picked up a few years ago manifested itself over the weekend. Such was the amount of channel hopping being endured. Particularly to Sandown, over to Cardiff and back to Leopardstown. Surely this clash with that new bank holiday on board is now avoidable. Can the so-called Minister for Sport achieve anything? Signed – Desperate!
In fairness Ireland weren’t as good as the 35-10 scoreline would seem to indicate. It was flattering. But for the first time in 10 years did win in a cauldron without the services of a few clear first choice players. Fabien Galthie brings a much-revered French squad to Dublin on Saturday. More knowledge to be acquired off the learning curve after that. Just ease off on being the world’s best team. Their consistency, points earned over collective tests pushing up your rankings. Don’t get too engrossed in that.
Quite a few adjectives could be used to describe Irish Champions weekend. We opt for magic. Good for Gavin Cromwell and Gordon Elliot. But the Master of Closutton stole the show. Fifteen races. Eight winners. Yet in recent times and over the weekend as well frequent perceived good things have seen reputations tarnished. Energumene, appreciate it, lossie mount, facile vega, blue lord. Often by so called second even third strings out of the super powerful Willie Mullins yard. Just as one question is answered. Out pops the follow up. Do you know what? That’s the ideal situation. It’s downhill all the way now as preparation is cranked up still further for the impending Olympics of National Hunt racing on the Cotswolds in five weeks’ time. Cheltenham Gold Cup is on St Patrick’s Day. Gallopin de Champs will top the Irish expectancy level. Could the real threat emerge from the box at home there in Bagenalstown? Time to get focussed on the buster for the pub!
Stage happenings
We had been looking forward to it for weeks. Though not portrayed as such but we all knew inside that ‘Words, Lies and Stories of d’Unexpected’ would be many people’s highlight of the 3-week stint of the Blackwater Valley Fit Up Theatre Festival. Then early on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 31st came the dreaded phone call and with it the bad news. Through no one’s fault but the show was cancelled. Jon Kenny not feeling well and hospitalised. Devastation. But of more importance hopefully the man gets better. For now, letting you know that a previous Irish Times winning production from a few years back will return to the circuit after Easter. Ballynoe is one of the agreed venues.
Compensation quickly arriving in the form of the first of five productions of the Michael J Ginnelly comedy ‘A Wake in the West’ put on by the local amateur dramatic society in Conna Community Hall on Saturday night last. A hilarious laugh from the outset with lots of familiar faces in tow. Well done to what are a well-established group and they make a return to the venue again this coming Friday and Saturday night and the same again the weekend after. Go and see.
Rebels’ Bounty Draw
Now then, as County Board delegate Colm Burke let us know at a recent regular meeting, tickets for Rebels’ Bounty for are now available. Get two months free when you sign up for 12 months. Full payment is €100, €10 per month for 10 months direct debit. All cash prizes. Thirty a month amounting to €100,000. A reminder that there is a first prize of €20,000 a month. It’s a €25,000 jackpot for Easter and August. First prize €100,000 in December. Start the festive season early. Closing date for the year comes up mid to the end of February. Draws for the months of January, February and March will be in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday, March 30th. Get cracking.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw held on bank holiday Monday night last, February 6th. Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 20 and 32. There was no winner of the €10,800 jackpot. Consolation prizes go to Pat O’Brien Ballynoe, Sean Buckley/Jane Barry c/o The Big Tree Aghern, R Straub c/o PH, Dan Cotter c/o Castlelyons PO and Susan McCarthy Caher Lacken. With a jackpot now standing at €11,000 the next draw in the clubrooms, Ballynoe will be on Monday night, February 13th at 9pm. Everyone welcome.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief look back to that memorable mid-summer U14 double


Few would quibble that the mid-summer double entailing both codes at U14 level to be the juvenile highlight of the season now over. U15 hurling success was forthcoming from a lesser competition. Brief reflective look back to heighten awareness this week with time on our hands. Just before we do results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, January 30th. The numbers drawn were 8, 29, 31 and 32 and the then accumulated jackpot of €10,600 was not won. Consolation winners were James Cullinane, online, Mike and Ciara c/o The Big Tree Bar, Aghern, Thomas Murphy c/o PH, Aoife King, online, and Tina Daley, Castlebrook, Conna. With a jackpot of €10,800 there will be a draw on Bank Holiday Monday, February 6th in the clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9pm. Everyone welcome.
A brief look back at last year’s U14 and 15 successes
Pride of place from a juvenile perspective at the recent successful social held at the excellent Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 20th last invariably goes to the U14s. Attaining that magnificent mid-summer double. Initiated following an earlier emphatic success over Lisgoold would then go on in what was a dour struggle before just getting the better of an always gallant Bride Rovers in the final of the Division 2 Rebel Óg East Football Championship decider. Match played in Dungourney on Sunday evening, June 12th. Final score St Catherines 4-06 Bride Rovers 3-05. Winning captain was Liam Moore. Perceived to be a secondary competition and crammed in between momentary breaks in thirteen and fifteen leagues the hurling final in an intense programme of matches went ahead just four evenings later in glorious conditions. Ballinacurra being the venue on Thursday evening, June 16th. Wins had been recorded along the way over Kilworth/Araglin Óg 3-26 to 2-10 and Mallow played in Ballynoe 4-12 to 2-05. Settling quickly to their task and two Callum O’Driscoll goals were major contributions to a 13-point half-time lead St Catherines mentors and players weren’t making much of the 2-10 to 1-00 scoreline. Watergrasshill weren’t settling for this. So it proved. Score standing at 2-11 to 2-06 to 46 minutes. Goals from Eoghan O’Mahony and Kyle O’Donoghue gradually easing ever intensifying pressure though maintained right to the end. Score at the finish was St Catherines 4-14 Watergrasshill 5-08. Goalkeeper Shane O’Donoghue was winning captain.
After a win over Fr O’Neills, well-earned success over Mayfield ensued in the Division Two Rebel Óg East U15 Hurling Shield Final played in Ballinacurra on the afternoon of Saturday, October 1st. John Temple was winning captain.
How the panels shaped up
U14 football – Jaydn O’Connor, Cathal Barry, Shane O’Donoghue, Liam Moore, Sean Walsh, James Kenneally, Ronan Hickey, Julian Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, Shay McCarthy, Kyle O’Donoghue, Billy McKee, Tadgh Walsh, Tristan Clancy, Eoghan O’Mahony. Also Billy Ahern, Cathal Higgins, Liam Kilmartin and Billy O’Connor.
U 14 hurling – Shane O’Donoghue, Cathal Barry, James Kenneally, Liam Moore, Billy McKee, Sean Walsh, Ronan Hickey, Alan Cotter, Julian Pietropaolo, Tadgh Walsh, Tristan Clancy, Billy Ahern, Callum O’Driscoll, Kyle O’Donoghue, Eoghan O’Mahony. Also Cathal Higgins, Liam Kilmartin, Billy O’Connor, Shay McCarthy and Thomas Morrison.
In all, five matches over two codes played in a 22 day programme.
U15 hurling – Shane O’Donoghue, James Kenneally, Connor Murray, Liam Moore, Jake Pratt, Fionn McCreedy, Julian Pietropaolo, Tristan Clancy, Cillian Hickey, Shay Wallace, Gearoid Sheehan, Kyle O’Donoghue, Thomas Dee, John Temple, Alan Cotter. Also Sean Walsh, Callum O’Driscoll, Cathal Barry, Billy McKee, Ronan Hickey, Liam Kilmartin and Eoghan O’Mahony.
Cork Yearbook
Glossy and colourful Cork GAA Annual can now be purchased for €8 in the shops. Containing a full review of all championships in both codes along with thorough articles on Rebel Óg, ladies football, camogie and Scór. There are also informative and interesting references on Sciath na Scol and a full divisional round up. A production of 114 pages also contains a look back at those contributing enormously over the years. Sadly no longer with us. Including Michael Collins and Dr Tom Cavanagh. There are some stunning action pictures taken throughout the year. Sean O’Donoghue and Oisin Fitzgerald in their rich rebel red jerseys taken from the Munster minor hurling championship included. Stylish read.
National Football League
Disastrous few days with Clare the only Munster winners from the opening sequence of matches in the Allianz National Football League. They now travel to Navan to play the royals this weekend. Meath recording a solid victory over the rebels, their old nemesis, and already you feel the heat pressing on Cork who now head to Kildare and that’ll be Newbridge or nowhere! Commencing this weekend and the equivalent hurling league kicks into action. Cork are at home to Limerick on Saturday evening, February 4th. Throw-in will be 7.30pm. If you’re not going it’s live on RTE 2. After all that rugby and racing – phew!
Further club appointments
Keeping you in the loop that field chairman in Billy Neville. While a few other appointments were settled on at a recent meeting of the parent club held on Wednesday night, January 25th last. Fixtures chairman of St Catherine’s Club is Ed Galvin. Always does an excellent job with the booking of the fields. An even more demanding role now with the addition of the ladies footballers on to the wishes of the camogie girls and the adult and juvenile both hurling and football teams. He has proven he is more than capable. Onto his appointment as coaching officer, agreed at the AGM from November 25th Ed is also junior B and C hurling manager. Their league season should start early March. Busy, busy, busy.
Cathal Leahy is players injury fund officer. Kevin Galvin will chair the finance sub-committee.
Observations from above
Reaction to those 14 Oscar nominations has been excessive and way over the top. Nice to get them and reward for those picked out and involved in the business as a whole. Even The Examiner brandished a select front page colourful spread under the subheading ‘Ireland in Oscar heaven’. It’s not. Sunday, March 12th is what counts. When all is revealed. All we have are nominations. It’s like the All-Stars. Six or seven nominated. They get the free dinner. Maybe one or two selected. If they’re lucky.
Reaction from media angles be it TV or radio or print has been the rest of the nominations are just making up the numbers. Ne Vereor! If they come they come from the Banshees. Best Picture, Best Actor. But Austin Butler (Elvis) and Brendan Fraser (The Whale – remember The Mummy?) are up against Colin Farrell. In racing terms this will go to the wire. Beware. But we have no certainties even if Ireland did receive fourteen nominations.
While it’s a huge weekend coming up with big sports events. There is the start of the Six Nations. Also there is the ever expanding Dublin Festival of Racing, possible eight grade ones over the two days. Cork play Limerick in the National Hurling League. All events mentioned getting huge media coverage. Surely the rugby/racing clash was avoidable. Both would have known for some time the dates of their respective events. Why couldn’t Leopardstown be moved from Saturday/Sunday to Sunday and the newly created bank holiday Monday? Surely that’s a win/win situation. As it stands they’d be the ones to lose out. Now that’s the end of this week’s cribs!
Scór
Now we will go through what we have in Scór circles just for you again this week. Don’t forget the club Scór na bPáistí qualifier goes ahead as planned in Ballynoe Community Centre on Monday night, February 13th. View would be to have teams in place for the divisional semi-finals down for Lisgoold on February 25th/26th. Assuredly that domestic round would always be competitive, well supported and attended. Final is on March 5th. Don’t have venue yet. Moving on and if anyone out there going to secondary school and interested in song, dance, traditional music etc, well then please give your name to Marie Clancy, Cultural Office of our club, if willing to take part in the East Cork Scór na nÓg finals which are fixed for Sunday evening, March 12th in Lisgoold Community Hall at 7pm. Keep you posted as we go on.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Successful night at well attended Social in Rochestown Park Hotel


Exactly twelve months to the day since then Taoiseach Micheal Martin nearly trotted down the steps of Government Buildings revealing the removal of Covid restrictions and St Catherines Juvenile GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football Clubs were back in the Rochestown Park Hotel for the annual Social. Previous to that we update your lotto results service. Ok off you go. Read on. Enjoy!
Lotto
In starting your lotto results update service we give you all the details from Monday, January 16th. Numbers drawn were 7, 23, 27 and 31 and the €10,200 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were D/A Hartigan c/o PH Conna, Mary Beecher Ballymacsimon Castlelyons, Carolyn Motherway Dungourney, Brendan Wilson Monagown Conna and Liz O’Dowd Conna.
The results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday, January 23rd were as follows – numbers drawn 1, 2, 13 and 20 and there was not winner of the jackpot. Consolation winners were D ~ S Syndicate c/o Winacre Stables, Batt Sheehan Ballymonteen Ballynoe, Sean Cronin c/o The Big Tree Aghern, Elaine Wallace Ballynoe and Billy Ahern Shanakill Curraglass.
All of which means the next draw on Monday night, January 30th in the Clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9pm has a jackpot of €10,600.
Annual Social
Now how are we going to do this? Ok, decision made. Here we go, hope you like it! It being virtually three years to the night since we had a gathering of this size and magnitude. Well, indoors anyway! That was the function of January 17th 2020. To club PRO John O’Mahony the honour of welcoming just short of 300 paying customers, briefly explain the format of the journey we were about to embark on. More or less declaring St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA, Camogie and the Parish’s newest recruits the Ladies Gaelic Football Club Annual Social was on the starting line. Having entered through the main door then bypass the Kiltegan Suite, room of many a memorable occasion, then upstairs to the scene of our destination, the Estuary Suite of the Rochestown Park Hotel at around 7pm on Friday evening last.
One found Niamh Pyne’s address very informative. As club chairperson giving us relevant dates like first AGM of the ladies’ football club to be Friday night, February 11th 2022. Out on the field and training by March 24th. Holding a three-day summer camp from August 8th-11th. A kind of condensed brief five minute history of a club very much in its infancy. Speaking highly of Martina O’Connor for her work and all the girls who play what is Ireland’s fastest growing sport. Adding great goodwill was bestowed on them from the Parish overall. Both Niamh and Camogie Club chairman Dave O’Sullivan thanking the GAA for their help and use of their facilities. Dave also congratulating Curraglass School on their success in the Sciath na Scol football finals.
On the GAA front underage managers of the very young, most notable Paddy Ryan, Steve Cummins and Paul O’Connell all spoke highly of their troupes. Outgoing Juvenile Chairman Brian Sheehan, an old hand at this job, in his address to the sizeable gathering thanked his fellow officers. Also that sort of mini sub-committee who basically organised the whole night. We list Susan Sheehan, Lisa Moore, Fiona Sheehan, Margaret Fitzgerald, Niamh Pyne and Marie Coakley. On board again for this year are John and Jackie Mulcahy and all are very appreciative of their generous and now ongoing sponsorship. St Catherines also promote Scór. Real highlight of the year on the playing front was that dynamic mid-summer double of winning the Division two Rebel Óg East U14 football championship with a final victory over Bride Rovers at Dungourney on Sunday, June 12th. Just four evenings later at sunny Ballinacurra getting the better of Watergrasshill in the Division one Rebel Óg North/Mid/East U14 hurling championship final. One of the games of the year. Winning captains were Liam Moore and Shane O’Donoghue. Later under the captaincy of John Temple taking the division two Rebel Óg East U15 hurling shield. Final also played in Ballinacurra early on the afternoon of Saturday, October 1st. Final score St Catherines 1-14 Mayfield 0-08.
All presentations to the players at the social were made by club and county stalwarts Laura Hayes, Aoife Hurley and Finola Neville. Aptly described by Brian as ambassadors for the St Catherines GAA Club. All are very proud of them. Parent club chairman Tom Morrison made a presentation to the three girls as a gesture for their achievements and presence on the night. A raffle on the door tickets was won by Orla Finn and Liam O’Connell.
Our DJ for the night was Fermoy’s own Pat Feerick. Pat knows what they want. Giving it to them in spades. Though not present on the night, off on another sun holiday, would you blame him, we thank Tom Tobin for the facilities and fine food of the Rochestown Park. Ballynoe man Padraig Casey proving an able deputy. This is always a good night. Still it is what you make it. During a season you invariably meet these people at meetings or on the line at games. It’s strictly business. Here it is more of a bonding session, mingling ina totally different environment. Just be careful of the new road structure, especially at Dunkettle on approach.
Gaelic Games interest elsewhere
A weekend of firsts for the Rebels on the provincial hurling and football fields. Newly appointed Pat Ryan collected his first piece of silverware as manager which was presented to first year captain Sean O’Donoghue with Cork only just edging over the line with a narrow victory over Tipperary in the Munster Senior Hurling League final played at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday afternoon last. Thus completing a double. Having recorded a six-point success over Limerick in the McGrath Cup senior football final when played in Mallow just two nights previously. Surely respective opening National League fixtures against both Meath and Limerick should tell us more.
Though perhaps not by the end margins envisaged yet Ballyhale Shamrocks and Kilmacud Crokes, both beaten in last year’s deciders, this time recorded deserved successes in the respective All-Ireland senior club hurling and football finals when played at GAA headquarters last Sunday. Kilkenny club Shamrocks becoming hurling champions for a ninth time. While Kilmacud were winning their third football title overall in a championship also collected by three other Dublin teams over the years.
If their performance in the competition is anything to go by well then the Premier county is and will be in a healthy state. For the first (there’s that word first again!) time in the competition’s history two Tipperary schools will play out the final of the TUS Dr Harty Cup. Unbeaten Thurles CBS, who were put to the pin of their collars by St Colmans the last day, made easy enough work of Midleton CBS, last Cork school remaining in the most prestigious second level competition of Munster College hurling. Now playing CBS Cashel in the decider fixed for Saturday, February 4th.
Over the weekend we also learned that Ballinhassig’s own Jacqui Hurley will be the new presenter of The Sunday Game. If Marty Morrissey is under pressure fulfilling his role as Gaelic Games correspondent now that he is about to embark on a music promotion tour. Is he trying to make himself too big? Either way you feel RTE would have a ready-made replacement in Damian Lawlor, from up there in the Burgess/Portroe area of North Tipp and previously employed by The Star and Independent Newspapers. For now the knowledgeable and likeable Damian is to host the badly needed highlights show on a Saturday night. Also on screen this summer will be Joe Canning, Peter Canavan, previously with BBC NI and Sky Sports, David Tubridy (wouldn’t one Tubridy be enough?!) and Tomas Ó Sé is making a welcome return. Sure why not with the schools closing in early June.
Senior Munster Championship Draws
They may seem that bit far away now, and indeed they are. But leagues commence end of the month or early February depending on code. On completion, it`s downhill all the way to the commencement of the provincial Senior Football Championship. Starting with the Tipperary Waterford and Cork v Clare opening day pairings down for April 9th. Semi-finals go ahead 3 weeks after that. Barring a Cork Kerry partnership, a Munster senior football final could be a difficult sell for Sunday, May 7th.
A much more attractive proposition are the round robin stages of the equivalent Hurling Championship. With on-going work on Walsh Park it looks like no home games again for Waterford this championship year. They start their campaign v champions Limerick on Sunday, April 23rd. No pitch confirmed. You would imagine Thurles, wouldn`t you? Clare will be at home to Tipperary the same day. Although fighting hard for it do Waterford play better away from Walsh Park? Cork will be free that day. Starting off v Waterford on Sunday, April 30th at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Twenty-four hours previous Limerick play neighbours Claire at 7pm in Páirc na nGael on Saturday evening, April 29th. Cork will be at home to Tipperary on Saturday evening, May 6th. Waterford v Clare one week later. But where? That could be a tricky one now. Onto Sunday, May 21st for round four fixtures. Cork play Clare up in Ennis. Limerick at home to the Rebels. Likewise Tipp will play the Decie in Thurles. Sunday, June 11th is the date for the Munster Senior Hurling Final. Times, dates and venues confirmed following a provincial council meeting in Mallow on Tuesday night, January 17th last.
Condolences
Just right now it all seems a little excessive as this week we offer our sympathies to all family members on what was the sad passing of Noreen Hartigan of Kilcoran, Conna in the early days of last week. Noreen would be a sister of fellow officer and clubman Pat Hartigan and though it’s all gone high tec now with registrations through Foireann Pat retains the role of registrar and you can pay your membership through him. It’s only the thick skinned try to evade Pat. With Billy Neville returning as Field Chairman and Thomas ‘Waxer ‘Murphy down there for a considerable part of the year nevertheless it must be said Pat puts in as big a shift as anyone. Pat won’t take any shortcuts or indeed the easy way out. Though not as involved, Toss would help out if wanted. Quietly and efficiently. You’d hardly know he’d be there. Toss’s daughter and Noreen’s niece Regina won that €20,000 jackpot in pre-Christmas lotto draw. Mary Cotter and Annette based in the UL would also be sisters. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Scór
Club Irish/Cultural Officer Marie Clancy was on the phone last week as a reminder that the East Cork Scór na bPáistí semi-finals will be on in Lisgoold Community Hall on week ending February 25th/26th. No date or venue can be confirmed for finals. But we gather all must be completed at divisional level by March 4th. St Catherines will host their own club eliminators in Ballynoe Community Hall on Monday night, February 13th. More Scór news shortly. Sure tis the season!
Fit-Ups coming to a close
It does seem to have passed quickly. We are now 75% through our allotted programme. Heading into what will be the favourite of many with the visit of Jon Kenny. Putting on a stupendous performance with Crowman on his last visit three years ago. Now returning with the also self-penned ‘Words, Lies and Stories of D’Unexpected’. It will close out the Fit-Ups season in our midst. It’s for showing in Ballynoe Community Hall on Wednesday night coming, February 1st. Tickets priced at €15 are available at the door. A show of 80 minutes duration with no interval commences at 8pm. A little birdy tells me there might be something else stirring heading into the spring. Say nothing till you hear more!
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

A look at first team hurling league programme



Well, the hour is nigh as the annual social of St Catherines Juvenile GAA, Camogie and newest recruits the Ladies Football Club returns to the fold this weekend. clubs on Friday night coming, January 20th in the Rochestown Park Hotel. We hope everyone enjoys the night.
Dates and venues for division four of ther Red FM Count Senior Hurling League
In a previous publication we highlighted the intricacies going with the first team hurling league. St Catherines are due to commence their campaign on Sunday, March 5th when Kildorrery are visitors to Ballynoe. Games will be played on a fortnightly basis and are timed for the mornings. Presumably the schedule could be tampered with. But only by mutual agreement. Next up and first trek on the road is to Youghal for Sunday, March 19th. Not sure it to be Magniers Hill or Copper Alley. All will be revealed in due course.
Then it`s back home for the visit of Ballyhea on Sunday, April 2nd. While it`s been some time since playing a match in Brinny. Played Courcey Rovers there in 2009 and the home team three years later. Last visit was for playing Cloughduv in the Rebel Óg East U13 B Hurling Championship final on Sunday morning, August 25th 2013. Winning captain was Ben O`Brien and James Spillane did the driving. St Catherines play Valley Rovers in round four of the Red FM division four County Senior Hurling League on Sunday morning, April 16th. There will be a third visit inside 11 months from Aghabullogue, which is down for April 30th. Before back-to-back trips to Lisgoold – Sunday, May 14th and Cloyne – Sunday, May 28th. Final home game in what is a 9 match schedule features the visit of Ballinhassig, now coached by Sean Guineen, on Sunday June 11th. Rounding up the sequence on the morning of Sunday, June 25th above in Milford. Guarantee you I will drive past that blue entry gate on arrival. We should have a fair idea on the state of the parties, the lie of the land as it were by then.
Bringing you right up with the here and now and heartiest congratulations go to Ballygiblin. Mark Keane breaching the opposition defence before offloading to Darragh Flynn, whose goal inside the opening minute had them into a lead not for relinquishing. Five points to the good at the interval and following a rousing third quarter performance, were deserving winners. Ballygiblin returned to Ballynoe early in September when playing Midleton in the Intermediate A Championship. But for now can wallow in the success that being All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling champions brings. Monaleen completing a Munster double. Just getting the better of Tooreen of Mayo in the Intermediate final that followed.
Munster dominance continued with Fossa and Rathmore, both from the Kingdom, ironically overcoming 2 Tyrone clubs when winning the equivalent Football Championship finals in Croke Park again the following afternoon.
It also being more than a satisfactory weekend for the Rebels. Two first choice teams. Inspired by a virtuoso scoring performance from Conor Lehane just saw off an always credible, what can only be described as a Limerick selection challenge. Just securing a place in the Munster Senior Hurling League Final. Also following that resounding success over the Kingdom, this time Cork just edged over the line against Clare. Thus securing a place in the McGrath Cup Senior Football Final. Probably against Tipperary. It might well have been played by now.
So far so good
Two of the four qualifiers for the penultimate round of the Harty Cup are Tipperary schools following the quarter finals all played simultaneously in difficult and demanding conditions on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 11th last. Both defeating Cork teams in the process. Cashel Community School just seeing off the challenge of a fancied CBC at Ballyagran. Likewise, still unbeaten Thurles CBS just edging out St Colmans Fermoy with most local interest at Bansha. Cork interest upheld by Midleton CBS. They beat De La Salle of Waterford in Fethard. Árdscoil Rís Limerick getting the better of Templemore which was played at UL. Semi-final line-up for Saturday coming, January 21st will be Cashel DBS v Árdscoil Rís and Midleton CBS v Thurles CBS.
Lotto
We’ve just been that bit behind since the holiday period. So it’s time to upgrade the info on the weekly lotto draw. Starting with all the details from Monday, January 9th. Numbers drawn were 12, 21, 22 and 29 and there was no winner of the €10,000 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night were Eileen Cotter (address given), Christy Clancy Thurles, Ciara Finn online, T Walsh c/o PO and P Egan c/o PH Conna. Hopefully you will be right up to speed following next weekly report.
Return of the Fit Ups
Ex Lovin Spoonful frontman John Sebastian probably had the last hit version – welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back - it will come to you. Yes, it’s the return of the Blackwater Valley Fit Up Theatre Festival, Starting in Ballynoe on January 11th with Michael Ryan and Sean Kelleher, two extremely competent and capable performers with their piece resembling d’Unbelieveables even Tom and Pascal, labelled The Parish. Both are founder members of Hubcap Theatre Company and The Parish is hilarious. Eighty minutes where the performers bring to life a range of characters found in any rural community. There is little or no set and a rich soundscape. Visually it’s excellent and using your imagination will help. Off to a great start. Indeed the only double header of the three week run which also takes in Youghal, Bartlemy, Mitchelstown and Fermoy was due last night, January 18th. Aindrias de Staic who was around before, returns on January 25th. All leading to the visit of the masterful entertaining Jon Kenny with Words, Lies and Stories of d’Unexpected. Down for February 1st. That’s your upcoming Wednesday nights well seen after. How often have we heard it? Noni Stapleton, Seamus O’Rourke, Pat Kinnevane, Jon Kenny were brilliant in that show or soap opera. Even film. Tell them then sure they were up on your local stage last year. Suddenly they look stupid. It doesn’t resonate with them at all. They just don’t get it. Bottom line is you must work and go where the work is. Money makes the mare go! All tickets available at the door. All performances commence at 8pm. Best €15 you will spend in a while. Bring it on!
Deepest sympathy at especially sad time
Look no doubt there is never a right time. But a death around festive times or just after Christmas is especially poignant. Dull, grey days. Frequently long, black, cold often wet nights. As we offer condolences to all family members on the recent sad passing of Seamus Spillane, Kilclare, Conna after an illness borne bravely. Though better known in the horsey world yet all sons played GAA for St Catherines. Mossy, Mark and Denis. Remember James recording a hattrick of goals in a county U16 hurling final in Bishopstown in September 2006. Son-in-law Joe Pratt has been involved with a few underage teams in recent years.
Last week and ironically less than a mile over the road from the Spillanes saw the death of Jim Hayes. It was on Hayes land where those recent well organised cross-country championships were held. Almost next door, Pat Spillane’s (brother of the late Seamus) farm provides the course for the annual Ballynoe point to point races. James and Conor Hayes play hurling and football for the club. Likewise, granddaughter Laura was a member of the All-Star team last season and is a very successful camogie player.
Extending our condolences to neighbouring clubs who lost influential members recently. There was Dermot O’Driscoll in Carrig na bhFear and Seanie Callaghan in Kilworth.
Much spoken and written about the death of a well-known commentator Paudi Palmer in recent days after a motoring accident. Native of Kerry, teacher in Bandon and affiliated to Valley Rovers, the late Paudi had two significant involvements with St Catherines Club over the years. Taking the interviews and helping to compile the video production relating to the inaugural Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final of 2004. A great night in the Midleton Park Hotel. Then acting as Master of Ceremonies for the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser held in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island in November 2017. He will be missed. Great traditional singer and musician Seamus Begley passed away last week too.
Good news
First good news forthcoming last week since the dreadful pre-Christmas incident involving Trooper Shane Kearney out in Lebanon. According to the Defence Forces Shane, from Killeagh village, is no longer critical and his condition is now described as stable. That’s what we all wanted to hear.
Davy’s on the road again
There had been a poor couple of weeks for the yard. Three horses killed and the unfortunate Jack Kennedy picks up yet another serious leg injury. Now good news for Gordon Elliott with Davy Russell to make a short-term comeback. Hopefully that works out all right.
RTE are currently showing a promo piece for the 2023 sporting year. Not a horse or a hurley in sight. Wouldn’t you wonder?
Ireland Lights Up Campaign
Starting last week and for the next six Thursday nights St Catherines will organise this walking initiative. Gather under the lights on the walkway whenever you can but between 7-8pm for what has been described as one of the association’s most popular community initiatives.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Times, dates and venues for County Championship programme


Fair to say it wouldn’t be the most intense of weeks. It will get busier than this, mark my words. Nevertheless 2023 saw its first club weekly lotto draw. While the drum rolls have commenced. We’re on countdown for the renewal of the annual juvenile social scheduled for next week in the Rochestown Park Hotel. That should whet the appetite. Ok off you go! Read on!
First lotto draw of new year
Results from the first lotto draw of 2023 held in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Bank holiday Monday night, January 2nd last. Numbers drawn were 15, 24, 30 and 31 and the jackpot of €9,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were M and H, Ballynoe, Noel Tobin, Montys Meadow, Conna, Tracy Lenihan, online, Mark O’Driscoll, Glenreigh, Ballynoe and Catherine O’Brien, online. More next week.
Deepest sympathy
Just a tad too late last time around was the news of the death of Ann Leahy, Dungourney who sadly passed away on New Year’s Day. Ann would be mother of Marion Morrison, Curraheen, Conna whose husband Tom is current chairman of St Catherine’s GAA Club. To Marion, Tom, Cathal and extended Morrison family we extend our grief at such a sad time. Marion’s brother James coached the Dungourney hurlers to one of the greatest sporting achievements of a season now over by winning the County Intermediate A Hurling Championship. Beating Cloughduv on a miserable Sunday in Cork GAA Headquarters. St Catherines played Dungourney in various codes and age groups last year. John Kenneally, Donal Ahern first team manager Martin Denny, Watford’s greatest export since Elton John! Continuously declared how tight their panels were. Expressing the belief they were actually short of players. They only had seventeen togged for the Premier Junior League game on the morning of Sunday, June 5th. They were probably fortunate they largely remained injury free. Getting there in the end.
Brief look at overall view
To Waterford and Tipperary the honour of providing a low key opening. Taking into account that it couldn’t be any other way It is early January after all. Waterford now looked after by Davy Fitzgerald. Again confirmed their superiority over Tipp with a 3 point victory in the Munster Senior Hurling League when played in Mallow on Tuesday evening, January 3rd last. Native Liam Cahill who without question brought some success to his adopted Decie county now returns to Tipp where he previously had a halcyon run particularly with the twenties and twenty ones. Players who now will provide the backbone of the Premier County at first team level. Liam Cahill was a magnificent hurler himself. Played for Ballingarry against the Saints a few times when he was in his prime. Named at right corner forward on the All-Stars hurling team of 1996. These kind of matches bereft of intercounty activity since the curtains came down following the respective All-Ireland finals will slowly have the new year up and running as well as providing ideal preparation for the commencement of the national leagues come end January/early February time and onto a fast approaching championship. It can all go very quickly.
Pat Ryan getting his campaign off to a satisfactory start with what would have to be termed an expected victory over Kerry 48 hours later in Tralee.
Maybe John Cleary was right when he thought the Cork footballers were now in a better place. Saying it in advance of a rousing victory over the green and gold in a McGrath Cup tie at Páirc Uí Rinn on Wednesday evening, January 4th. It’s great to beat Kerry any time. Two days, Two wins! To be savoured…
Intercounty activity will now dominate the scene. Right up to July’s end. You can have your league activity in progress. But what is termed the split season really kicks into force after that with the club championships assuming control from late July/early August to season’s end.
A huge weekend coming up. All-Ireland Junior, Intermediate and Senior Hurling Club Finals in the offing. There should be live television coverage.
St Catherines did well last year. Honoured with four fixtures coming in under the jurisdiction of the Cork County Board. From the meeting of Araglin and Fr O’Neills in the County Junior B1 Football Championship onto the pairing of Avondhu and Imokilly in the semi-final of the divisions section in the Bon Secours County Senior Football Championship. Hurling followers equally if not more supported. Initially Kilworth playing Castlemartyr in the Premier Intermediate Championship. All that heat. Biggest crowd reserved for the day Russell Rovers and Ballygiblin met in the Premier Junior Championship. It was a county semi-final after all. Look where Ballygiblin are now? They play Easkey of Sligo in Croke Park on Saturday evening coming. Wishing them the very best of Rebel good luck in the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Final. Moving nine months on further down the road and Ballygiblin will be back with us. Playing Midleton in round 3 group C of the Intermediate A Hurling Championship at Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua on Saturday, September 2nd.
No dates yet put on the division 4 league programme. Should be soon, you will have them straight away as we glance over times and venues re group C in the Premier Junior Hurling Championship.
St Catherines starting off their campaign on the afternoon of Sunday, August 6th in Cobh v St Finbarrs. For now it’s down for 3pm. Down from Intermediate A therefore now top group seeds Meelin provide round 2 opposition six days later. Timed for 5pm in Kildorrery. Winding up on Friday evening, September 1st playing Russell Rovers in a round 3 encounter fixed for Rostellan, home of Aghada GAA Club.
Also available are times, dates and venues for group B of the County Junior B1 Football Championship. There were two significant losses there last year. You don’t need them spelled out to you. Now St Catherines return to Blarney. Playing top seeds Oliver Plunketts. A round 1 fixture down for Saturday, May 6th at 3pm. Two weeks later it’s Crosshaven at Lotabeg and that’s fixed for 7pm. There were two meetings from a year and season now over. Yet the Saints complete their round robin stages of the competition playing Castlelyons again. A round 3 fixture down for Sunday, June 4th. Fixed for Rathcormac and it’s timed for 3pm. Just take note league matches are forthcoming from the divisional board. With the East Cork Junior B Football Championship an entirely separate competition, coming up later on in the year. It’s cold and wet now. We take encouragement from the fact those bright, warm days will be on the way when hopefully everything will be perfect with the world!
St Catherine’s Annual Social
It’s getting near now. Like those belated ads for the launch of UTV Ireland. Eight days to go. Hopefully it will be a bigger success than what they put up! St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA in conjunction with the camogie ladies and newest club in the parish the ladies footballers annual social goes ahead at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 20th. Timed for 7.15pm. Followed by disco.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club

Brief reflection on festive season



It’s the morning of Thursday, January 5th 2023 in wishing GAA patrons everywhere a happy new year as we briefly reflect on club happenings over the last fourteen days or so. Starting with the lotto draw containing festive bonus prizes and eventually held on the night of Tuesday, December 20th. Strictly speaking not a GAA function though Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh is the venue for the AIB Goal Mile on Christmas morning. Twenty-four hours later saw the staging of what is now labelled the Dick Morrison Annual Poc Fada. Held on the Ballynoe/Conna road on Stephen’s morning. Using poetic licence we extend it out to Friday, January 20th when the annual Juvenile Social made a comeback at Rochestown Park Hotel. Then we can term the Christmas season over. Ok, off you go, read on.
Christmas lotto details
Results from the Christmas lotto draw derailed by 24 hours as a mark of respect to the late Davy Regan, a vice-president of the club when passing away, and held in the clubrooms on Tuesday night, December 20th at 9am. Numbers drawn were 11, 18, 28 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot. The consolation winners were Aaron Neville, online, Mrs B, Conna, Mark Lane, online, Sam Ahern, Shanakill, Curraglass and Noel Buckley, Rathdrum, Ballynoe. Festive bonus prizes in honour of the Christmas season went to Tom Fitzgerald, Ballynoe, Ger Morrison, online, CMP O’Brien, Ballynoe, Kal Moroney, Conna and Donal O’Leary, c/o PH Conna. We thank you for your support of both Rebels’ Bounty and the weekly lotto draw, two of the club’s biggest and ongoing fundraisers. We’re a small bit behind. Catching up in due course. At time of submitting report the jackpot was €9,800.
National GAA Club Draw
Again just to remind patrons that tickets for the annual GAA National Club Draw, the object of which is to raise funds for the promotion of the GAA at club level, are available. Major implication is that 100% of all sales stay within the club. There are some savagely attractive prizes on offer including an all-new Dacia Duster car, a cash prize of €2,000 and All-Ireland hurling and football final weekend packages. Tickets cost €10 and the draw will take place on Wednesday, March 15th 2023. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Annual AIB Goal Mile
There was the arrival of Kevin Hayes and Steve Dunning together with the promotional material containing the slot for your financial support. Duly the families came in the gate and from 10.30am to 12 midday Pairc Naomh Caitrionaigh on Christmas morning would be one of the few venues in the county staging the annual Goal Mile Challenge.
Dick Morrison Annual Poc Fada
First entering the fray at Christmas of 2016, this event was held for the sixth time in seven years on Stephen’s morning of a year just ending. For obvious reasons 2020 would be the year to miss out. Just in case you’re counting. Entries were taken in the local community centre from about 10.45am and about 130 individuals comprising about 40 teams set off on the road from Ballynoe to Conna for the staging of the annual Poc Fada. Now elevated still further to the Dick Morrison Annual Poc Fada in memory of the great man who virtually dedicated his whole life to his beloved St Catherine’s Club. Being a youthful member of the junior hurling teams of 1952 and ’53. Lining out on the divisional winning Junior B hurling team of 1954. Catherine’s first choice team at that time and it being the third occasion in seven years claiming the honours. Adding to titles won in 1948 and ’50. He played centre field on the historic team of ’57. First time the Saints won the East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship. At administrative level was treasurer of the club for close on 50 years and having been appointed at the end of 1993 was Club President at the time of his sad death in January of last year. It’s only fitting he will be honoured and remembered.
Overall adult winners of a competition where sliotars were supplied and teams of three took part were Patrick Roche, Ed Sheehan and John Mulcahy. It being the third time Muller was on a successful combination as himself and Pa Roche formed two-thirds of the winning team in 2018. Success at U17 level going to Cian Dunning, Dylan Murphy and Jake Bryan. Likewise Shay Wallace, along with Tadgh Walsh and Sean Walsh in the U15 age group. Success on the double for Cillian McCarthy, Tomas Morrison and Rena Morrison. Winners of the U13 category and deemed overall winning combo at juvenile level.
Mental health fun run/walk
Hopefully patrons assembled in their numbers for the mental health fun run/walk organised by Ballynoe Community Council and held in Knockaceo Woods near Leahy’s Open Farm around 12 midday on Saturday last, which was New Year’s Eve.
Sympathy
It’s sad at any time. But there is something especially poignant about a death at Christmas. Davy Regan passing to his eternal reward on Saturday, December 17th is a case in point. There really shouldn’t be a problem recalling the time of occurrence. Davy was a lifelong follower of the club and wouldn’t be afraid to express his views. He supported all fundraising ventures promoted by the club. Since covid paid us a visit he would invariably ring the doorbell on a Monday between 2.30 and 3.30 with his family members’ and neighbours’ weekly lotto contribution. If it would go beyond that, just ring Margaret and she would sort it. Having given vent to his feelings Davy would then hand over the tickets along with an apple cake. Sometimes he had tomatoes. I must have been doing something right! Davy and Paudie Galvin were officers of the juvenile club through the 70s and 80s. Both have moved on as have Toss Morrison, Dan McCarthy and Dick Morrison, a legendary figure in club circles. We won’t see their likes again. Ironically both Paudie and Davy won cars in the old Cork GAA Clubs’ Draw. Paudie’s was a Citroen Xantia. Davy won a black Open Corsa. No matter what match St Catherines played Davy would be parked as close as possible to the goal posts in that wine Toyota. Don’t get caught behind him coming home!
Son Barrie served the club well. He was fullback on the county winning intermediate team of 1994. Also making the county junior panel on a Cork team beaten by Clare in the Junior Hurling Championship of 1995. Kieran Morrison making his senior championship debut the same day. A double header played at a rain-lashed Limerick. Grandsons Niall and Shane are current players. As are granddaughters the Mellericks with the camogie club. We express our grief and sadness to Rena, Barrie, Marie and extended family members at this time.
Retirements
Twenty-four hours previously the enigmatic Frankie told us he would at the end of the year (2023). But following a win for Liberty Dance in a novice hurdle at Thurles on the afternoon of Sunday, December 18th Davy Russell announced he was retiring with immediate effect. They know don’t they? Having gone through hell and high water you feel at 43 Davy couldn’t absorb another injury. He won’t have to now. A product of the point to point field, we remember Davy watching videos of the day’s racing in the now extinct Leahy’s Bar in Ballynoe. Attending the pre-Cheltenham quiz in The Winners’ Enclosure and spinning the wheel for the club lotto draw one night in The Fisherman’s Rest where he often pulled pints. Davy wasn’t a drinking man himself. He finished up with a tally of 1,579 winners between his country and the UK. Ranking him ninth in the league of overall winners between the two countries. He rode 22 Cheltenham festival winners. Though one can recall at least three other jockeys on board, Davy will always be associated with Tiger Roll. He won a Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Lord Windermere for Jim Culloty who won three as a jockey aboard Best Mate. Hopefully Davy enjoys his retirement. Though he could be back in some other shape or make. You see, it’s hard to keep a good man down.
Moving on rather than off is Ronan Collins who will be an huge loss to the national radio service. Coming on board when Radio 2 was launched back in ’79 with the likes of Dave Fanning, Marty Whelan, Barry Lang, Jim O’Neill and the late legendary Larry among others, before securing a Radio 1 slot. Where he has been to this day. As well as being a capable singer and proficient musician himself, Ronan Collins really knew his stuff. No bluffing there. Don’t like bluffers. Replacement made. Louise Duffy and best of luck there. Wonder should RTE like a football club have made a bid to bring back Ian Dempsey. Now there’s an idea!
Promised brief look at new first team league structure
We kind of knew that a fully integrated programme was coming. But the emergence of that cursed coronavirus prevented its introduction until now. As a new league programme will be commencing at county level for 2023. Progression will be allowed at all levels. First of all the senior leagues will be made up of six divisions of ten teams each. That goes for both hurling and football. There is an exception because twelve teams constitute division six for this upcoming season. But the relegation of four teams at year’s end, with two teams coming up will resolve the imbalance. Now take note of the next statement. Follow it carefully. There will be full promotion and relegation between all levels. So it could happen that a junior A or B team could climb all the way to division one of the senior leagues through successive promotions. Backing that up a senior team could drop to the junior leagues after a series of relegations. Thus championships and leagues become fully decoupled. Top two teams meet in all six league finals. Both teams will be promoted. Bottom teams go down. All leagues work on the same schedule. In other words, separate weekends for both codes. Colm Burke, St Catherine’s delegate to the Cork County Board tells us we should be up and running on week ending March 4th/5th. Along with St Catherines in a revamped division four league will be Aghabullogue. Ballinhassig, Ballyhea, Cloyne, Kildorrery, Lisgoold, Milford, Valley Rovers and Youghal. Confirmed at the annual general meeting was the appointment of Denis Walsh as Premier Junior hurling manager. Fellow selectors to be Ollie Sheehan and Ed Kenneally.
Looking at what one might describe as an imposing list and what wiggled its way immediately into one’s mind were the titanic struggles enjoyed with Ballyhea over the years. A hurling force up that part of our beloved county. Before Newtownshandrum and Charleville. County senior finalists in the centenary year of ‘84 and again in 1995. Sunday June 23rd, 1996 a famous day in the annals of Saint Catherine’s GAA club in what we like to think was its most successful year ever. St. Catherines paired with the defeated finalists from the year before in what was a second round encounter played in Fermoy. Victory for the Saints. Recording a first ever championship victory at Cork County Senior Hurling Championship level. On an end scoreline of 1-16 to 2-12. Celebrations go on long into the night and early morning. Even the papers were delivered when walking home with The Examiner in hand, raided from Billy Walsh’s paper bin next door. Surreal, returning having read the match report before you hit the pillow! A paper never paid for! Oops! Bit late now!
Then came those back-to-back victories over the Avondhu based outfit in Kildorrery from ‘98 and ‘99. Three matches. Four years. Three wins. There were also some tempestuous league outings. There was a dodgy ending in 2011. Twelve months later, Ballyhea were winners in Ballynoe. Finishing up at 0-11 to 0-06. Going on to win the division two Intermediate League that year. Beating Meelin in the final. Since then gradings have varied and paths didn`t cross. Ballyhea are still doing well and appear to have plenty of players. They beat the Barrs in the recent interdivisional Junior B Hurling Championship final and players such as Stephen Dennehy and Neil Ronan figured. That day (Saturday, November 19th) picking up the Dan Hoare Cup.
Ex-treasurer and vice-president the late Dan was president of the County Board when passing away in January 2016. He served as treasurer of the Munster Council for a four year period. Sat on various Croke Park committees and remains to this day St Catherine’s most successful administrator.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Defeat in first game of newly introduced Premier Junior Hurling Championship



Round 1 Section C Co-op Superstores County Premier Junior Hurling Championship
St Catherines 0-10 Russell Rovers 2-10
In fairness not the start required. But there is no time to wallow. Catherines can get back on the horse this weekend with a victory over Tracton. That now must be the objective following an eventual six point loss in this tie when played in overcast conditions at Killeagh on Friday evening last.
A trio of Eoin Davis points, all from placed balls, helped the Saints to a slender lead standing at 0-03 to 0-01 inside nine minutes. Brian Mulcahy pointed the Saints’ second score from play. But coming as it did 12 minutes into the show would prove their final score of the half as Russell Rovers gradually clawed back the deficit, ironically mostly from placed balls and wing forward Mark Dwyer from play with two evenly matched teams together at 0-05 each at the end of a low scoring opening half hour. Parity restored for a second time at 0-06 each before attacking wingback Conor Hegarty who registered the Saints’ first score from open play after 11 minutes narrowly restored their now slender advantage when completing a hat-trick of point scoring in a 0-07 to 0-06 lead midway through the third quarter. But Russell Rovers who defeated the Saints in a lower intermediate semi-final at exacly the same venue 22 months previously were into a lead they wouldn’t surrender following a Jack McGrath goal. Establishing a 1-06 to 0-07 scoreline on 43 minutes. Points from Aaron Neville and Kyle Wallace were providing renewed hope. But the concession of a second goal from the very threatening Bud Hartnett was a killer blow. A win this weekend and it’s all up in the air again. Words from that commercial sponsorship of a few seasons ago – ‘Nobody said it was going to be easy!” By the way, before throw-in a minute’s silence was observed in memory of late president Dick Morrison.
Scorers: C Hegarty and E Davis (0-02 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-03 each), B Mulcahy, A Neville, K Wallace and S Cotter (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E Wallace, S O’Brien, E O’Riordan, L O’Connor, C Hegarty, S Cotter (team captain), G O’Brien, A Neville, E Condon, M Mulcahy, K Wallace, K Barry, B Mulcahy. Subs: D Mangan for M Mulcahy (second half), R O’Connell for E Condon (46), T O’Donnell for A Neville (57), J Neville for L O’Connor (59). Referee: Jim McEvoy (Blarney).
Juvenile column starts with a match report on Round 2 Division 1 Rebel Óg East Section 2 U17 Football Championship
St Nicholas 5-09 St Catherines 0-08
Ciaran Maguire was the player central to all things good about the St Nick’s challenge in this tie when played up in the Glen field on the northside of Cork City at 7pm on Thursday evening last. Scorer of the opening point within a minute of the throw-in then turning provider. Picking out Dermot Wall to finish off the first goal and a lead of 1-03 to 0-01 after 9 minutes. Scorer of the second himself eight minutes later making it 2-03 to 0-03. Moving on with the home based team to the good on a half-time scoreline standing 2-07 to 0-05.
St Catherines enjoyed their best period of play in the minutes following the turnover. Cian McCarthy first to the ball, setting up a number of attacks from halfback. Ciaran Pietropaolo finding the target followed by an exquisite left footed Nathan Sheehan effort, a score of grandeur, befor Diarmuid O’Connell pointed a close-in free. Three unanswered points trimming the deficit to a score of 2-07 to 0-08 to 42 minutes. Maguire scored his second and third Nick’s goal early in the fourth and final quarter and after that the momentum petered out. St Catherines using up their bench in the time allotted.
Scorers: C Pietropaolo, N Sheehan (0-01 free) and D O’Connell (frees) (0-02 each), S Cotter and O Fitzgerad (45”) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, T Barry, C McAuliffe, E O’Driscoll, C Hayes, D Morrison, C McCarthy, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, D O’Donovan, C Pietropaolo, C Leamy, S Cotter, D O’Connell, J Hickey. Subs: A Bryan for J Hickey (38), G O’Callaghan McCarthy and C Hickey for D Morrison and C Leamy (both 53). Referee: James O’Regan (Lough Rovers).
Round 3 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 (Minor) Football Championship
Glenville 8-09 St Catherines 2-10
Down came the curtain on the campaign after this tie when played at an overcast, humid, frequently rainy Glenville at 1pm on Bank Holiday Monday. It was the home team assuming early dominance and with Darragh Collins, Mike O’Driscoll and Ciaran O’Leary among others on target, were ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 4-07 to 2-06. Ciaran Pietropaolo and Oisin Fitzgerald scored the visitors’ goals five minutes apart from the end of the opening quarter.
A brace of Diarmuid O’Connell points, one from a placed ball, had trimmed the deficit to a four point margin early on the turnover.
But a Ciaran Linehan goal from a penalty kick had the score at 5-08 to 2-09 on 42 minutes. Glenville weren’t for catching after that.
Scorers: O Fitzgerald and C Pietropaolo (1-03 each), D O’Connell (0-02 frees) (0-03) and N Sheehan (0-01). St Catherine’s team: Jake Bryan, Timmy Barry, Cathal Maguire, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Conor Hayes, Evan O’Dricoll, Cian McCarthy, Nathan Sheehan, Diarmuid O’Connell, Dylan Murphy, Oisin Fitzgerald, Adam Bryan, Gearoid O Ceallachain McCarthaigh, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Shane Cotter. Sub: Ciaran Leamy for Cathal McAuliffe (second half). Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
Round 1 Division 2 Rebel Óg East Section 2 U15 Football Championship
Bride Rovers 0-08 St Catherines 4-10
St Catherines started well in this tie played in overcast conditions at Rathcormac on Wednesday evening, July 27th last. Alan Cotter, Billy Aherne and Thomas Dee with early points helping the team to settle and although the teams were level for the only time in the contest at 0-04 each to 22 minutes were able to pull away and were ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-06 to 0-04.
Still had to endure a few anxious moments on the changeover. Grateful to some tigerish Conor Murray defending and some extra breathing space provided by a second John Temple goal and a lead of 2-09 to 0-06 to 47 minutes. Late goals from John Temple completing his hat-trick and Kyle O’Donoghue put the kibosh on it. Next football match will be at home in Castlelyons.
Scorers: J Temple (0-02 frees) (3-05), K O’Donoghue (1-00), A Cotter and T Dee (0-02 each) and B Aherne (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, L Moore, C Murray, J Pratt, T Clancy, F McCready, S Walsh, J Pietropaolo, C Hickey, B Aherne, J Temple, K O’Donoghue, S Wallace, T Dee, A Cotter. Subs: B McKee for B Aherne (50), C O’Driscoll for S Wallace (54), C Barry for T Dee (56), R Hickey for S Walsh (58). Also L Kilmartin. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Coming up on your fixture list
Friday, August 5th at Ballynoe, round 2 premier 2 County U17 Hurling Championship v Mallow at 7pm. Satuday, August 6th at Ballynoe round 5 phase 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League v Kiltha Óg at 11am. Saturday, August 6th at Ballynoe round 2 County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Castlemartyr v Kilworth at 3pm. Sunday, August 7th at Blarney round 2 Premier Junior Hurling Championship v Tracton at 2pm. Wednesday, August 10th Round 1 group 3 East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship v Erins Own, time and venue tbc. Wednesday, August 10th at Ballynoe round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football Championship v Castlelyons at 7pm.
Answer to last week’s brain teaser
2010 was the last year both Liam McCarthy and Sam Magure wintered simultaneously in the province of Munster. With one of the great Croke Park performances from Lar Corbett and Tipperary were crowned All-Ireland senior hurling champions. Beating five in a row. Chasing Kilkenny in the final.
While with a 14 point contribution from Daniel Goulding and Donncha O’Connor and this time in their changed strip, Rebel White, Cork were crowned football champions. They beat Down in the final. So there you are. Your year was 2010. No doubt you all knew that anyway!
All-Ireland camogie finals
Obviously the match in Blarney will dominate the upcoming weekend proceedings. All entirely understandable. But let’s wish the best of luck to the Rebelettes in their quest for a Croke Park double. They play Galway in the All-Ireland intermediate final. Team captain Finola Neville is injured and won’t play any part in the action. You would feel for her in what should be a big day.
Best of luck for Aoife Hurley, Laura Hayes and a Cork team facing a fancied Kilkenny in the All-Ireland senior camogie final. Hopefully now the pattern has been set by Ally Mulkerrins. Part of the successful Cork squad conquerors of Tipperary in the All-Ireland U16 final which was played in Mallow at 1.30pm on Sunday afternoon last.
No two All-Irelands for Kerry. With Meath retaining their senior title at a well-attended Croke Park on Sunday afternoon last. It being the first time in 20 years a ladies All-Ireland senior football final didn’t contain a Cork or a Dublin.
Rebels’ Bounty
There was no club return froj the most recent draw held on Thursday evening last. Big prize of €20,000 heading down there to the Kilnamartra cub. Still, the August draw isn’t far away!
Latest lotto details
Resuls from Bank Holiday Monday, August 1st – numbers drawn were 5, 8, 13 and 27 and the jackpot wasn’t won. Regular consolation winners being Annette Fitzgerald online, John Barrett Ballynoe, Sonny O’Shea c/o Fisherman’s Rest Conna, Noreen Broderick Bridesbridge and Breda Hegarty Ballymonteen Ballynoe. Bonus consolation prizes (€50 x 3) were won by Margaret Kiely TVM Bartlemy, Barry Casey online and Gabriel and Geraldine Gregan Clarecastle Co Clare. Next lotto draw with €20,000 jackpot will be held on Monday, August 8th at 9.30pm.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

August Rebels’ Bounty Draw on tonight


Tonight, August 25th sees the latest rollover of Rebels’ Bounty, the Cork GAA Clubs Draw. Are you in?
Lotto
Again a reminder, should that current sizeable jackpot remain in situ bonus prizes will be added again to the weekly lotto draw on the first Monday of the new month. So should it remain standing, €50 x 3 will again be included in the draw scheduled to take place on Monday night, September 5th. Come to think of it that’s also the date for the football championship match vs Dungourney. My God, it all happens at once!
Results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night, August 22nd. Numbers drawn were 1, 3, 18 and 25 and the jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation prize winners were Billy O’Connell, Kilphilibeen, Ballynoe, Susan McCarthy, Caher, online, Yvonne O’Neill, Ballynoe, William Barry, online and Michael A Leahy, Corrin View Jouse, Glenreigh, Ballynoe. There will be a draw with the jackpot at €20,000 on Monday night, August 29th.
On the field of play
Round 2 group 3 East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship
St Catherines 2-15 Castlemartyr 2-14
St Catherines maintained their interest in the competition when securing a victory by the slimmest of margins. An earlier threat of rainfall and thunder receding when this round 2 tie was played in dull, overcast conditions at Glenville on Monday evening, August 15th last. A well taken Richard Galvin goal, one of only 3 Saints’ players to register a score, on 12 minutes allied to a point blank Ed Aherne stop between the sticks ten minutes later, enough to keep the Saints ahead with the score standing at 1-08 to 0-08 at half-time.
Adding two unanswered points to their tally within 90 seconds of the turnover and after parity had been restored again at 1-12 apiece just to the end of the third quarter when Richard Galvin again punished indecision and slackness in the opposition defencec adding his and a second Saints’ goal to lead at 2-14 to 1-13 to 49 minutes.
Three minutes later Colm Beausang bullied his way through again pouncing for his and the second Castlemartyr goal making for an exciting conclusion. Parity was restored for a fifth time when danger man Billy McGann pointed a free right on the hour. Indeed, they were presented with a chance to win it but a shortly taken free was intercepted by Harry Draper. Scorer of four points, this time opting for a glorious cross-field delivery, reaching man of the match Galvin, rounding his man and pointing the winning score right at the death.
Scorers: Rd Galvin (2-05), R Clancy (0-06 frees) and H Draper (0-04). Castlemartyr scorers: B McGann (0-03 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-07), C Beausang (2-00), S Hennessy and E Ronayne (0-02 each), D Coughlan, M O’Dwyer and C Whyte (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, P Tobin, S Kearney, S O’Brien, B O’Connor, K Neville, M Geary, C Kearney, D Galvin, W Leamy, Rd Galvin, H Draper, T Jartnett, B Clancy (c), S Cotter. Sub: C England for S Cotter (’44). Also: S O’Regan, E Sheehan, D Lane, C Doinneen and J Hurley. Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).
Semi-final East One U19 Hurling Championship
St Catherines 0-17 Watergrasshill 1-10
You could be excused if believing it to be a Rebal Og competition. In fairness it does possess a juvenile title. But this semi-final played at a dry, overcast and humid Dungourney early on Sunday afternoon last comes very much under the banner of the Cork County Board. A sort of boys to men!
Catherines not making the best of starts. Liam Foley pointing Watergrasshill on the way inside thirty seconds and ahead at 1-02 to 0-02 to 6 minutes. Catherines making their mark, settling down, driving into the contest and with a contribution of 6 points without reply, with William Leamy and Sean O’Donoghue among the scorers, were ahead to the tune of 0-07 to 1-02 to the end of the opening quarter. A championship encounter frequently dominated by the free-taking skills of Kyle Wallace and Brendan Lehane, who finished off a slightly fortuitous Hill goal on 2 minutes and with Mick O’Driscoll also finding the range, half-time arrived with two evenly and well-matched teams together on a scoreline of 0-09 to 1-06.
Harry Draper restored a slender Saints’ advantage early on the turnover. A trio of unanswered Lehane points, all from placed balls had the opposition now narrowly and briefly ahead to the end of the third quarter when Kyle Wallace from a free had the Saints and the Hill tied in deadlock for a sixth and final time at 0-13 to 1-10 to 47 minutes.
Catherines finished strongly and throughout the approximately 65 minutes of activity some of the points put over from distance both from general play and frees from team captain Eoghan O’Riordan were providing massive inspiration in themselves with the insurance point coming off the stick of substitute Cathal Dinneen on 61 minutes. St Catherines to play Bride Rovers in the East One U19 Hurling Final.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-05 frees) (0-07), E O’Riordan (0-02 frees) (0-04), S O’Donoghue (0-03), W Leamy, H Draper and C Dinneen (0-01 each). Watergrasshill scorers: B Lehane (0-06 frees) (1-07), L Foley, J O’Riordan and M O’Driscoll (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, K O’Donoghue, E O’Riordan (c), M Geary, G O’Brien, D Galvin, H Draper, K Wallace, D Morrison, W Leamy, T Hartnett, S O’Donoghue. Subs: N Sheehan for T Hartnett (42), C England for W Leamy (54), C Dinneen for D Morrison (58). Also: S Cotter and C McAuliffe. Referee: Christoper Scanlon ( Russell Rovers).
Juvenile section starts with focus on round 3 section 3 Premier 2 U17 (Minor) Hurling Championship.
Shandrun 6-17 St Catherines 0-11
They took a while sizing up the opposition and parity wasn’t restored for the only time in the contest until the score stood at 1-03 each to 14 minutes of this tie when played at 7pm in Newtownshandrum on Friday evening last. But thereafter Shandrum, Newtown and Dromina together assumed complete control. They scored 12 times without reply with the first goal finished off by Eoin O’Mahony right on the quarter hour all helping to establish a significant lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-12 to 0-04.
Increasingly overcast with heavy mist requiring the use of lights on the changeover and goals from Turlough O’Neill and Robert Troy were the first two scores of the half, increasing the margin. Becoming very much an exercise in damage limitation after that. Catherines will be disappointed. But that will only last a while. They’ll get over it and will only be too aware that by a mile, Shandrum were the best team in the group and singlehandedly Kieran Murphy the best player. He scored 4 points from line balls in the league match back in February. Between line balls, frees, a penalty and general play here he finished with a tally of 2-10. St Catherines were due to play an U17 football plate semi-final last evening Wednesday, August 24th in Carrigtwohill.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-04 frees) (0-03 ’65) (0-07), S Cotter, C Leamy, D Morrison and K O’Donoghue (free) (0-01 each). Team: Jake Bryan, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Evan O’Driscoll, Conor Hayes, Kian O’Donoghue, Oisin Fitzgerald, Cathal McAuliffe, Darragh Morrison (c), Diarmuid O’Connell, Nathan Sheehan, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Shane Cotter, Ciaran Leamy, Sean O’Donoghue, John Temple. Subs: Timmy Barry for Shane Cotter (36), Dylan Murphy for John Temple (42). Also: Adam Bryan, Cian Dunning, Cian McCarthy, Jack Hickey, Kieran Kelleher, Cillian Hickey, Gearoid Sheehan and Gearoid O Ceallachain McCarthaigh. Referee: Peter James Coghlan (Mallow).
Round 3 Division 2 Rebel Og East U15 Hurling Championship
St Catherines were made work ferociously hard in securing a two point win from this round 3 tie when played in Lotabeg on Wednesday evening, August 17th.
A two goal strike off Luke Foley and a wad of Jake Bones points from placed balls meant the home based team would always be in contention and ahead on a half-time scoreline standing a 2-06 to 1-06.
But this was a championship tie turned on its head shortly after the resumption. Gearoid Sheehan first timing to the net before Kyle O’Donoghue added another 40 seconds later. Two quick snappy goals easing the visitors into a 3-06 to 2-07 lead to 34 minutes. What followed were two marvellous, stunning points with the first from John Temple coming off an audacious strike from a fifteen year old. Then substitute Alan Cotter, racing out, collecting and popping over a true corner forward’s point.
Now just a memo to Paul Higgins, Mike Walsh, Alan O’Mahony and Tom Morrison that the opposition are coming down to the country this weekend for U13 football league. Mayfield are looking forward to it.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (2-00), G Sheehan (0-01 free) (1-01), J Temple (0-01 free) (0-01 ’65) (0-04), T Clancy (0-03), S Wallace, C Hickey and A Cotter (0-01 each). Team: S O’Donoghue, C Barry, C Murray, L Moore, J Pratt, F McCready, J Pietropaolo, J Temple, C Hickey, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan, S Wallace, C O’Driscoll, T Clancy, T Dee. Subs: A Cotter for C O’Driscoll (2nd half), E O’Mahony for T Dee (51), R Hickey for S Wallace (56). Also: L Kilmartin. Referee: Alec Gibbons (Nemo Rangers).
This is your upcoming fixture list
Friday, August 26th at Lisgoold, round 3 section C County Premier Junior Hurling Championship v Glen Rovers at 7pm. Saturday, August 27th at Ballynoe, round 5 division 1 Rebel Og East U13 Football League v Mayfield at 11am. Wednesday, August 31st at tbc, final East One U19 Hurling Championship v Bride Rovers at 7pm.
Senior Hurling
Ahead at 2-15 to 0-13 at the break and Imokilly went on to overcome Avondhu (3-29 to 1-20) in the Divisions/Colleges section final of the County Senior Hurling Championship at Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday evening last. Eoin Davis was Imokilly goalkeeper. Kyle Wallace, Daniel Mangan, Brian Mulcahy, Eoin Wallace and Rory Galvin are panelists.
Harty Cup draw
Seeing the new draw for the Harty Cup puts the focus on the autumn, the festive season and post Christmas period. It’s amazing how the mind works! Reigning holders St Josephs Tulla are in with St Colmans and Midleton CBS in a 3-team, group D of the competition. In all, 5 Cork colleges will be involved. Also made were the draws for the Corn Ui Mhuiri which is the equivalent senior football championship taking in seven Cork schools.
St Catherine’s Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief review of current situation



Meeting Trevor Coleman on the following morning and the na Piarsaigh stalwart reported himself well satisfied with the display put on by the club and area as a whole in welcoming the Cork intermediate camogie team, captained by St Catherine’s player Finola Neville, to Ballynoe Community Centre on Monday evening, August 8th. Ok, the Jack McGrath Cup was up on its western shore and admittedly that would be the ultimate prize but players and supporters came out in their droves to meet the players and the show went on. Credit to the local club, from 8am the previous Saturday morning putting up the Rebel Red bunting and county flags befitting of such an auspicious occasion. It looked resplendent and if you’re of a certain vintage brought back memories of the festival intrinsically linked with Ballynoe village from 1973 to the summer of 1988. You see, we have the memories! Assuredly great night and morning had by all!
One learned at the weekly lotto draw that night that the proposed junior B football championship tie against neighbours Dungourney, down for last weekend, wouldn’t be going ahead. So don’t be scouring looking for a report. We just omitted to remove it from last week’s fixtures notes. Look on the bright side. Liam O’Connor was on informing us that Monday evening, September 5 is the new date for same.
Last season wound up competitively with a seven-point loss (3-07 to 1-06) in what was then an opening round fixture in the Premier 2 U16 Hurling Championship. It rounded off a disappointing weekend. Having lost out in a penalty shootout in the division 2 Rebel Og North U15 Football Championship final to Mitchelstown in Fermoy only 24 hours previously. Now fast forward to the opening juvenile fixture of this playing season. Same opposition for what would be termed Premier 2 U17 (minor) Hurling League. Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline of 3-06 to 1-07. Conceding 15 points without reply on the turnover. Surely your maths would enable you to work out how it finished on the morning of Sunday, February 17. Now 6 months on and St Catherines are back in Newtownshandrum. They play Shandrum (Newtown and Dromina combined) in round 3 of the Premier 2 U17 HC this weekend. See fixtures list. In this ABBA revival year – The Winner Takes It All!
Then on the following weekend another major game is down for decision. Win and everything will be alright. But if not that cursed, dreaded term of relegation resurfaces. It goes with the Dripsey/Ballygarvan tie as well. With Barryroe and St Finbarrs circling around. Ballygarvan and in particular Dripsey have inflicted painful losses from before. Wouldn’t be anxious to return there. Relegation semi-finals and final are in the equation. But for now, just take it that St Catherines are Glen Rovers meet in section C round 3 on Friday evening, August 26. Throw-in will be 7.30pm in Lisgoold. We talk again after that!
Your fixture list
Friday, August 19 at Newtownshandrum, round 3 section 3 U17 (minor) hurling championship v Shandrum at 7pm. Sunday, August 21 at Dungourney, semi-final East One U19 Hurling Championship v Watergrasshill at 12.30pm. Wednesday, August 24 at Ballynoe, round 3 division 2 Rebel Og East U15 football championship v Carrigtwohill at 7pm.
Action on the field of play
Group 3 round 1 East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship
St Catherines 0-12 Erins Own 0-15
With both teams struggling to meet the target, shooting a tally of ten wides between them to 25 minutes, it was fitting then that two evenly matched teams went to their respective half-time corners on a scoreline of 0-04 each in this tie when played in sweltering heat at Glenville on Wednesday evening, August 10.
Opening up that bit more on the change of ends. Wonderfully executed points from Harry Draper, Richard Galvin and Niall O’Regan for the Saints. Especially prominent for the opposition being Stephen Horgan and in particular Kevin Cronin, with Erins Own forging into a lead of 0-11 to 0-08 to 50 minutes.
Herculean Stephan O’Brien defending leading to the concession of a ’65. Allied to a point-blank Ed Aherne stop between the posts which eventually saw a free out being awarded. All played its part in parity being restored for a sixth time at 0-11 each to 54 minutes.
In fairness, Erins Own finished that bit stronger. Victory confirmed through a late Conor Casey point. Chances are St Catherines may well have played Castlemartyr in a round 2 fixture by the time you read these notes.
Scorers: H Draper (0-04 frees) (0-05), Rd Galvin, N O’Regan and R Clancy (0-01 free) (0-01 ’65) (0-02 each), and T Hartnett (0-01).
Team: E Aherne, S O’Regan, S O’Brien, P O’Neill, C Kearney, K Neville, B O’Connor, M Geary, D Galvin, C England, Rd Galvin, H Draper, T Hartnett, R Clancy (c), N O’Regan. Subs: S Kearney for M Geary (39), S Cotter for C England (45). Also E Sheehan, D Lane, P Ryan, S Walsh, C Dineen, J Hurley, J Hayes and B Davis. Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
Juvenile notes
Round 2 division 2 Rebel Og East U15 Football Championship
St Catherines 4-10 Castlelyons 5-07
Two teams first crossing paths in a round 2 Féile na Peil qualifier at an overcast Lisgoold on the morning of Saturday, April 30th last. Victory went to the Saints on an end 1-07 to 1-04 scoreline. Take note these are not full matches. Just 15 minutes a side and a truer reflection might have emerged in a league match played in Ballynoe just four evenings later. Tables turned around. Castlelyons emerging winners this time (4-06 to 2-04). Proof that not an awful lot prevails between the two teams when producing a high scoring draw in this championship tie. An unfortunate clash with the junior B hurling championship above in Glenville when played during the hot spell in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening last, August 10. Hurling round robin was to have wound up in Mayfield last evening, Wednesday, August 17. Last game with the football championship qualifiers scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 24. Throw-in at 7pm v Carrigtwohill. It’s a game of paramount importance now and you know what, that’s how it should be.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-03), K O’Donoghue (1-02), J Temple (0-01 free) (0-04), G Sheehan (1-00) and C Hickey (0-01). Team: J O’Connor, J Kenneally, C Murray, C Barry, T Clancy, J Pietropaolo, S Walsh, J Temple, C Hickey, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan, B Aherne, S Wallace, T Dee, A Cotter. Also C O’Driscoll, R Hickey and E O’Mahony. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Please note that the following match was not played – Carrigtwohill v St Catherines in phase 2 division 1 round 4 Rebel Og East U13 Football League.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to Kevin Galvin and family on the sad passing of Eleanor Condon. Mitchelstown, sister of Kevin’s wife Theresa. Also on behalf of the club our commiserations to the family of Siobhan Cronin, Ballydorgan, Fermoy who sadly passed away last week after a brief illness. Siobhan would have been an aunt of Pat Fitzgerald, manager of this year’s U17 football and hurling teams in the St Catherine’s club. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a n-anamacha dílse.
Latest lotto results
Results of draw held Monday, August 15. Number drawn 10, 21, 24 and 27 and the jackpot was not won. Consolation winners were Andrew Dowling online, Ann McCarthy Conna, Steven Cummins online, Ann McCarthy Conna, Steven Cummins online, Mike Burke Kilcronat and Eimear O’Keeffe online. There will be a draw on Monday night, August 22. Jackpot €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Second loss ends first team championship aspirations

Round 2 Group C Co-op Superstores County Premier Junior Hurling Championship
Tracton 3-13 St Catherines 1-14
Records show this particular tie would be just the 4th championship meeting at adult level between the clubs stretching back over a 65 year period. Tracton defeating the Saints on a scoreline of 4-06 to 2-08 in a county junior quarter final at the Old Athletic grounds. A precursor to the modern and up-to-date Pairc Ui Chaoimh when played in September 1957. That being the first year St Catherines claimed divisional junior A hurling success. Fast forward to the junior county winning year of 2017. Catherines achieving a victory on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-03 over Tracton`s second choice team in a quarter final played at Watergrasshill. Much more relevant a 0-15 to 0-14 success over a squad of players from the Minane Bridge area. Down there in a line basically hemmed in between Carrigaline, Nohoval and Belgooly in a first round tie of the previously termed Lower Intermediate Championship. That was played at Carrigtwohill on Saturday, August 1st 2020. Previously billed for 4pm but early on the previous Tuesday morning we learned of a 2pm throw-in, avoiding a clash with the All-Ireland senior camogie final fixed for 4:15pm in Croke Park.
Tracton defeated Glen Rovers 2-14 to 0-7 first night out. By contrast the Saints lost out 2-10 to 0-10 when playing their corresponding round in Killeagh. Tracton +3 St Catherines -6 on the scoring average table. That then would be just the amount of backdrop we could give you as we entered the gate of Blarney GAA Club just shy of 1pm on Sunday afternoon last. Again, a minute’s silence being observed in memory of the late Dillon Quirke. Tracton making the livelier start to this round 2 group C Premier Junior Hurling Championship tie played in excruciating heat. Sure, we’re not used to it! Wing forward David Byrne drilling in the first goal and a lead of 1-03 to 0-01 to five minutes. Extending their dominance standing at 1-06 to 0-03 beyond the opening quarter against a now visibly improving Saints outfit. Boosted by an audacious, mesmeric Thomas O’Donnell point on 28 minutes. Before a probing lengthy Eoin David free at the second time of asking was glanced to the net by an alert Brian Mulcahy in time added on. Behind on a half-time scoreline of 1-08 to 1-07. On the overall pattern we would settle for that.
Pacy midfielder Gearoid O’Brien released Matthew Mulcahy for the leveller within 40 seconds of the change of ends. Parity restored for a third time over the hour. Gearoid O’Brien splitting the posts from right in the middle of enemy territory before a pointed free from the very good Kyle Wallace had the Saints into the lead for the first time since the opening seconds at 1-10 to 1-09 to 37 minutes. Even the Saints recovered when Daniel Harrington forced in a second Tracton goal on 40 minutes. Daniel Mangan this time with the equalising point at 1-12 to 2-09 to the end of the third quarter. Then disaster struck. A free taken by joint captain Michael O’Sullivan, not dealt with, ending up in the net for the cruellest of third goals. Making it 3-10 to 1-12 to 53 minutes. Catherines now minus a full allotment of players and going further behind to points from both midfielders Sean Good and Daniel O’Flaherty. Russell Rovers won the night before and they now along with Tracton advance from the group to the knockout stages of the newly introduced County Premier Junior hurling Championship. Catherines down to play Glen Rovers in a third round fixture at Lisgoold on Friday evening, August 26th.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-05 frees) (0-08), B Mulcahy (1-00), E Davis (0-02 frees), T O’Donnell, M Mulcahy, G O’Brien and D Mangan (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, P Keane, E Wallace, F O’Connell, S O’Brien, E O’Riordan, C Hegarty, T O’Donnell, G O’Brien, S Cotter (team captain), M Mulcahy, D Mangan, K Barry, K Wallace, B Mulcahy. Subs: E Condon for T O’Donnell (second half), J Neville for E Wallace (55), R O’Connell for M Mulcahy (57), A Neville for E Condon (58). Referee: Shane Scanlon (Newcestown).
Championship matches in Ballynoe
Páirc Naomh Chaitríonaigh, Baile Nua played host to two influential matches this past playing week. Unfortunate for Castlemartyr. Tasting defeat in both. Losing out to Castlelyons 1-18 to 2-12 in the first match of group 3 in the East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship on Bank Holiday Monday last. Referee was Mike Walsh of the host club. St Catherines and Erins Own are the other two teams involved in this section and they were paired to meet in Glenville last night, Wednesday.
Having endured an opening day loss to Ballinhassig and Kilworth returned to winning ways in group 3 round 2 of the PIHC at sun-scorched Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. It finished up on a scoreline of Kilworth 2-17 to Castlemartyr 0-20. Having led 1-11 to 0-11 at the interval. Referee was Jim McEvoy of the Blarney Club. Prior to throwing in the sliotar a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Dillon Quirke who tragically passed away the previous evening playing for his beloved Clonoulty-Rossmore Club in the Tipperary SHC. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a anam dílis.
All-Ireland camogie finals
No joy at the weekend. Proceedings opened on a Croke Park triple bill with victory going to Antrim over northern rivals Armagh in the junior camogie decider. Galway inflicting a 2-point loss on Cork in the subsequent intermediate final that followed. Kilkenny claiming a 15th title overall with victory by the slimmest of margins over Cork before an attendance of 24,000 in the top billing for the All-Ireland senior camogie title at headquarters on Sunday evening last. Glen Dimplex are Camogie Championship sponsors.
What we have in upcoming fixtures for you
Saturday, August 13 round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 football league in Carrigtwohill at 2.30pm. Also round 3 group 2 East Cork junior B football championship v Dungourney at 6pm, venue tbc. Wednesday, August 17 round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship in Mayfield at 7pm. Monday, August 15 at tbc, round 2 group 3 East Cork junior B hurling championship v Castlemartyr at 7.30pm.
An intensely busy juvenile week has the report starting with round 2 premier 2 U17 hurling championship.
St Catherines 1-18 Mallow 2-09
With a much-improved performance and following an opening night reversal against Bride Rovers, home team St Catherines recorded their first win in the group stages of the competition with a workmanlike and deserving victory from this tie when played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. That said, Mallow were quicker to settle, exploded to life with Mark Kelleher releasing Ben Noonan to goal from close range on 4 minutes. With Liam Malone also on target it was 1-04 to 0-05 for the north Cork team to the end of the opening quarter. John Temple and the excellent Ciaran Pietropaolo were finding the range for the home-based team who were to benefit enormously with the relocation of Sean O’Donoghue to the middle of the field from a starting full forward role. Entering the driver’s chair for the first time when ferocious and intelligent work from the industrious Oisin Fitzgerald saw Ciaran Leamy cutely tuck away the Saints goal on 28 minutes. Enough to establish a 5-point lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-11 to 1-06.
Be it frees or open play it was a second half all about Sean O’Donoghue, A return of all 7 points cored brought his overall tally to the even dozen and victory was secured when Simon Lenegan drilled home a consolation goal 4 minutes over time.
Final game in the group stages will be up in Newtownshandrum next week. This was a good result emanating from an equally solid performance. Compensating fully after a few disappointing days and nights with the equivalent football squad. We were up in Newtown for the opening league match back in February. St Catherines have been warned.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-11 frees) (0-12), C Pietropaolo (0-04), C Leamy (1-00), J Temple and D Morrison (’65) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Hayes, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, D O’Donovan, D Morrison (team captain), D O’Connell, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, C Leamy, S O’Donoghue, J Temple. Sub: G Sheehan for T Barry (54). Also: A Bryan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Dunning, C Murray and K O’Donoghue. Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Hurling Championship
Watergrasshill 6-18 St Catherines 2-12
It was the home team hit the ground running and with Jack Counihan, Shane O’Callaghan and Jayden Hennebry regularly on the scoresheet, were very much the dominant force from the tie when played in a coolish Watergrasshill on Wednesday, August 3. When the Saints did penetrate, they would find Leon Clarke O Sé impossible to beat between the posts, stopping the proverbial bullets, contributing as much as any player, on a half-time scoreline of 4-11 to 0-08.
Gearoid Sheehan was accurate from placed balls, Kyle O’Donoghue found the target and the hardworking John Temple ran up the scores his effort deserved. But the margin was too wide and very much the better team were the victors. Group concludes next week in Mayfield.
Scorers: G Sheehan (0-07 frees) (0-08), J Temple (0-02 frees) (1-04) and K O’Donoghue (1-00). St Catherine’s team: S O’Donoghue, J Kenneally, C Murray, L Moore, J Pratt, F McCready, T Clancy, J Temple, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan, C Hickey, C O’Driscoll, T Dee, A Cotter. Subs: S Walsh for L Moore (26’), B McKee and R Hickey for C O’Driscoll and T Dee (both second half), C Barry for J Kenneally (49’), J O’Connor for A Cotter (55’). Also L Kilmartin, S Wallace and E O’Mahony. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League
St Catherines 2-04 Kiltha Óg 8-14
Although guaranteed a home semi-final draw an understrength St Catherines surrendered their unbeaten tag when losing out to a Colm Smiddy inspired Kiltha Óg when this tie went ahead at sun-drenched Ballynoe on Saturday morning last.
Scorers: A Cotter (1-02 frees), N Curtin (1-00), T Walsh and E O’Mahony (free) (0-01 each). Team: S O’Keeffe, N Keane, B O’Connor, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh, S Moore, T Walsh, A Cotter, E Dillon, T Morrison, A Burke, D Temple, E O’Mahony, N Curtin. Referee: John Kirby (Midleton).
Lotto
Results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday, August 8th. Numbers drawn were 25, 28, 30 and 31. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes go to Rebecca Kenny, Aglish, Ber Feeney, Carrigeen, Conna, Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Redmond Higgins, Ballynoe and Martina Gallagher, Donegal. There will be a draw on Monday night, August 15th. Jackpot €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

First round victory in County Junior B Football Championship


Round 1 Bon Secours sponsored County Junior B Football Championship
St Catherines 3-14 Abbey Rovers 0-07
A deserved victory for the Saints from this tie when played at Rathcormac on Saturday evening last. That said, Abbey Rovers (Castletownroche) were making the livelier start. Full forward Dylan O’Connor with their and the game’s opening two scores going on to make that three out of four before a Rory Galvin free reached Daniel Mangam, picking his spot and duly finished off Catherine’s first goal and opening score on five minutes. Mangan was largely accurate from placed balls and with the respective goalkeepers Shane Fitzgerald and Johnny Batterberry both pressed into action and making telling contributions it was 1-06 to 0-05 at the interval. Catherines making an explosive start on the resumption. Taking a timely Padraig O’Connor pass, Eoin Condon popped over one of the scores of the match before neatly slotting home the second goal, All within ninety seconds of the change of ends. With the score standing at 2-09 to 0-05 to 40 minutes. By now danger-man O’Connor had departed the action with injury and with it the opposition’s main scoring threat.
There were some smartly taken Kyle Wallace points. Eoin Wallace picked out substitute Eoin Davis to finish off the third goal right at the game’s end. A win that sets up a third-round meeting with neighbours Castlelyons in about three weeks’ time. While before we leave it we sympathise with Castletown on the sad death of Liam Hazelwood.
Scorers: D Mangan (0-06 frees) (1-07), E Condon (1-01), E Davis (1-00), K Wallace (0-03), R Galvin (0-01 ’45) (0-02) and J Hurley (0-01). Abbey Rovers scorers: D O’Connor (0-03), P Sheehan (0-02), M Browne and D O’Neill (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, B O’Connor, S O’Brien, K Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan (capt), F O’Connell, r Galvin, B Davis, J Hayes, K Wallace, P O’Connor, E Condon, E Kenneally, D Mangan. Subs: C Kearney for B Davis (22), E Davis for P O’Connor (42), T O’Donnell for J Hayes (44), J Hurley for B O’Connor (52). Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers).
Reflections
Clearly individuals would know each other. That said, no great rivalry would exist between the clubs. Still Castletownroche would have played a role in the evolvement of the St Catherines club. Without knowing it or aware of it, ‘The Old Bridge by the Mill’ is entrenched in club history. It was of course the venue for the Milford/ Catherines county junior hurling final. “Fabulously entertaining” was how it was described in the paper the following morning. Losing a county final on the afternoon of Sunday, November 1st meant an early start to the winter of 1981.
On approach to the match last Saturday, one hazily was trying to dissect the fractured memories of two clearly competitive matches between the teams from the summer of 1986. Oo return we tried to unravel what facts we could try to unearth. Club notes then didn’t seem as significant as they have become in the intervening years. Three weeks on from an inaugural victory in the grade following a first round win over St Finbarrs in what was a double header at Castlelyons, saw St Catherines and Castletownroche paired in the second round of the intermediate hurling championship. They were conquerors of St Vincents also on the afternoon of Sunday, May 11. Rathcormac would again be the venue. Date being Sunday, June 1st. Dave Relihan and Michael Magnier were major threats as Catherines were savagely protecting a three-point interval cushion on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-12 to 2-06. Two Danny Relihan goals, one a penalty, would see the Avondhu based team assume a four-point advantage to the three-quarter mark.
Strong and forceful play from the trustworthy Denis Walsh allied to points from Mike Mellerick and William Kearney saw two evenly matched teams together coming up to the finish. Christy Clancy would edge the Saints narrowly ahead. But Danny Relihan pointed a forty-metre free and on a scoreline of 1-20 to 5-08 we returned to the same venue on Friday evening, June 20th for the replay.
Conditions weren’t great, with the Saints despite some wayward shooting, edging a low scoring championship encounter. It was 1-05 to 0-01 at half-time. Replays can be like that. Again the Relihans, both from placed balls, whittled back the deficit. Two late Pat Clancy points among the scores edging the Saints to victory on an end scoreline of 1-15 to 3-04. Remember a post-match pint in The Rathcormac Inn. Though it might have been The Crossroads then. Or possible Rosnoulagh Lodge! Oh there’s posh! Wouldn’t be staying. Ballynoe Festival was in full swing then. Have a feeling Tweed were on stage that night. What a version the Ryder Brothers could deliver of the Cozy Powell classic ‘Dance with the Devil’ – ah, memories are made of this!
Castletownroche was also the venue for the intermediate relegation playoff both draw and replay in the early autumn of 2010. Wasn’t there a great championship victory over Kanturk there? Possible twelve months later. We wish them the best of luck!
Replay scorers from 1986
C Clancy (1-04), P Clancy (0-03), C Casey and W Kearney (0-02 each), P O’Donoghue, M Mellerick, D Walsh and D O’Neill (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Willie Murphy, Maurice Hartnett, Pat O’Sullivan, Barrie O’Regan, Kevin Lane, Denis Walsh, Seamus Neville, Denis O’Neill, Cathal Casey, Pat Clancy, Mike Mellerick, Patsy O’Donoghue, Christy Clancy, John Mangan, William Kearney. Same team for draw and replay. Referee was Willie Horgan of Brian Dillons. Cloghduv won the intermediate county hurling championship that year. Overcoming the Saints (1-16 to 1-12) in the quarter final at Church Road, Blackrock on Saturday evening, July 26th. Beating Erins Own (2-12 to 0-11) in the final itself. A team that included Liam Lynch, Brian McSweeney, Donald O’Leary (subsequent board referee), Tim Bally Murphy, Denis Ring (current Catherines and Imokilly coach) and Tim O’Riordan (of langer fame!). Wonder where was ‘Mo’ then?! Enough. Stop. We must move on. Next week - 2022 East Cork Junior C Football and Hurling Championship Draws.
On the walkway
A lot of what you’re reading now was put together last Sunday morning. Very early last Sunday morning when the iron is hot! So between 6.40 to 7.20 we go for a walk around the walkway. As you do with the walkway! Sun up. Not a puff. Fog rising down by the river. Subliminal. All we had for company was the chirping and sounds of the various birds. Wouldn’t have the knowledge of Derek Mooney. But this was an idyllic place. Bye!!!!
Intercounty
A week of contrasting fortunes for the Rebels starting off with an awful, almost unacceptable performance at this level when losing to Kerry in the provincial minor football championship when played at Tralee on Thursday evening last. Hanging by their coat tails now when facing the premier county who ran up an impressive 3-20 tally in their previous match. Indeed, it looks as if it will all be decided now by a trip to Tipp with the Rebels now fully understanding of their fate. Win in Thurles on this forthcoming Sunday afternoon and their senior hurling aspirations remain alive. Reversing their league final loss to the Déise themselves by six points at Walsh Park last Sunday, always an exceedingly difficult venue to play and try and get the required result. Just reflect on the memories of 1967 when the Rebels were all-Ireland heroes. They were league champions when losing there in 1974. Both Cork and Waterford started last Sunday’s round 4 encounter with 13 of their respective lineouts from the aforementioned league final of Saturday evening, April 2nd. As the quest for third place is now the be-all-and-end-all in the provincial senior hurling championship. Last Sunday’s result from Ennis now means Limerick and Clare will meet again in the Munster final. Fixed for Sunday, June 5th at 4pm. Though overshadowed by what is going on elsewhere, surely the Westmeath performance against Wexford deserves special mention from last Saturday evening, especially as the Leinster Championship doesn’t seem to throw up the same excitement as that generated by its Munster counterpart.
Mallow is focus for juvenile match programme
Round 5 Premier 2 U15 Hurling League Mallow v St Catherines
Mallow simply had too much for the Saints from this hurling league tie when played in Carrigoon on Wednesday evening, May 11th last.
Scorers: J Temple (0-01 free) (0-01 ’65) (0-06) and G Sheehan (free) (0-01). St Catherine’s starting fifteen: A Cotter, B McKee, J Kenneally, L Moore, J Pratt, F McCready, T Clancy, J Temple, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, C Hickey, S Wallace, C O’Driscoll, G Sheehan, T Dee. Subs: R Hickey for t dee (36), J O’Connor for C O’Driscoll (37). Referee – Dave Kelleher (home club).
Round 5 Premier 2 U17 Hurling League
Mallow 1-17 St Catherines 0-13
Second trek to the venue inside 48 hours for this U17 HL tie played in sublime conditions at Carrigoon on Friday evening last. Early scores for the home-based team emanated from the half forward line. But with Kian O’Donoghue who struck one awesome first half point and Evan O’Driscoll tightening up considerably at the back, a much greater supply of ball was coming through. Ciaran Pietropaolo, Darragh Morrison and Sean O’Donoghue were finding the target with the teams together on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-08 each.
Key score was the Mallow goal, finished off by Liam Malone five minutes into the second half. Billy Murphy and Simon Leneghan added on the points against a Saints’ outfit presented with numerous chances but were frequently off target with the wides tally increasing as the second half advanced.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue and D Morrison (0-01 free) (0-04 each), K O’Donoghue (0-01 free) and C Pietropaolo (0-01 ’65) (0-02 each) and S Cotter (0-010. Mallow scorers: S Leneghan (0-06 frees) (0-09), L Malone (1-02), B Murphy (0-01 ’65) (0-03), C Mullins, D Copps and P Buckley (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, E O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, T Barry, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell, N Sheehan, D Morrison, C Sheehan, S Cotter, S O’Donoghue, C Leamy. Subs: D Murphy for C Sheehan (44), A Bryan for C Pietropaolo (63), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for S Cotter (65). Referees: Brendan O’Regan (Doneraile).
What’s coming up on your fixture list?
Friday, May 20th at Ballynoe, round 5 division 3 group 3 A county premier junior hurling league v Aghabullogue at 7.30pm. Saturday, May 21st at Caherlag, round 6 division 2 East Cork junior hurling league v Erins Own at 7.30pm. Wednesday, May 25th at Araglin, quarter final Rebel Óg East/Mid/North U14 hurling championship v Kilworth/ Araglin Óg at 7pm.
Late news from Monday night last
Result round 3 division 4 East Cork junior hurling league: St Catherines 0-10 Bride Rovers 0-18. Report will appear next week.
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night, May 16th. Numbers drawn were 5, 12, 21, and 32. No winner of jackpot. Consolation winners were Mgt Spillane, Kilavorilla, Aghern, Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Noel Fenton, c/o Kals Conna, Aoife Neville, online and Pat O’Sullivan, Aghern.
There is a lotto draw after the junior hurling league match in Shanagarry on Monday night, May 23rd. Jackpot €20,000. If the current jackpot holds there will be an extra consolation prize of €150 (€50 x 3) included in the weekly lotto draw, once a month, starting with the draw on bank holiday Monday, June 6th.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Season starts in earnest



St Catherines, despite that blip when losing out to Midleton in the last game in the group stages of the competition are now nicely tucked away in the last four of division three of the County Premier Junior Hurling League. No date to hand as to when those games could take place. Now the challenge game circuit has become increasingly relevant again.
League matches as well as decent runs in the County and East Cork Junior B championships have maintained the image of football in the club profile. Opening sequence of matches in the U19 championships through both codes have taken place with mixed results.
There was participation in the Féile and Féile na Peil and a glorious midsummer U14 double at juvenile level. Leagues are at an advanced stage. Both U15 and U17 championships have entered the starting stalls. So where is all this heading, one wonders?
Every club has to have a standard bearer. In St Catherine’s case it’s the first choice hurling team. That’s the way it’s been since time immemorial and will continue to be. So, this coming weekend one feels the season starts in earnest. St Catherines will play Russell Rovers in round 1 of section C of the newly introduced County Premier Junior Hurling Championship. It’s down for the Killeagh pitch, Páirc Uí Chinnéide on Friday evening, July 29th at 7.30pm. Referee is Jim McEvoy of Blarney. Best of luck to team manager Shane Kearney, coach Denis Ring, mentors Martin O’Keeffe, Tim O’Connor and Shane Fitzgerald and all players and staff.
All-Ireland senior football final
A week previously we highlighted up to as many as five personalities, all for a variety of reasons, departing the managers’ intercounty scene. It vied with the publicity encircling the imminent All-Ireland senior hurling final itself. Now a mere six days on, we’re hit with the biggest bolt of all as legendary Kilkenny manager Brian Cody departs the scene. Right on the cusp of the biggest day in the association’s year. Namely the All-Ireland senior football final.
In the hot seat since the autumn of 1998 not long after the Cats lost out to Offaly in the All-Ireland final and Cody lost his first final to Cork in September of ’99, ‘Welcome back to Leeside, we’ve missed you a lot’. Avenging that Offaly loss in 2000 and Kilkenny were vying for the 3-in-a-row when again overtaken by the Rebels in 2004. Likewise, the Cats depriving the Rebels of 3-in-a-row in 2006. That Kilkenny team ultimately achieved a 4-in-a-row of All-Irelands. Really though this shouldn’t be about statistics. What is totally relevant is his 24-year reign in the gaffer’s role. Eleven senior titles in the bag. Six finals lost in that time.
It might be time to resurrect ‘Cody’ by Marti Breheny. Though that came out in 2009 and could be dated a little. Why not try ‘A warrior’s tale’ by Christy O’Connor about Jackie Tyrrell, a James Stephan’s clubmate of the great man. Highlights would be seeking permission from Cody to play a club football championship match, a certain driving incident in Cork city and the ability of adding a few new players to the panel after All-Irelands were won in 2007 and 2008. It`s a terrific read. No doubt a comment sure to surface as the week advances is we won’t see the like of Cody again. We won’t you know!!
Then before you know it, it’s football time. It played second fiddle all year to its hurling counterpart but the decider went some way to achieve redemption. Pre-match favourites Kerry not starting all that well. First score from play coming on seventeen minutes. Level two minutes later with the Connaught champions one point to the good on the sound of the half time whistle. Indeed Kerry, already crowned provincial and league title holders, didn’t take the lead in this above average final until six minutes into the second half and would subsequently fall two points adrift again. You would have to say Kerry made intelligent use of a vastly talented bench, finished strongly and were deserving winners at the finish. A fourth All-Ireland final victory from six appearances for Jack O’Connor. Kerry now have 38 All-Irelands. David Clifford special up front. So was Shane Walsh for the vanquished and indeed so was midfielder Cillian McDaid. Intercounty affairs now at an end. Both All-Ireland and indeed league titles resting in the Province of Munster. Though sadly not in Rebel land.
Just a little poser for you, put you thinking – when was the last time both Liam McCarthy and Sam Maguire resided simultaneously down south? Answer next week. For as long as it takes, attention now shifts to the clubs and that goes for all counties. A reminder that Kilworth and Castlemartyr meet in round 2 of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship. That’s fixed for Páirc Naomh Chaitríonaigh on the afternoon of Saturday, August 6th. Throw in will be 3pm. All hands on deck for that one. Twenty-four hours later St Catherines meet Tracton in round 2 of the Premier Junior Hurling Championship. Note change of venue. That game now goes ahead in Blarney. Throw in is still at 4pm. Third and final group match v Glen Rovers is down for Lisgoold on Friday evening, August 26th at 7.30pm. All will be revealed then.
Action on the field
Round 2 group 2 Michael O’Connor Motor Factors East Cork Junior B Football Championships
St Catherines 3-08 Fr O’Neills 0-14
Off to the kind of start one can only dream about. Eoin Wallace weaving and careering his way through before picking his spot low to David O’Reilly’s left for Catherine’s first goal inside 50 seconds. It being the warmest day of the year thus far and into a lead not for surrendering. Ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-05 to 0-04 when this tie went ahead in still sunny conditions on Magniers Hill, Youghal on Monday evening, July 18th last.
O’Neills yielded three of the game’s opening four scores early on the change of ends. Before Eoin Condon, from a sublime finish, finished off his first and the Saints’ second goal on 37 minutes. Catherines in a strong position and ahead at 3-07 to 0-09 to 49 minutes. Following Condon’s second goal. O’Neills who lost out to Diarmuid O Mathúnas in the County Junior B1 Final at Páirc Uí Rinn only two days previously, the Castletownkenneigh outfit proving too strong for the Saints in the quarter final, had pacy and threatening forwards particularly in Shane McAuley and Kevin O’Sullivan and made sure this was a competitive outing right to the finish. Catherines must still play Dungourney, wherever, whenever.
Both divisional championship matches doubled as league fixtures. Tally now being eight points from seven matches played.
Scorers: E Condon (2-01), E Wallace (1-02), E Davis (0-01 free) (0-03), E Kenneally and R Galvin (free) (0-01 each).
Fr O’Neills scorers: S McAuley (0-02 frees) (0-060, K O’Sullivan (0-01 free) (0-03), S O’Riordan (0-02), B Coleman, C Swayne and F Duffy (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, P Keane, E O’Riordan (Capt), S O’Brien, J Hayes, L O’Connor, J Neville, T O’Donnell, R Galvin, E Davis, E Condon, C Kearney, E Wallace, F O’Connell, E Kenneally. Sub: S Cogan for R Galvin (41). Also J Hurley and D Galvin. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Juvenile notes start with round 1 section 3 Premier Two U17 Hurling Championship.
St Catherines 1-09 Bride Rovers 2-08
Bride Rovers emerged successful by a two-point margin in this tie when played in occasionally misty, always overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Both teams struggled for scores. Frequently off target with their shooting. Especially the home-based team. Registering an overall tally of 17 wides. Twelve alone in the opening half hour. Hanging on grimly as points from Timmy Barry and Sean O’Donoghue and a fine individual effort from midfielder Diarmuid O’Connell for the Saints’ goal on 26 minutes helped to establish a half-time lead on a 1-05 to 1-02 scoreline.
Extended marginally when team captain Darragh Morrison registered his third point. Three minutes into the second half. Parity restored for a third time when Conor O’Riordan, whose free taking was unerring, finished off his second and this time equalising goal at 1-06 to 2-03 to 41 minutes. Goalkeeper Ronan O’Riordan with a lengthy free also getting in on the scoring act now standing at 2-07 to 1-07 to 55 minutes. Despite trying their hearts out with trojan individual efforts from Evan O’Driscoll, Oisin Fitzgerald, Nathan Sheehan and Ciaran Pietropaolo, it was the Rovers who held out to record that invaluable first round victory from a group that also includes Mallow and Shandrum. Back to football tonight (Thursday) in the Glen field against St Nicholas.
Scorers: D Morrison (0-02 frees) (0-05), D O’Connell (1-00), S O’Donoghue (0-01 free) (0-02), T Barry and O Fitzgerald (0-01 each). Bride Rovers scorers: C O’Riordan (0-06 frees) (2-06), C Barry and R O’Riordan (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: K O’Donoghue, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, D O’Donovan, D Morrison (capt), D O’Connell, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, S Cotter, S O’Donoghue, C Leamy. Sub: J Temple for S Cotter (48). Referee Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Round 1 section 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Hurling Championship
St Catherines 2-13 Lisgoold 5-12
Following an early setback Catherines recovered to lead by a five-point margin and after party was restored for the first time were back in front when a Thomas Dee goal right on the 30 minutes saw the home-based team to the good on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-09 to 2-06 when this tie was played in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 20th.
Four unanswered Gearoid Sheehan points in the third quarter helped maintain the advantage. But his final effort on 42 minutes proved the Saints’ final score of the hour as Lisgoold lead by Dean Murphy who scored four goals and receiving able support from Daniel Nyahan, Colm Garde, Jacob Coleman and Daniel Hallahan ran out deserving winners at the finish. Pressure on straight away. Hurling and football championship to take place on alternate Wednesdays.
Scorers: G Sheehan (0-06 frees) (0-08), T Dee and K O’Donoghue (1-00 each), A Cotter and J Pietropaolo (0-02 each) and J Temple (0-01 free). St Catherine’s team: S O’Donoghue, C Barry, C Murray, J Pratt, F McCready, J Temple, S Walsh, C Hickey, J Pietropaolo, S Wallace, K O’Donoghue, A Cotter, T Clancy, G Sheehan, T Dee. Sub: R Hickey for C Hickey (62). Also B McKee, J O’Connor and E O’Mahony. Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Phase 2 division 1 round 4 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League
Watergrasshill 3-06 St Catherines 1-13
Only juvenile success attained through the week came right at the end with a victory by the slimmest of margins from this tie when played at an overcast, humid Watergrasshill early on Saturday morning last. Hugely entertaining contest between two well-matched teams, twice level through the opening exchanges including on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-03 to 0-06.
Tadg McCarthy gave a virtuoso display of goalscoring. Indeed, he could have had one or two more with one of his penalty attempts kept out by an alert Sean Moore block on 18 minutes. It was now 3-03 to 0-08 to the home-based team on 40 minutes. What was clear was there would be no surrender from the visitors. No throwing in the towel. Ronan O’Donoghue was trying manfully at wingback. Behind him Billy O’Connor was a colossus. Regularly on the sliotar. There was the stylish and elegant play of Sean Walsh in the centre. Tadg Walsh busy up the front. But the real star of the show now and not for the first time was Alan Cotter. Named at midfield but he popped up all over the place. Scoring frees, 65s and from general play. He finished his day’s work with 11 points. A savage shift. His final score had the teams level again at 3-04 to 0-13 to 50 minutes. But it was going to take a goal to make a win a meaningful and relevant possibility and Gearoid Fitzgerald was soundness personified between the Hill posts. Eventually the home rearguard buckled. Thomas Morrison first timing the Saints’ goal and match winning score to the net on 54 minutes even though it was a league tie still ending in a welter of excitement.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-04 frees) (0-03 65s) (0-11), T Morrison (1-00) and T Wash (0-02). St Catherine’s team: S Moore, C McCarthy, R Hickey, B O’Connor, S McCarthy, S Walsh, R O’Donoghue, A Cotter, C Higgins, T Morrison, T Walsh, E Dillon, A Burke, E O’Mahony, J Mulkerrins. Subs: N Curtin for J Mulkerrins (second half), also N Keane and D Temple. Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada).
Fixtures
Thursday, July 28th at Glen Rovers, round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football Championship v St Nicolas at 7pm. Friday, July 29th at Killeagh, round 1 section C County Premier Junior Hurling Championship v Russell Rovers at 7.30pm. Monday, August 1st, round 3 division 1 U17 Football Championship in Glenville at 1pm. Wednesday, August 3rd round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Hurling Championship in Watergrasshill at 7pm.
Rebels’ Bounty
It comes around quickly with the last draw due this evening, Thursday July 28th.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night, July 25th. Numbers drawn were 17, 23, 26 and 28 and the jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Brian Davis c/o PH Conna, Eimear O’Keeffe online, K Howard Waterpark and Joanna Ahern online. Next draw with bonus consolation prizes will be on Bank Holiday Monday, August 1st. Jackpot €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Saints win first match in East Cork junior B football championship






We thank you for your unfailing and continuous support for both the weekly lotto and the monthly Rebels’ Bounty draw, two of the clubs biggest fundraisers. In yet another token gesture extra bonus prizes will again be incorporated in the weekly lotto draw on the first Monday of the coming month should the current sizeable jackpot remain in situ. Breaking that down further for you, bonus consolation prizes (€50 x 3) will be added to the weekly draw on bank holiday Monday evening, August 1st should that current attractive jackpot remain standing.
Heading straight for the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, July 18th. Numbers drawn being 1, 5, 21 and 30 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation prizes were Paul O’Connell, Ballynoe; Cotter grandchildren Ballynoe; Eddie O’Keeffe, Kilphilibeen, Ballynoe; Harper/Noonan, c/o Kals and Patricia Barry, online. Next draw on Monday, July 25th. Jackpot: €20,000.
All-Ireland senior hurling final
It just can’t be hidden or even ignored, not for concealing. In many ways it overshadowed the build-up to the games major and national showpiece. In the past month as many as five managers have vacated their respective roles for a variety of reasons as the musical chairs of the hurling world if anything gains intensity. ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett’s reign in Laois comes to an end. Likewise Mattie Kenny in Dublin. Down south has been or is a hive of activity with the departure of Kieran Kingston from his managerial role in Rebel land, replaced with a strong CV by Sars man Pat Ryan. There has been mild surprise with the removal of Colm Bonnar from the boss’s chair in Tipp. One felt he might be entitled to another crack of the whip. A lot of what’s wrong up there wouldn’t entirely be of his doing, but at the end of the day this is a results business. Four defeats from as many outings simply wasn’t tolerated from a county that prides itself in being the home of hurling. You’ve all seen the signs be it going in or coming out of the Premier County. Anyway Liam Cahill is now favourite for the job. Brendan Cummins might have a squeak. Tony Browne would be favourite to take up the Decie county manager’s role. All this is being put together at lunchtime last Saturday. Conceivably the picture could be much clearer this Thursday morning. There never really is a dull moment is there?
All this is the background as to what we predicted would be the greatest senior hurling final the game has seen. That might be up for discussion. A matter of conjecture. But it certainly didn’t disappoint, concluding with the Shannon-siders joining the mantle of the greats in achieving that coveted three-in-a-row of titles and a fourth All-Ireland success in five years. Declan Hannon taking home Liam McCarthy each successful time, a record in itself. Man of the match, player of the year and All-Star awards will follow, many of which will be destined for Limerick. Right now they will celebrate safe in the knowledge they are the team of the era.
We think of two Limerick men prominent in the St Catherines club. U19 manager and hurling selector Gary Hartnett from Ahane. Juvenile club treasurer Paddy Ryan is a native of Hospital/Herbertstown. Both would have been in Croke Park for the final, both strong county supporters but not in your face Limerick men. Of course Paul Davis is a Limerick man too, though Paul now has affinities to the Rebel county.
It`s truly been an unforgettable couple of weeks for this successful county. Keith Earls and Conor Murray part of the successful Ireland set-up down under, with Paul O’Connell’s work all bearing fruition. A litany of the world’s top players participating in the JP McManus 36 hole Pro-Am at Adare Manor. That’s the venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup, though you feel work would want to start promptly on that proposed bypass.
Moving right along. It’s all coming so fast now as we speed headlong into the football weekend. Kerry fresh from their memorable victory over a declining Dublin. For many years the nemesis for the Kingdom who will be the warmest of favourites now against Galway who in fairness have huge tradition and a respectable nine All-Irelands to their credit. Remember Galway are not Mayo, Galway know how to win and possess at least three top grade forwards. Will that suffice? Let’s hope it goes along with its billing as All-Ireland Senior football final. Barring a draw and subsequent replay that will end intercounty activity for the year with the coming months now featuring the club football and hurling championships. St Catherines play Russell Rovers in premier junior hurling at Killeagh on Friday, July 29th.
Club action on the pitch
Round one group two East Cork Michael O’Connor Motor Factors junior B football championship
St Catherine’s v Russell Rovers
St Catherine’s eased their way into the competition with a resounding success under Russell Rovers from this round one group two divisional junior B championship tie. It was played up in Magner’s Hill, Youghal at 8.15pm on Monday evening, July 11th last.
Strong defensive play from Philip Keane and team captain Eoghan O’Riordan, in front of a largely untroubled Shane Fitzgerald, had the Saints on a firm footing boosted by the dominance of both midfielders, in particular Thomas O’Donnell, who taking an Aaron Neville pass pointed the score of the opening half and probably the match on 24 minutes.
Up front it was a case of brothers in arms! Both Eoin and Kyle Wallace on target. Liam and Padraig O’Connor finding the range for a Catherines team who by the time you will have read these notes will have played county finalists Fr O’Neill’s in a round two fixture, while St Catherines also meet Russell Rovers in a section C fixture of the newly introduced county premier junior hurling championship. That’s on in Killeagh in little over a week’s time. It won’t be as easy!
Scores: E Wallace (1-2), P Keane (1-1), J Hurley (1-0), K Wallace and P O’Connor (0-3 each), T O’Donnell (0-2), L O’Connor (0-1), E Davis (0-1 free).
St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, P Keane, E O’Riordan (captain), S O’Brien, A Neville, L O’Connor, J Neville, C Kearney, T O’Donnell, J Hayes, E Kenneally, E Davis, E Wallace, P O’Connor, K Wallace. Sub: J Hurley for K Wallace (’42). Also: E Condon, D Galvin, H Draper and T Hartnett.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh)
East One County U19 football championship quarter-final
Erin’s Own 3-7 St Catherine’s 0-11
Erin’s Own were able to reverse a one goal setback when 50 weeks later they overcame the challenge of the Saints in the divisional U19 football championship quarter-final when played in Caherlag on Wednesday evening, July 13th last. A Shane Irwin goal in the opening exchanges boosted the confidence and helping them settle against an understrength Saints outfit helped greatly by the strong play of Eoghan O’Riordan, Harry Draper and the scoring exploits of Sean O’Donoghue, though still adrift on a half-time score of 2-4 to 0-5.
Despite the accuracy of Oisin Fitzgerald from placed balls, conceding a third goal quickly on the turnover left the Saints with a mountain to climb.
Scorer: O Fitzgerald (0-6, 0-5 frees), S O’Donoghue (0-3), W Leamy and C Pietropaolo (0-1).
St Catherine’s team: William O’Driscoll, Evan O’Driscoll, Darragh Galvin (captain), Cathal McAuliffe, Ben O’Connor, Eoghan O’Riordan, Gearoid O’Brien, Oisin Fitzgerald, Nathan Sheehan, William Leamy, Tom Hartnett, Harry Draper, Kieran Kelleher, Sean O’Donoghue, Denis Temple. Sub: Ciaran Pietropaolo for Kieran Kelleher (’42).
Referee: Jim McEvoy (Blarney).
Juvenile section
Round one group two division one Rebel Og East U17 football championship
St Catherine’s 1-9 Midleton 1-11
Most of the scoring unfolded through the opening half of this round one round robin divisional U17 (minor) football championship tie when played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Odhran Dennigan and Diarmuid O’Donovan both on the register more than once before Tadhg O’Leary Hayes with an opportunistically taken effort goaled for the Magpies and ahead on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-3.
Referee Paudi Kearney sensibly calling for minute long water breaks through both halves. St Catherine’s winding up the opening half on a high. Kieran Kelleher winning the penalty kick cooly slotted home by Oisin Fitzgerald on 28 minutes, trimming the interval deficit to four points with Midleton still ahead 1-9 to 1-5.
Diarmuid O’Connell points from placed balls had it down to the minimum late on, but the opposition confirmed the win through a late Sean McSharry point on 58 minutes. St Nicholas and Glenville are also in the group. St Catherine’s starting their premier two hurling championship campaign against Bride Rovers also in Ballynoe this forthcoming weekend.
Scorers: O Fitzgerald (1-2, 1-0 penalty, 0-1 free), D O’Connell (0-4 frees), D O’Donovan (0-2), C Pietropaolo (0-1).
St Catherine’s team: T Barry, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, E O’Driscoll, C Hayes, D Morrison, C Dunning, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, D O’Donovan, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell, C Leamy, K Kelleher, D Murphy. Also: G O’Callaghan McCarthy, J Hickey, G Sheehan, J Temple.
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh)
Round six division two Rebel Og East U15 football league
St Catherine’s 1-6 Glenville 4-18
Just a point adrift at the interval and momentarily to the good at 1-5 to 0-6 just two minutes into the second half, so far so good, but the wheels came off the wagon thereafter and St Catherine’s rounded off their league campaign with a heavy loss to Glenville on completion of this round six fixture when played at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 13th last. Hurling championship for this particular age group was due to commence last evening, July 20th. Likewise its football equivalent starts next week.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (1-1), T Clancy (0-2), G Sheehan (0-2 frees), J Temple (0-1).
St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, J Pratt, C Murray, L Moore, J Kenneally, J Temple, F McCready, C Hickey, J Pietropaolo, B Aherne, G Sheehan, T Clancy, C O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, S Wallace. Subs: S Walsh for L Moore, R Hickey for C O’Driscoll, C O’Driscoll for S Wallace, L Moore for B Aherne, S Wallace for J Pietropaolo (all second half).
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Fixtures
Friday, July 22nd at Ballynoe, round one premier two section three U17 hurling championship v Bride Rovers at 7pm.
Saturday, July 23rd phase two division one round four Rebel Og East U13 hurling league in Watergrasshill at 11am.
Wednesday, July 27th at Rathcormac, round one division two section two Rebel Og East U15 football championship v Bride Rovers at 7.45pm.
Sympathy
Condolences to Susan and Brian Sheehan on the recent sad passing of Eddie Mullins of Castlelyons/Limerick. Ar dheis De go raibh a hainm dhillis.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Great win for U19s


In starting you off with what was another busy week and can we just remind you once again that should the current jackpot remain with us extra bonus prizes (€50.0 x 3) will be incorporated into the weekly lotto draw on Bank Holiday Monday, August 1st next. This process will continue on the first Monday of each month for as long as the current attractive jackpot stands. Presenting you with the results from the most recent weekly lotto draw held on Monday night last July 11th. Numbers drawn being 14,17, 29, and 30 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners on the night were Tom Daly c/o P.H. Conna, Angela Davern, Conna, Tony Hickey, online, Anne Barry Carrigmore, Conna and John Sheehan, online. There will be a draw on Monday night July 18th. Jackpot €20,000.
Club action on the field
Round three division two East Cork Junior Hurling League.
St. Catherines 3-12 Youghal 1-17
A swashbuckling second half rounding off with a kamikaze ending to this round three division two Junior Hurling League tie when played in Ballynoe on Monday evening July 4th last. It was 1-06 to 0-07 to the opposition at the interval. Corner forward Ronan McMahon the goal scorer on twenty minutes. With the point scoring ability of Barry Ring and in particular Devon O’Donoghue extending the margin with Youghal ahead on a scoreline of 1-17 to 0-11 to fifty four minutes. Genuinely looking like winners. Oh yea of little faith!!!!
Sprang from the bench substitute Richie O’Connell, crashed in two goals in as many minutes. Niall O’Regan first timing an equalising third shortly afterwards. Just before Richie Galvin pointed the lead and what proved the winning score right on the sixty minutes. In fairness Youghal were presented with the opportunity to tie up matters for a sixth time. But saw a late free veer wide of the target. That now concludes the division two Junior hurling league programme. Three wins, two draws and two defeats amassing a tally of eight points from seven matches played not enough to insure progression. Two home league ties against both Carrigtowhill and Cloyne must still be played in the division four league.
Scorers – R O’Connell (2.00), N. O’Regan (1-03), H Draper (0-05 frees). W Leamy, M Mulcahy, P Tobin and Rd Galvin (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Aherne, P Tobin, S O’Brien, S Kearney, B O’Connor, L O’Connor, D Galvin, J Neville, R Galvin, H Draper, M Mulcahy, J Hayes, W Leamy, N O’Regan, T Hartnett. Subs: P Ryan for D Galvin (second half), O O’Neill for W Leamy (38’), R O’Connell for T Hartnett (48’), S Cotter for H Draper (50’), D Lane for B O’Connor (52’).
Referee: Mike Walsh (home club)
Quarter-final East One U19 Hurling Championship
Carrigtwohill 0-15 St Catherines 1-15
Ten months on from an enthralling then minor semi-final and form was put to the test with the Saints again confirming superiority when this U19 hurling championship quarter-final was played at a deceptively windy Carrigtwohill on Wednesday evening, July 6th last
Sean O’Donoghue, who registered a tally of glorious times and well taken points, this time turning provider to release Mark Geary to finish with aplomb the game’s only goal on 8 minutes making it 1-3 to 0-1 and with Harry Draper and Darragh Morrison also among the scorers, maintaining that advantage on a half-time scoreline of 1-7 to 0-6.
Now favoured by the conditions and Carrigtwohill were eating into the deficit and with Padraig Walsh, Justin Oke and Cian O’Riordan among their scorers, parity was restored for the first and only time in the contest at 1-12 to 0-15 on 55 minutes. But the Saints finished strongly and late points from Gearoid O’Brien and Kyle Wallace confirmed the win for a Saint’s outfit who were due to play the equivalent football championship in Caherlag last night, July 13th.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-6, 0-4 frees), S O’Donoghue (0-5), M Geary (1-0), H Draper, D Morrison, E O’Riordan, G O’Brien (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, K O’Donoghue, E O’Riordan (captain), D Galvin, M Geary, G O’Brien, H Draper, K Wallace, C England, D Morrison, T Hartnett, S O’Donoghue. Subs: W Leamy for C England (22’), N Sheehan for T Hartnett (53’), D Temple for W Leamy (59’). Also: C Dinneen and C McAuliffe.
Referee: Rory O’Connell (Cobh).
All-Ireland senior hurling final
Every report appearing on these pages must be carefully thought out, players deserve that. But we had to dig extra deep in researching what words to use in relation to that major upcoming match. Rare though not unusual would be the case surrounding Sunday’s protagonists, especially when it comes to the meeting of Kilkenny and Limerick in the ultimate decider itself. Basically one believes that this has all the ingredients of being the greatest final ever.
Limerick represented by Kilfinane overcame the Cats represented by Tullaroan in the first All-Ireland hurling final between the counties in 1897, even though the match wasn’t played until November 1898 in Tipperary. Then Kilkenny emerged triumphant in 1933 and 1935.
Limerick’s turn to exert dominance over the Cats in 1940, before we enter more modern televised times. Limerick defeating a savagely depleted Kilkenny in 1973, first final appearance and first title claimed by the Shannon-siders in 33 years. Kilkenny exacting revenge over the same opposition 12 months after that and winning the last final tussle between the teams in September 2007.
For the purposes of modernity and relevance, no team even comes near what Kilkenny have achieved over the last 20 years, not to be sneezed at as Tipperary won four All-Ireland’s in that time. Cork two, with one title each bagged by Clare and Galway. Mindboggling to think 15 final appearances were earned by the Cats in that period. Of even more significance 11 All-Ireland hurling titles went Northside in that time, firmly putting themselves in the frame to be the greatest team of all time.
Limerick have seriously emerged in recent times, beating then champions Galway in the final of 2017. Provincial and league titles have come their way in the interim. Liam McCarthy coming back Shannon-side following the 2020 and 2021 finals. They are the current occupants striving for that historic 3-in-a-row achieved by Tipperary (49-51), Cork (52-54), Cork (76-78) and Kilkenny (06-08), Kilkenny going on to achieve 4-in-a-row at that time. That will be at the back of Limerick minds this weekend. As if all went to all they might be going for 4-in-a-row this upcoming weekend. They are the reigning champions. They are the heirs to the Kilkenny throne in the league of greatness.
This will be the eighth time in the history of the game that Kilkenny and Limerick have met in the senior hurling decider. This is the final everyone wants. It’s going to be special.
What we have in fixtures for you
Friday, July 15th at Ballynoe round one section two division one Rebel Og East U17 football championship v Midleton at 7pm.
Wednesday, July 20th at Ballynoe round one section one division two Rebel Og East U15 hurling championship v Lisgoold at 7pm.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile Club.

We start this week with the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, July 4th. Numbers drawn were 12, 22, 26 and 28 and there was no winner of the €20,000 jackpot. Consolation winners were John Barrett, Ballynoe; D Hartigan, c/o PH, Conna; Pat Spillane, Kilavorilla; Michael Lane, Shanakill, Curraglass and James O’Connor, c/o PH, Conna.
There were 3 bonus prizes (€50 x 3) drawn in view of the big jackpot standing. Winners were Martin Flynn, Conna; Richie Lynch, online and Michelle O’Donovan, Kingston, online. Those extra bonus prizes will again be drawn on August Monday should the current jackpot remain in situ. There will be a draw again on Monday night, July 11th.
Results of the lotto draw held on Monday night, June 27th - numbers 5, 11, 24 and 29 with no winner of the €20,000 jackpot. Consolation winners: Breda Galvin, Lacken; Liam Coughlan, Ballyduff; the Cotter family, Ballynoe; Deirdre Twomey, online and Kevin Casey, Ballyduff.
Rebels Bounty
No return at club level when the most recent Rebels Bounty Draw went ahead on Thursday evening last. But spare a thought we’re still only at the halfway stage. Hope springs eternal! Next Rebels Bounty Draw will take place in three weeks time, round about Thursday evening, July 28th.
Premier Senior Football Championship Semi-Final
Having played host to the pairing of Araglin and Fr O’Neills in the second round of the County Junior B1 Football Championship on the evening of Sunday, May 29th and this time around Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua was the venue for Avondhu and Imokilly in the semi-final of the Bon Secours sponsored premier senior football championship, divisions and colleges section when played at 7.30pm on Thursday evening last.
Victory for Avondhu by the slimmest of margins on an end scoreline of 2-15 to 1-17. St Catherines player Eoin Condon lined out at right corner forward for the East Cork team. Eoin Wallace was included on the panel. Referee was Canice Walsh of Nemo Rangers. Thanks to East Cork Board officers Daniel Lane and Kieran McGann and their northern counterparts Ciaran O’Regan, Martin Crummey and John Courtney with their efficient release of the team line-outs re the programme match sheets.
A question sure to roll off the public tongue in the coming days will be the whereabouts of upcoming action re the Saints first choice hurling team. Well here is your answer!
Opening match of the newly introduced premier junior hurling championship features St Catherines and Russell Rovers. It’s fixed for Killeagh on Friday evening, July 29th. Throw in time is 7.30pm. Then on the afternoon of Saturday, August 6th at 3pm Castlemartyr play Kilworth in round two of the premier intermediate hurling championship at Ballynoe. While the Saints themselves return to action on the following evening playing Tracton in the second round of the premier junior hurling championship. That’s fixed for Carraig na bhFear at 4pm on the evening of Sunday, August 7th. Round three fixture v Glen Rovers will be in Lisgoold on Friday evening, August 26th at 7.30pm. Now you know!
Club action on the field of play
Round Four Division Four East Cork Junior Hurling League
Cobh 1-12 St Catherines 1-8
Evan Philpott at the end of a four man move helped the Saints to settle into their stride, goaling in the fourth minute of this division four junior hurling league tie played in O’Connell Park at 8pm on Friday evening last. Although behind it was a score helping the Saints to remain in contention on a half time scoreline standing at 0-7 to 1-2.
Cobh consolidated their position when Jason Hayes goaled early on the turnover. But despite strong defensive play from Seamus Kearney and excellent well taken points from Stephen O’Brien, Harry Draper, Denis Temple, Conor England and Ben O’Connor, Cobh had enough in hand.
Scorers: E Philpott (0-2 frees) (1-2), S O’Brien (0-2), H Draper, D Temple, C England and B O’Connor (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: E Aherne, P Ryan, S Kearney, D Lane, J Mulcahy, B O’Connor, J Casey, S O’Brien, C England, H Draper, R English, T Hartnett, D Temple, E Philpott, G Leahy. Referee: Tadgh O’Connor (Killeagh).
Quarter-final Bon Secours sponsored county B1 football championship
St Catherines 0-5 Diarmuid Ó Mathunas (Castletownkenneigh) 2-15
Mostly cloudy with the chance of a few scattered showers. Brisk westerly winds. Weather forecast on the Independent which materialised as scripted as this quarter-final of the county junion B1 football championship sprung into action exactly at 3pm when played on Blarney GAA grounds on Sunday week last.
Eoin Condon pointing on seven minutes cancelling out an earlier Keith O’Donovan score was the only time the teams were level when Mathunas, who also defeated the Saints at semi-final stage in the last meeting between the teams ten years ago at Kilmurry, gradually assumed control and were in a dominant position when Conor O’Sullivan slotted home the first and lead goal as Mathunas from Castletownkenneigh were ahead on a score of 1-3 to 0-1 on 16 minutes. St Catherines plugged gamely on with Kyle Wallace setting up brother Eoin for the final score of the opening half on 32 minutes. Mathunas ahead with the half-time score standing at 1-7 to 0-4.
Ronan McCarthy became the eight different player to register, pointing three minutes into the turnover. Shane Fitzgerald was magnificent between the sticks for the Saints, making several telling stops in both halves. Particularly impressive was his penalty save which went out for a ’45 and subsequently kicked wide on 50 minutes. Culprit Jack O’Callaghan redeemed himself when adding the match winning second goal four minutes later.
Diarmuid Ó Mathunas will now play Garnish or Shanballymore in the county semi-final, while St Catherines must now recharge the batteries and focus their attention on group two of the upcoming East Cork Junior B Football Championship. Involved apart from the Saints will be Russell Rovers, Dungourney and Fr O’Neills. Also entering a team under the managership of James Casey for the divisional Junior C football championship, coming together recently for a challenge when losing out 4-14 to 4-7 in Glenville on Monday evening, June 20th. Stephen Cotter registering a tally of 3-3 for the visitors.
Juvenile and challenge games aside, last Sunday week was the first time playing a competitive match in Blarney since an intermediate hurling league fixture against them on Saturday, October 8th, 1994. St Catherines winning on an end scoreline of 2-14 to 1-5, championship winners that year before going to complete the double, beating Ballymartle in the semi-final and Glen Rovers in the league final. St Catherines for the only time in their history also won the East Cork U21 A hurling championship that year.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-2, 0-1 free), E Condon (0-1), E Wallace (0-1), E David (0-1 free).
Diarmuid Ó Mathunas scorers: J O’Callaghan (1-4), C O’Sullivan (1-1), K O’Donovan, M Draper, T Lordan, R McCarthy (0-2 each), B Lordan (0-1), S Crowley (0-1 45’).
St Catherines: Shane Fitzgerald, Philip Keane, Shane O’Brien, Kieran Neville, Eoin Wallace, Eoghan O’Riordan (captain), James Neville, Thomas O’Donnell, Eoin Davis, Conor Kearney, Eoin Condon, Padraig O’Connor, Kyle Wallace, Liam O’Connor, Ed Kenneally. Subs: John Hurley for Padraig O’Connor (second half), Aaron Neville for Conor Kearney (39’), James Hayes for Kieran Neville (43’), Shane Cogan for Thomas O’Donnell (53’), Harry Draper for Kyle Wallace (58’).
Referee: Jim McEvoy (Blarney).
JUVENILE ACTION
Phase Two Division One Round Three Rebel Óg East U13 Football League
St Catherines 3-2 Glenville 3-6
Sterling defensive play from Shane O’Riordan and a few well taken Sean Walsh scores had the home team narrowly ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-1 to 0-3 from this U13 football league tie when played in Ballynoe on Saturday morning last.
Adding to it in the opening exchanges of the turnover with Aodhán Burke doing well and now impressing in a corner forward role. But in a deluge, a three goal strike in as many minutes saw Glenville assume control and pick up the points on offer. Pressure on now in this code.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-1), S Walsh (1-1).
St Catherines team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, S O’Riordan, B O’Connor, C Higgins, R Hickey, R O’Donoghue, S Walsh, A Cotter, E Dillon. T Walsh, S McCarthy, J O’Connor, E O’Mahony, T Morrison. Subs: S O’Keeffe for R O’Donoghue (13’), A Burke for J O’Connor (21’), J Mulkerrins for S O’Keeffe (33’), D Temple and N Keane for T Morrison and C McCarthy (both 58’).
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
ROUND SIX PREMIER TWO U15 HURLING LEAGUE
Fermoy 0-18 St Catherines 4-19
This competition resumed with a round six fixture of the Premier two U15 hurling league when played in Fermoy on Wednesday evening, June 22nd. Most of the scoring had been the property of John Temple, with Fionn Lardner contributing a tally of 12 points overall, before two late first half goals finished off by Thomas Dee and Julian Pietropaolo in turn ushered the Saints into a lead they wouldn’t surrender and ahead on a half-time score of 3-8 to 0-10.
Kyle O’Donoghue with a class finish added the fourth goal on 40 minutes. Both teams were regraded for championship purposes.
Scorers: J Temple (1-8, 0-4 frees), G Sheehan (0-5, 0-1 free), J Pietropaolo (1-1), K O’Donoghue (1-1), J Dee (1-0), A Cotter (0-2), S Wallace (0-2, 0-1 free).
St Catherines team: S O’Donoghue, B McKee, C Murray, S Aherne, J Pratt, F McCready, T Clancy, J Temple, A Cotter, K O’Donoghue, J Pietropaolo, C Hickey, T Dee, G Sheehan, S Wallace. Subs: C O’Driscoll and C Barry for T Dee and B McKee (both 42’), B Aherne for K O’Donoghue (44’), L Kilmartin for C Hickey (51’), R Hickey for S Aherne (52’).
Referee: Peter Watson (Kildorrery).
Phase two division one round three Rebel Og East U13 hurling league
St Colmans 1-8 St Catherines 5-10
After the setback with the football in Rostellan a week previous, St Catherines returned to winning ways on a mildly flattering scoreline when this round three division one U13 hurling league tie went ahead at a breezy, windy, intermittently showery Cloyne early on Saturday week last.
Having played with the benefit of those conditions through the opening exchanges, it was 2-5 to 0-4 for the visitors at half-time. But if anything were able to solidify their position with a sweetly struck goal from impressive substitute Kenneth O’Connell three minutes into the second half. St Colmans had their share of skilful players, Daire Collins and in particular Daniel Walsh especially prominent. The points were secured following two late Eoghan O’Mahony goals.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-8, 0-5 frees, 0-1 ’65), E O’Mahony (2-0), K O’Connell (1-1), T Walsh (0-1).
St Catherines team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, R Hickey, B O’Connor, S O’Riordan, S Walsh, S McCarthy, A Cotter, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, A Burke, J Cunneen, E O’Mahony, T Morrison. Subs: J Mulkerrins and K O’Connell for J Cunneen and A Burke (both second half), N Keane and D Temple for C McCarthy and T Morrison (both 54’).
Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada).
Annual Cúl Camp
There was the odd blip but by and large weather conditions held up for what was the annual Kellogg’s Cúl Camp. In excess of 155 boys and girls in the 6 to 13 age group congregating in the pitches in Ballynoe for a four hour period, taking in the hours of 10am to 2pm. Starting on the morning of June 26th through to Friday last, July 1st. There were a good mix of coaches and all taking part enjoyed it. Head coach was Padraig O’Connor. Plenty of football! Cúl Camp co-ordinator being Martina O’Connor. A successful undertaking. Leaving you in the mood for more of the same at a similar time next summer!
Intercounty
No outright success for the Rebels in either code this playing season. Cork losing out to an always fancied Dublin in the second of the All-Ireland Senior football quarter-finals when played at headquarters on Saturday, June 25th. It’s just a case of sitting back now and watch the various titles being dished out. Resuming on a cold Saturday night or equally bleak Sunday afternoon for the opening sequence of matches in division two of the national football league in early February which will also involve the Dubs. Hopefully there’s better luck for the cailíní.
Next on your fixture list
Wednesday, July 13th at Ballynoe round six Division Two Section One U15 Football League v Glenville at 7pm.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

First loss of campaign


Geography wouldn’t be in agreement but hurling’s two greatest and most successful provinces now share the last four places to be had in this year’s championship as the quest for Liam intensifies. Both defeated provincial finalists progress another rung up that ladder. In so doing putting paid to the third placed finishers from the initial group stages of the competition. There are a few ways of looking at it. By that we mean the pairings from the provincial finals can still be repeated for the game’s greatest prize. Namely the All-Ireland senior hurling title itself. It could be Galway v Kilkenny with King Henry trying to reverse the result from the Leinster final and put one over on his ex-boss and the game’s greatest ever manager. But being a southern boy wouldn’t another Limerick/Clare tussle whet the appetite? It’s possible of course. But there would be a lot of hurling to be played before that. All-Ireland semi-finals are on the first weekend of July. As the Rebels get ready for the Dubs in the quarter final of the football championship. Not exactly blessed with options now are we?
Round 7 group 3A Red FM County Premier Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 0-16 Midleton 3-10
St Catherines incurred their first loss of the campaign in what was ironically the last match in the group stages of the competition when this tie was played in an occasionally windy and at all times overcast Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. With that wind at their backs a quartet of Cian Crowley points helped the magpies into a 1-06 to 0-04 lead to sixteen minutes. Not allowing them to get too far ahead was vital, Philip Keane defending allied to points from Matthew Mulcahy and Kevin Bally managed to trim the deficit. Midleton ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-07 to 0-08.
Now favoured by those conditions though genuinely the wind didn’t appear to blow as strong for the second half hour and the home team were briefly ahead for the first time since the third minute with a lead of 0-12 to 1-08 to forty minutes. Before parity would be restored for the fifth time in an evenly fought contest at 0-12 to 1-09 with the clock touching fifty minutes.
A Christian Daly goal looked to have inflicted tangible damage especially with Gary Carrol following it up with a point as the opposition would lead at 2-10 to 0-13 to 58 minutes. But Catherines stuck manfully to the job at hand. Taking a Harry Draper pass Brian Mulcahy split the posts. Sandwiched as it was between a brace of Rory Galvin points. Together again at 0-16 to 2-10 a minute overtime. Before Paul Connaughton struck for his second and match-winning third Midleton goal right at the death.
With twelve points accumulated from seven league matches played Catherines should have enough in the locker to make the knockout stages.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-05 frees) (0-07), B Mulcahy (0-03), M Mulcahy and K Barry (0-02 each), G O’Brien and E Condon (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, P Keane, Shane O’Brien, J Neville, K Neville, F O’Connell, C Hegarty, G O’Brien, T O’Donnell, E Condon, B Mulcahy, A Neville, M Mulcahy, K Barry, R Galvin. Subs: C Kearney for T O’Donnell (37), H Draper for M Mulcahy (49), Stephen O’Brien and N O’Regan for J Neville and K Barry (both 52). Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Reeling in the years – a brief reflective look at the County Junior B Football Championship 2012
A Padraig Noonan goal on eleven minutes was enough to establish an interval advantage of 1-03 to 0-01 and an eventual winning margin standing at 1-09 to 0-01 over St Johns, a small rural club north of Millstreet, probably in and around Ballydaly, in what was billed as a fourth-round match in the 2012 County Junior B Football Championship. Sandwiched as it was between first round and quarter final pairings with Charleville Rovers.
Winning the initial meeting on a scoreline of 3-07 to 1-03 when played in Mitchelstown on the afternoon of Sunday, April 29th. Current first team hurling manager Shane Kearney scored two of those goals. Three weeks on from the St John’s game and it was back to Ballyhooly and that second clash with Charleville in the quarter final played on Saturday evening, July 14th. Padraig Noonan (2), Eoin Condon and Shane Fitzgerald the goal scorers in securing a victory on an end scoreline of 4-04 to 0-08. Thus setting up a semi-final with Diarmuid O Mathúnas fixed for Kilmurry on Saturday evening, August 4th. It was level (1-03 to 0-06) at half-time. With the Castletown Kenneigh outfit extending a lead to 0-10 to 1-04 to 43 minutes. Late points from the aforementioned Shane Kearney and Allan Carr helped narrow the gap. But that was as close as it would go. Mathúnas moving on with the final score standing at 0-10 to 1-06.
Thus far this year’s campaign has yielded impressive results against Awbeg Rovers and Castlelyons. Now is the time to redress that setback from ten years ago.
St Catherine’s team v Diarmiud O Mathúnas 2012: Colm Mulloy, Ed Kenneally, Shane Fizgerald, John Mulcahy, Stephen O’Brien, Liam O’Connor (team captain), James Neville, Conor Hegarty, Allan Carr, Padraig O’onnor, Shane Kearney, William Walsh, Padraig Noonan, Shane Cotter, Eoin Condon. Subs used were Marty Conneely and Matthew Mulcahy. Mentors were Pat Lane, Denis Walsh, Ger Mulcahy and Tim O’Connor.
Upcoming fixtures
Saturday, June 25th at Cloyne or Shanagarry, Phase 2 Division 1 Round 3 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League v St Colmans at 11am. Sunday, June 26th at Blarney, quarter final County Junior B1 Football Championship v Diarmuid O Mathúnas at 3pm. Monday, June 27th at Ballynoe, Round 3 Division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Youghal at 8pm. Wednesday, June 29th at Aghavine, Round 5 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League v Fr O’Neills at 7pm.
Juvenile Club notes
This week’s juvenile section starts with the Division 1 Rebel Óg Mid/East/North U14 Hurling Championship Final.
St Catherines 4-14 Watergrasshill 5-08
What a glorious three-week spell has been served up by this particular age group. With both deciders condensed into a memorable four-day spell starting with the football success over Bride Rovers at Dungourney on the previous Sunday evening. Before securing a well-earned three point victory over a gallant Watergrasshill outfit in an enthralling Division 1 U14 Hurling Championship Final played in Ballinacurra on Thursday evening last.
A trio of Alan Cotter points from placed balls a precursor to two Callum O’Driscoll goals allied to some beneficial tinkering with the starting line-up all combined in establishing a half-time lead of 2-10 to 1-00. Full forward Tadhg McCarthy on target for the opposition. There was a deceptively stiffish breeze blowing towards the Midleton side prevailing. Was this divisional final settled? Not on your life. Indeed, Watergrasshill dominated the third quarter and had reduced the deficit to five points at 2-11 to 2-06 to 43 minutes.
Eoghan O’Mahony will score more goals through his career. It’s unlikely he will score one as crucial or important as the one he glanced home exactly halfway through the second half. A point quickly followed making it 3-12 to 2-06 to 48 minutes. When Kyle O’Donoghue gathered the sliotar directly across from the dugout side of the ground it was obvious starting a menacing run there was only one thing on his mind. Crashing home a mighty goal befitting of winning any final. Sending supporters and mentors into raptures as the scoreline momentarily eased out at 4-12 to 2-08 to 54 minutes.
David Barry with his second goal was the immediate response. Watergrasshill were hurling well and in just under a 3-minute spell Jack Counihan added two more. The closing stages witnessed from this final were spine tingling. The hooking and blocking of both teams were mindboggling. Cathal Barry, Liam Moore and Billy McKee were Herculean. Whistle blows. Euphoric scenes greet the Saints’ success over a valiant, sporting Watergrasshill fifteen. Afterwards Eoin O’Mahony, Vice-Chairman of Rebel Óg East made the presentation. St Catherine’s goalkeeper and captain Shane O’Donoghue the recipient.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-07 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-08), C O’Driscoll (2-00), K O’Donoghue (1-02), E O’Mahony (1-00), J Pietropaolo (0-02), T Clancy and T Walsh (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Shane O’Donoghue (team captain), Cathal Barry, James Kenneally, Liam Moore, Billy McKee, Sean Walsh, Ronan Hickey, Alan Cotter, Julian Pietropaolo, Tadgh Walsh, Tristan Clancy, Billy Ahern, Callum O’Driscoll, Kyle O’Donoghue, Eoghan O’Mahony. Subs used: Cathal Higgins for Tadgh Walsh (59), also Liam Kilmartin, Billy O’Connor, Shay McCarthy and Thomas Morrison. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Phase 2 Round 2 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League
Aghada 5-12 St Catherines 4-06
At the start Aghada were ahead by all of 14 points and there was a serious prospect of being overrun in this division 1 tie when played at 8pm in Rostellan on Friday evening last. But a bit of tweaking there and a few scores appearing on the board and that bit of confidence improved matters. Trailing 3-09 to 1-03 at the break, Catherines had it cut to 4-12 to 4-06 to 54 minutes. Jack Cunneen, Sean Walsh, Alan Cotter, Ronan Hickey, Tadg Walsh and substitute Kenneth O’Connell trying their utmost and never giving up. But victory went to the better team. This weekend it’s hurling away to St Colmans. Venue will be confirmed as the week advances.
Scorers: A Cotter (1-02 frees) (2-05), E O’Mahony and R Hickey (1-00 each) and K O’Connell (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, C Higgins, B O’Connor, A Burke, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, R Hickey, T Morrison, T Walsh, S McCarthy, N Curtin, E O’Mahony, J O’Connor. Subs: K O’Connell for J O’Connor (second half), D Temple for N Curtin (43), S O’Keeffe for C McCarthy (46). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Condolences
Sympathy to Billy and Eileen Neville, Ballynoe on the death of Sr Philomena Sweetnam of Kanturk and Mallow. Also to the Donnellan families of Fermoy, Kilworth and Castlelyons on the death of Sean Donnellan, for many years an institution on 103FM County Sound radio. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a anamacha dilse.
Latest lotto details
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw held on Monday night last, June 20th. Numbers drawn were 5, 13, 18 and 32 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners were Majella and Cathal, Britway, Cathal Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe, Martina McHugh, online, Moss Beecher c/o PH and Ciara Coady, online. There will be a draw on Monday night, June 27th after the Junior Hurling League match below in the pitch. Jackpot €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Junior footballers into county quarter final


Newly crowned provincial champions Cork lost out to defeated Ulster finalists Derry. In a similar twist you had Kerry overcoming the challenge of champions Tyrone. Results that frequently seem to occur when in a double header the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship quarter finals were played at MW Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday evening last.
What we have now are defeated provincial finalists up against the two third place finishers. It’s Galway up against Cork at 1.45pm and two hours later Clare/Wexford at 3.45pm in a double header when the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter finals go ahead at Thurles on this coming Saturday afternoon. Matches must be decided on the day. With extra time and penalties always looming in the background.
Struggling to victories over Louth and Limerick won’t shudder the CV now that the Rebels come face to face with the Dubs in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter finals. Draws for which went out live on RTE Radio 1 on Monday morning last. Most would settle for a decent performance. In fairness Cork were originally matched with Kerry. But seeing as you couldn’t have a previous pairing the Rebels moved on to the Dubs with Kerry now up against Mayo. Out of the frying pan!
Round 3 Bon Secours County Junior B Football Championship
St Catherines 5-10 Castlelyons 0-06
There was little separating what had been two evenly matched teams through the opening and early stages of this third round tie played at a breezy, occasionally overcast Carrigtwohill on Friday evening last. First time frequenting their new facility and it’s a credit to them. While on the field of play a brace of Richard Morrison points, the second fingertipped over by a vigilant Shane Fitzgerald saw parity restored for a second time at 0-03 each to 24 minutes. Before the Saints just edged it by the slimmest of margins with a half-time scoreline standing at 0-04 to 0-03.
But favoured by the conditions and Catherines utterly dominated affairs from there on in. Kyle Wallace pointed twice within 90 seconds of the turnover. Then turning provider. Picking out Ed Kenneally with the key pass to finish off the game’s and the Saints’ opening goal when establishing a lead now standing at 1-08 to 0-03 to 35 minutes. Points from Alan O’Regan, Barry Murphy and Jack Waters hinted at a possible opposition recovery. But there would be no comeback following a duo of Eoin Condon goals. His first a clear contender for score of the match on 42 minutes. Substitute Conor Kearney set up Eoin David for another shortly afterwards with the score standing at 4-08 to 0-06 to 49 minutes. Before again introduced off the bench and also scoring the last day, John Hurley added a fifth just before game’s end.
Scorers: E Condon (2-03), E Davis (0-02 frees) (1-02), K Wallace (0-01 free) (0-04), E Kenneally and J Hurley (1-00 each) and E Wallace (0-01). Castlelyons scorers: R Morrison (0-02), C O’Neill, A O’Regan, J Waters and B Murphy (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, K Neville, S O’Brien, J Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan (capt), F O’Connell, T O’Donnell, R Galvin, P O’Connor, E Condon, E Davis, E Kenneally, L O’Connor, K Wallace. Subs: C Kearney for T O’Donnell (42), P Keane for K Wallace (50), A Neville for P O’Connor (53), S Cogan for R Galvin (55), J Hurley for E Davis (56). Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
Our juvenile report starts with the final of the Division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football Championship
St Catherines 4-06 Bride Rovers 3-05
St Catherines, only by the pin of their collars emerged victorious from this championship final when played at Dungourney on Sunday evening last at 6.30pm. It being the second leg of a double header. Lisgoold just getting the better of Castlelyons in the Shield Final played earlier following a 5pm throw-in.
Tristan Clancy had the Saints off to a flyer with the lead goal on seven minutes. But only exerted a spell of dominance following a goal from the excellent Kyle O’Donoghue before Julian Pietropaolo at the end of a three man move added another on 28 minutes establishing a lead standing on a half-time scoreline of 3-02 to 1-03. A cushion maintained through the third quarter and beyond. Sean Walsh defending strongly and points from Billy McKee and Billy Ahern in turn had the lead at 3-05 to 1-05 to 50 minutes. But what a finish we had and goals from Michael Walsh and Mark Hynes saw the deficit trimmed to just one point. Game firmly in the melting pot by now.
Crucial and match defining moment about to unfold. A quickly taken Julian Pietropaolo free picks out Alan Cotter, charging through to land the winning goal on 60 minutes. Afterwards Michael Mulry, Treasurer of Rebel Óg East presented the winning trophy to successful St Catherine’s captain Liam Moore. Next up is the hurling final against Watergrasshill.
Scorers: T Clancy (0-02 frees) (1-02), K O’Donoghue and J Pietropaolo (1-01 each), A Cotter (1-00), B McKee and B Ahern (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Jaydn O’Connor, Cathal Barry, Shane O’Donoghue, Liam Moore (capt), Sean Walsh, James Kenneally, Ronan Hickey, Julian Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, Shay McCarthy, Kyle O’Donoghue, Billy McKee, Tadgh Walsh, Tristan Clancy, Eoghan O’Mahony. Subs: Billy Ahern for Shane O’Donoghue (21), Cathal Higgins for Shay McCarthy (second half). Also Liam Kilmartin and Billy O’Connor. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East/Mid/North U14 Hurling Championship
St Catherines 4-12 Mallow 2-05
Goals either side of the opening quarter mark with Callum O’Driscoll and Kyle O’Donoghue both contributing were the scores laying the foundation for a Saints’ victory from this hurling championship semi-final when played in breezy conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday, evening June 8th. Mallow were a greater force on the changeover and goals from Diarmuid O’Riordan and Tommy O’Sullivan trimmed the Saints’ half-time lead. Standing at 2-06 to 0-03 to 2-07 to 2-03 to forty minutes. But the home team were able to pick it up again. Grateful to crucial and well taken scores particularly from Eoghan O’Mahony and captain for the night Billy McKee and the Saints’ place for an imminent final v Watergrasshill was secured.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (2-04), T Clancy (0-04), C O’Driscoll and E O’Mahony (1-00 each), A Cotter (0-03 frees) and B McKee (0-01). St Catherine’s team: T Walsh, C Barry, S O’Donoghue, L Moore, S Walsh, J Kenneally, B McKee, J Pietropaolo, A Cotter, B Aherne, K O’Donoghue, R Hickey, C O’Driscoll, T Clancy, J O’Connor. Subs: E O’Mahony for J O’Connor (34), S McCarthy for C Barry (53), L Kilmartin for B Aherne (55), B O’Connor and C Higgins for L Moore and C O’Driscoll (both 58). Also E Dillon. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Phase 2 round 2 division 1 Rebel Og East U13 Hurling League
St Catherines 3-08 Castlelyons 3-06
A hard-earned win for the Saints from this tie when played at 11am in Ballynoe on Saturday morning last. Second quarter goals, two minutes apart from Tadgh Walsh and Alan Cotter negating the impact of an earlier Rian Linehan goal and helping to establish an interval lead on a scoreline of 2-06 to 1-04.
An Eoghan O’Mahony goal on 37m minutes vital to the cause because a brace of Khaled Hickey goals was making for an uncomfortable finish before Sam McCarthy brought the best out of Sean O’Keeffe with a stunning last-minute save, one of many he made on the day as the Saints edged over the line on a score of 3-08 to 3-06 at the finish.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-03 frees) (1-06), T Walsh (1-02) and E O’Mahony (1-00). St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, S O’Riordan, B O’Connor, S McCarthy, S Walsh, R O’Donoghue, A Cotter, R Hickey, E Dillon, T Walsh, C Higgins, J Cunneen, E O’Mahony, T Morrison. Subs: N Curtin for J Cunneen (second half), D Temple for T Morrison (57), N Keane for C McCarthy (60). Also J Mulkerrins. Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
Success in U9 Tallow Hurling Tournament
Reassuring and consistent performances saw the Saints crowned champions from the U9 hurling festival tournament final for the Tóstal Cup when played in Tallow on Bank holiday Monday, June 6th. There were some terrific matches and fair play to those involved on the day and their mentors, coaches and trainers. Thanks to Sean Gleeson and his team for organising. St Catherines secured victories over Dungarvan, Cois Bhríde, Ballyduff, Abbeyside and Cappoquin. Mentors were Steve Cummins (manager), Padraig O’Connor, James Geaney, Eric Flynn, Sean Twomey, Shane Fitzgerald, Stephen Butler and Bill O’Keeffe. Panel of players consisting of James Beecher, Elliott Butler, Sean Cummins, Adam Fitzgerald, Ronan Geaney, Alex Keane, Cillian Fitzgerald, Cathal Kearney, Caelan Kelly, Sean O’Keeffe, Darragh Fitzgerald, William Lester, Ciaran O’Connor, Elliott Passaquay, Cathal Twomey and Robbie Pietropaolo. Also Sean Flynn, Luke Kearney, Seamus O’Donovan and Oisin O’Mahony.
Sciath na Scol finals
Another great day for the parish with Ballynoe recording a double in the Sciath na Scol finals when played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday morning last, They led the DH6 hurling final with the half-time scoreline standing at 0-04 to 0-01. But it was all tied up when Alex Fogarty breached the Ballynoe rear-guard for the game’s only goal early on the turnover. Kenneth O’Connell and Tadg Walsh were on the scoresheet. But it was a late Alan Cotter score who along with defender Shane O’Donoghue were joint captains, that secured a victory by the slimmest of margins on an end scoreline of St Catherines Ballynoe 0-07 to St Fergals Killeagh 1-03.
There was a narrow 0-02 to 0-01 lead at half-time in the DC6 camogie final. But second half goals from Laura Twomey, Sophia O’Sullivan and Amy O’Connell confirmed the win. Securing the title on an end scoreline of 4-04 to 1-05 against Inch, which ironically is also in the Killeagh parish. Congratulations and well done to all, including respective team trainers Ger Collins and Orna Ryan (Neville).
DH6 hurling panel: Sean O’Keeffe, Shane O’Donoghue (joint captain), David Temple, Gary Leahy, Kenneth O’Connell, Alan Cotter (joint captain), Aodhan Burke, Tadg Walsh, Jamie Mulkerrins, Cathal Higgins, Padraig O’Sullivan, Adam Cotter, Jack Mulkerrins and James Bryan.
DC6 camogie panel: Simone Fitzgerald, Hannah O’Donnell, Niamh Kilmartin, Abby Leahy, Eileen Bryan, Maebh Fitzgerald, Ella Higgins, Sophia O’Sullivan, Amy O’Connell, Laura Twomey, Katie Dee (captain), Amy Leahy, Katie Molloy, Lucy Geaney, Áine Kielthy, Ava Cotter, Anna McAuliffe and Roisin Collins.
School exams
Belated good wishes to all those boys and girls currently sitting their Junior and Leaving Cert examinations.
Cúl Camp
Yes, it’s that time of year again and juvenile chairman Brian Sheehan and coordinator Martina O’Connor tell us numbers will be high for the upcoming annual Cúl Camp taking place in the pitches in Ballynoe from Monday, June 27th to Friday, July 1st.
Condolences
Sympathy to Hannah Hartnett, Ballynoe on the recent death of a sister who for many years has been based in the UK. While followers of a certain era will rue the recent sad parting of Seamus Looney who was a prolific intercounty minor in both codes. Also winning Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup medals with UCC and U21 All-Irelands with the county. He was one of 6 St Finbarrs players that started the first 80-minute All-Ireland senior hurling final v Wexford in 1970. He retired from the intercounty game at the age of 22, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha dilse.
Congratulations to the Condon brothers
Imokilly lost out to Carbery (2-18 to 1-10) in the first round of the divisional section of the county senior football championship when played in Ballincollig on Thursday evening last. St Catherine’s player Eoin Condon played in the forwards for Imokilly. A day previously younger brother Richie enjoyed better luck when riding two winners on a day confined to claiming jockeys at Wexford on Wednesday of last week. One of the winners was for the popular Mick Winters up in Kanturk. Jakes Dream collecting the mares’ maiden hurdle which was the first race on the card. Shhh! Don’t tell Mark Chapman! Those Condons are hard to stop!
Next on your busy fixture list
Friday, June 17th at Ballynoe round 8 division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Cloyne at 7.45pm. Friday, June 17th at Rostellan, phase 2 round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League v Aghada at 8pm or Final Rebel Óg North/Mid/East division 1 U14 Hurling Championship v Watergrasshill at 7pm, venue tbc. Sunday, June 19th at Ballynoe, round 7 PJHL v Midleton at 11.30am. Tuesday, June 21st at Ballynoe, round 8 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Castlemartyr at 76.30pm. Wednesday, June 22nd round 6 premier 2 U15 Hurling League in Fermoy at 7pm.
County Scór na bPáistí finals
Mixed fortunes for the Saints from the county finals of Scór when held at the Eire Óg GAA Pavilion in Ovens on Saturday afternoon last. Stephanie Carr crowned county champion in sean nós dance. Finishing runners up with a group consisting of Fira Lane, Layla McNamara, Orla Morrison, Tessa O’Leary, La Lane, Rina Morrison, Melina Didek and Caitlin Twomey performing The Sweets of May in the figure dancing category. Though county finalists there was no joy in the recitation and novelty act competitions. Congratulations to all finalists Doing their schools and clubs proud.
Latest lotto details
Results of the most recent lotto draw held Monday June 13th. Numbers drawn were 4, 6, 11 and 27 and there was no winner of the €20,000 jackpot. The consolation winners were B Ahern c/o PH Conna, P Egan c/o PH Conna, Louise O’Connell online, Roy Hartigan c/o PH Conna and Aoife Neville online. Next draw takes place at 9.30pm on Monday, June 20th.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

It’s the green glens for the Rebels

Three weeks on from receiving a justifiable chastising and the Rebels quite literally tear the formbooks to shreds. In the process retaining their provincial title following a resounding final success over the Kingdom at Páirc Uí Rinn on Wednesday evening, June 1st. First time for Cork to win back-to-back Munster Minor Football Championships since 1999 and 2000. Both teams will now face Ulster opposition in the All-Ireland quarter finals this upcoming weekend. Cork play defeated finalists Derry. While Kerry will be up against champions Tyrone. In all it’s going to be an intensely busy weekend coming up. Following the draw live on RTE radio one on Monday morning just gone and Cork will play defeated provincial finalists Limerick at a neutral venue in the second round of the football qualifiers. Coming as it does after a largely unimpressive success over newly crowned division three league champions Louth in the opening round at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday afternoon last. For obvious reasons hurling continues to dominate the GAA headlines and followers’ conversation. Front page slogan on Monday’s Examiner aptly summing it up. This was a great Munster hurling final – even by the standard of Munster finals. It was a Munster final for the ages. Superlatives don’t do justice to the greatness of Tony Kelly. Yes, all fitting. All accurate, because what we witnessed was awesome. Attention as the week moved on focusing on the preliminary qualifiers. Cork above in Corrigan Park facing Antrim. Meeting Galway is the prize awaiting the winners in the quarter final proper to follow. Just be careful. Remember that fright from 1986.
Club matches played
Round 6 group 3 A Red FM County Premier Junior Hurling League
Dungourney 0-12 St Catherines 0-16
Though not looking likely, the Saints recovered sufficiently and a commendable second half performance helped secure the points on offer here when this tie was played in Dungourney early on Sunday morning last. Just before throw in referee Pa Beausang calling for a minute’s silence in memory of the late Jack Cotter, past chairman of the now disbanded East Cork Juvenile Board. Midleton native Jack served the various boards over the years as a referee. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
On the field of play both teams taking a while to settle. A trio of well-struck Ryan Denny points had the home-based team ahead on a scoreline of 0-07 to 0-02 just to the end of the opening quarter. Thomas O’Donnell and Aaron Neville combining before Kevin Barry pointed an inspirational score for the Saints shortly afterwards. Winning the original free Kevin pointed the final score of the opening half from a placed ball with the scoreline now standing at 0-09 to 0-05. Conditions were always overcast with intermittent rain falling. Shane Cotter and Conor Kearney with a sweetly struck cross field delivery, joined forces in setting up Rory Galvin for the opening score early on the changeover. Brian Mulcahy bringing the best out of Paul Flynn between the posts. But his point on 54 minutes had matters squared up at 0-11 each. First time the teams were together since the eighth minute. Struggling with them in the first half but now Rory was putting over the frees from every conceivable angle. Forcing a five-point advantage before Jack Leahy had the game’s last score about two minutes overtime, Curtains come down on the group stages of the competition when playing Midleton at Ballynoe on Sunday morning, June 19th.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-08 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-11), B Mulcahy and K Barry (0-01 free) (0-02 each) and T O’Donnell (0-01). Dungourney scorers: R Denny (0-02 frees) and J Leahy (0-04 frees) (0-05 each), C Flynn and N McCarthy (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, F O’Connell, E Wallace, J Neville, E Condon, E O’Riordan, C Hegarty, T O’Donnell, S Cotter, L O’Connor, R Galvin, A Neville, B Mulcahy, K Barry, C Kearney. Subs: K Neville for C Kearney (44), P Keane for E Condon (49). Referee Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Round 7 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 4-19 Carrigtwohill 3-13
Although intermittently behind like at 0-08 to 1-03 to the end of the opening quarter, three first half goals with Tom Hartnett and Harry Draper among the scorers laid the foundation of a victory from this hurling league tie when played in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, June 1st last. Further points from Rory Galvin and Richard Galvin along with substitutes Owen O’Neill and Denis Temple extended what had been a half-time lead of 3-06 to 1-10 before a brace of Sean Ronayne goals narrowed the gap. Matthew Mulcahy with his second and a fourth Saints’ goal on 50 minutes confirmed a home win.
Scorers: M Mulcahy (2-04), R Clancy (0-05 frees), T Hartnett (1-01), H Draper (1-00), R Galvin (0-01 sideline cut) (0-03), Rd Galvin (0-02), S Cotter, C Kearney, D Temple and O O’Neill (0-01 each.
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, K Neville, S Kearney, A Neville, Shane O’Brien, P O’Neill, C Kearney, Rd Galvin, R Galvin, M Mulcahy, H Draper, T Hartnett, R Clancy, S Cotter. Subs: J Neville for S Cotter (second half), O O’Neill for H Draper (39), R English for T Hartnett (43), P Ryan for P O’Neill (47), B O’Connor for S Kearney (50), D Temple for M Mulcahy (54). Also E Sheehan and N O’Regan. Referee: Tadg O’Connor (Killeagh).
Round 7 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League
Cloyne 2-06 St Catherines 0-07
It was the home team collecting the points on offer from this round 7 tie when played in Cloyne on Monday evening, May 30th last. Eoin Condon was the scorer as the Saints forced themselves into a lead of two unanswered points inside the opening five minutes. Improving Cloyne ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-04 to 0-02 before scorer in chief Paudi O’Sullivan picked out Eoin Motherway to first time the opening goal in the third minute of the second half. When Colm O’Sullivan added a second goal direct from a free then minutes later Cloyne were in a strong position.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-04 frees) and E Condon (0-03). St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, K Neville, S O’Brien, J Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan, F O’Connell, R Galvin, C Kearney, P O’Connor, T O’Donnell, E Kenneally, E Condon, L O’Connor, A Neville. Subs: J Hayes for A Neville (second half), P Keane for C Kearney (51), J Hurley for P O’Connor (55), H Draper for J Hayes (57). Also S Cogan and T Ohrim. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
This week’s juvenile section
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 Football Championship
Lisgoold 4-03 St Catherines 7-14
St Catherines were too strong from the semi-final of the division U14 Football Championship when played in Lisgoold on Wednesday evening, June 1st last.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (3-05), C O’Driscoll (2-00), A Cotter (1-02), E O’Mahony (1-00), T Clancy (0-03), B Aherne and T Walsh (0-02 each). St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, C Barry, S O’Donoghue, L Moore, B McKee, J Pietropaolo, R Hickey, A Cotter, B Aherne, C O’Driscoll, T Clancy, K O’Donoghue, S McCarthy, E O’Mahony, T Walsh. Subs: C Higgins for T Walsh, T Walsh for S McCarthy. Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Phase 2 round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League
St Catherines 6-14 St Colmans 4-08
Although never headed, St Catherines had to work ferociously hard before collecting the points on offer when this tie was played at a largely overcast Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. A half-time lead standing at 2-07 to 2-03 had been halved when moving onto 4-08 to 4-06 now ten minutes into the second half. But Eoghan O’Mahony completed a hattrick of goals, Ronan Hickey again putting in the work rate around the middle, allied to the point scoring of Alan Cotter and the impressive Tadg Walsh with Sean Walsh pointing a stunner and only in the closing quarter could one say that the victory had been secured. Next up will be hurling against Castlelyons. With a visit to Aghada in the football league following on the week after that.
Scorers: E O’Mahony (3-00), A Cotter (1-05), T Walsh (0-01 ’45) (0-01 free) (0-07), R Hickey (0-01 ’45) (1-01), own goal (1-00) and S Walsh (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, S O’Riordan, B O’Connor, A Burke, S Walsh, R O’Donoghue, A Cotter, R Hickey, C Higgins, T Walsh, S McCarthy, T Morrison, E O’Mahony. Subs: C McCarthy and J O’Connor for R O’Donoghue and A Burke (both second half), N Keane and N Curtin for S McCarthy and T Morrison (both 53). Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Next on a busy fixture list
Friday, June 10th at Carrigtwohill round 3 Bon Secours County Junior B Football Championship v Castlelyons at 7.30pm. Saturday, June 11th phase 2 round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League v Castlelyons in Ballynoe at 11am. Sunday, June 12th final Rebel Óg East division 1 U14 Football Championship v Bride Rovers at 6.30pm, venue Dungourney.
Juvenile Championship draws
It was the live streaming of the U15 and U17 championship draws in both codes that was providing the backdrop to a well-attended meeting of the juvenile club on Thursday evening last at 8.30pm. Both U15 teams will now play in the Rebel Óg East division 2 championships. They will meet Lisgoold in section 1 of the hurling which also involves Mayfield and Watergrasshill. While Castlelyons, Cobh, Erins Own and Fr O’Neills complete section 2. It’s St Catherines v Bride Rovers and Castlelyons v Carrigtwohill in section 2 of the equivalent football championship. Fr O’Neills, Kiltha Og, Lisgoold and Glenville comprise the other section.
It`s St Catherines v Bride Rovers and Mallow v Shandrum making up the draw for section 3 of what is a twelve-team premier 2 U17 hurling championship. While it’s St Catherines v Midleton and Glenville v St Nicholas for section 2 East 1 football championship. Also involved are Erins Own, St Colmcilles, Carrigtwohill and Killeagh. Please take note, U13s play league only. U15 mentors are Brian Sheehan, Dino Pietropaolo, Padraig O’Connor, Ed Kenneally and Joe Pratt. In charge of the u17 (minor) age group are Pat Fitzgerald, Rory Galvin, Noel Kielthy and Kieran Morrison. Dates and venues re championship matches to follow, all in good time.
County final of Scór na bPáistí
Big weekend coming up for all competitors in the county final of Scór na bPáistí. St Catherines will be represented by Stephanie Carr in sean nós dance. While Fira Lane, Layla McNamara, Tessa O’Leary, Orla Morrison, Ta Lane, Rina Morrison, Melina Didek and Caitlin Twomey performing ‘the sweets of May’ represent club and division in the figure dancing section. Through to the decider in the nuachleas or novelty act with a piece labelled ‘Back to the summer’ are a group made up of Teegan Murphy, Kayla Cummins, Karley McClements, Ciara Hayes, Ronan Hickey, Orla Morrision, Willow O’Gorman and Kelly Dillon. While Ciara Hayes is also in the storytelling or recitation category. She will perform ‘My Communion’ by Frank McCourt. Best of luck to all involved, County final of Scór na bPáistí will be in the Eire Óg GAA pavilion in Ovens on this coming Saturday afternoon, June 11th, starting time 2.30pm.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from bank holiday Monday, June 6th. Numbers drawn were 2, 14, 16 and 22 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. While the consolation winners were Anne Barry, Carrigmore, Conna, Anne Marie Hayes, Garryanne, Aghern, M Kelleher c/o PH Conna, Garry Aherne, Shanakill, Curraglass and Margaret Leahy, Ballynoe. Bonus €50 prizes were won by Jennifer Daly, Tallow, Mary C Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe and Patrick O’Neill, Ballynoe, online. There will be a draw on Monday night, June 13th at 9.30pm. Jackpot €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Rebels` Bounty comes and goes


Thursday evening last witnessed the latest instalment in the Cork GAA fundraiser. Unfortunately no financial return to the club this time around following what was the May rollover in the Rebels’ Bounty series of draws. A sprinkling of prizes invariably come the way of the Imokilly area though the first prize this time around of €20,000 in cash is heading out there to Coachford and to Aghabullogue GAA Club.
Latest lotto results
Results of draw held on Monday, May 30th – numbers drawn were 3, 4, 5 and 20 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Rena Walsh, Ballynoe, Maureen Morrisson, Curraheen, Conna, Dan Cotter, c/o PO, C Fox (phone number included) and James Neville, online. There will be a draw which includes extra bonus prizes (€50 x 3) on bank holiday Monday, June 6th. Jackpot €20,000.
Condolences
Courtney Hickey regularly operates the electronic scoreboard in the paying pitch and we sympathise with her on her recent family bereavement in the UK.
Busy upcoming weekend on intercounty front
A subheading that might apply to any weekend right now. We are of course, unless you’ve been burying your head in the sand, deep in the throes of the intercounty championship season and what that might throw up. Cork and Kerry clashed in last evening’s televised provincial minor football final. Fifth name to emerge from the drum but the Rebels will be first into the ring when they entertain Louth in the football qualifier draw. Pencilled in for Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm on this coming Saturday afternoon, June 4th. You don’t need reminding that Cork survived in a titanic struggle above in Tullamore in March. Thus retaining their division 2 status. There was an acceptable performance against Kerry in the Munster Championship. But now in the last chance saloon have division 3 football league champions Louth as championship opponents. Geography paints this as the biggest against the smallest. Football margins mightn’t be quite as wide. They have of course upset us before. So once and for all can we have revenge for 57?!!
Realistically though, while Galway and Kilkenny will have its appeal, the real attraction this weekend is the Munster hurling final. There is no doubt both of Sunday’s finalists are able to absorb the pressure that success brings. It’s rare though for both Clare and Limerick to be dominant concurrently. True, they did meet in the 1981 provincial final won by Limerick with the Banner exacting revenge the last time these two teams met in the final of the summer of 1995. Since then, six All-Ireland titles, three each have come to Sunday’s finalists and the appeal of this pairing is the real live possibility of a possible third championship meeting down the road. Both Limerick and Clare are very much on form and are right up there towards the summit of hurling’s pecking order. This has all the ingredients of a classic. Not for missing.
Clare made the breakthrough when defeating the Shannonsiders (1-17 to 0-11) in the Guinness Munster hurling final played on Sunday, July 9th 1995 in Thurles. All-Ireland success followed. But that was also a great and memorable day for the Rebels. Success in the curtain-raiser with an impressive victory over Waterford in the Minor Hurling Final. Some future legendary starts of Cork hurling were intrinsically linked with that youthful Rebel team. Most notably Donal Óg Cusack, Sean Óg O Hailpín, Timmy McCarthy, Micky O’Connell, Seanie O’Farrell and Joe Deane. On the panel was Dan Murphy. This team was the launchpad of Cork success for what was then the foreseeable future. Wins over Galway and Kilkenny followed as the All-Ireland and Minor title of ’95 was claimed. A couple of twenty-one titles would frequent Leeside in 1997 and ‘98. Senior title duly arrived twelve months later in September of 1999. Welcome back to Leeside Liam McCarthy, we’ve missed you a lot! Socks down in the pre-match league final parade of 2002, early indication that all this could unravel. Things were about to go horribly wrong.
Glossy cover of the ’95 Munster Final programme costing £1.00 had an action shot featuring TJ Ryan, Liam Doyle and Damien Quigley. Entry to the town end terrace would set you back £6.00. Ah yes – the memories!
Round 5 division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Russell Rovers 1-15 St Catherines 1-12
Russell Rovers settled to their task quickly in this hurling league tie when played in Shanagarry on Monday evening, May 23rd. They lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-10 to 0-03. With the aid of a slightly deceptive breeze Catherines just thundered into the game after that. Conor Kearney and Tom Hartnett among the scorers in whittling down the margin to 1-11 to 0-08 to forty minutes. Behind at 1-13 to 0-08 to the end of the third quarter. There was a contribution from all three substitutes used though it was Stephen Cotter set up Ed Aherne for the visitors’ goal. Forcing, almost willing the sliotar over the line on forty-seven minutes. Almost rescuing it right at the death when denied by a gifted double Stephen Cronin save.
Scorers: E Aherne (1-00), C Kearney, T Hartnett, B O’Connor, D Temple and E Philpott (frees) (0-02 each), A O’Donnell and J Hurley (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, P Ryan, S Kearney, D Lane, M Dinneen, B O’Connor, J Casey, C Kearney, P Tobin, R English, T Hartnett, S Cotter, A O’Donnell, S Walsh, E Philpott. Subs: J Hurley for M Dinneen (second half), D Temple for S Walsh (41), E Aherne for A O’Donnell (44). Referee: Tadgh O’Connor (Killeagh).
Focus of the juvenile club is on round 1 division 1 of the Rebel Óg North/Mid/East U14 Hurling Championship.
Kilworth/Araglin Óg 2-10 St Catherines 3-26
Promoted as being under the banner of the three divisions but will be scrutinised by the East with the Saints laying the foundation for a sizeable victory with a strong first half performance in this match when played in Araglin on Wednesday evening, May 25th last. Alan Cotter, Kyle O’Donoghue. Tristan Clancy and Julian Pietropaolo all in top scoring form with the home team - mainly through the efforts of Charlie White, Conor Lynch, Adam Duggan and Ronan Fenton - coming much more into it on the change of ends. But the margin was too wide.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-06 frees) (1-09), K O’Donoghue (1-05), T Clancy (1-02), J Pietropaolo (0-04), C O’Driscoll and R Hickey (0-02 each), B Aherne and E O’Mahony (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: T Walsh, C Barry, S O’Donoghue, L Moore, S Walsh, J Kenneally, B McKee, J Pietropaolo, A Cotter, J O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, B Aherne, C O’Driscoll, T Clancy, L Kilmartin. Subs: R Hickey and E O’Mahony for L Kilmartin and T Clancy (both second half), C Higgins and T Clancy for J O’Connor and A Cotter (both 46). Referee - Peter Watson (Kildorrery).
Phase 2 round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League
St Catherines 5-06 Lisgoold 2-04
Registering the final score in Araglin just 24 hours earlier and Catherines made the ideal start here. Eoghan O’Mahony crashing in the first of two goals. Thomas Morrison quickly adding a point with the home team at double scores ahead on a half-time scoreline of 2-04 to 1-02 when this hurling league tie was relocated and played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Thursday evening last wk.
Defensively Sean O’Keeffe and Billy O’Connor but especially Ronan Hickey and Sean Walsh were ultra-dependable and with Alan Cotter regularly on the ball around the middle and running up the scores, Catherines deserved their win.
Scorers: A Cotter (3-05), E O’Mahony (2-00) and T Morrison (0-01). St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, R Hickey, B O’Connor, S O’Riordan, S Walsh, R O’Donoghue, A Cotter, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, A Burke, J Cunneen, E O’Mahony, T Morrison. Subs: K O’Connell and J Mulkerrins for A Burke and J Cunneen (both second half). D Temple, S Moore and N Keane for T Morrison, E Dillon and C McCarthy (all ’54). Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Personal observation
Sunday, April 17th would be the date and most eagerly awaited provincial senior hurling championship, well since last year, would commence. Limerick annihilated the Rebels. Inflicting a defeat of savage proportions. Equally as cruel and ruthless as to what was dished out in headquarters on August 22nd last year. If indeed not worse. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Running virtually concurrent below in Walsh Park and after a slow and sluggish start newly crowned league champions Waterford just saw off what was a commendable Tipperary challenge. Tipperary are a proud hurling county. “Welcome to the home of hurling” is what the sign says. Ironically neither Waterford nor Tipperary would win another match. Apparently struggling with the round robin format. Of course, the senior championship match is the centrepiece of the day, the fulcrum of the action with various accompanying events endorsing what we call the support card. Like Finola Neville was captain of a Cork team that defeated Kerry in the Munster intermediate camogie final and Alan Cotter of Ballynoe National School played in the GAA Primary Go Game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh that season’s opening day. Below in Waterford Conall Morrison of Holy Trinity National School Fethard lined out with Tipperary in the corresponding Go Game down there. He would be a son of Pat’s of Curraheen. Rachel Morrison, Scoil Niocláis, Douglas played with the county team in the Go Game against Tipperary above in Tom Semple’s Field in Thurles last Sunday week. She would be Kieran Morrison’s daughter. A granddaughter of the great man. Kieran is involved with St Catherines Club this year and along with Rory Galvin, Pat Fitzgerald and Noel Kielthy are the selectors at U17 level. Dissecting all that and doesn’t the tradition live on. There’s your proof.
Upcoming club fixture list
Saturday, June 4th at Ballynoe – round 1 phase 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League v St Colmans at 1pm. Sunday, June 5th at Dungourney – round 6 division 3 group 3 A County Premier Junior Hurling League at 11.30am. Wednesday, June 8th – semi-final Rebel Óg Mid/East/North division 1 U14 Hurling Championship v Mallow at 7pm, venue tbc.
County championship match in Ballynoe
As was the decision from a meeting of the club executive the previous Thursday evening and at 4pm we assembled in Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua on Sunday last for the second round pairing of Araglin and Fr O’Neills in the Bon Secours County B Junior Football Championship. Throw in was one hour later. Referee was David Butler of Carrigtwohill. Ahead at 2-06 to 1-02 at half-time. Victory going to the East Cork team on an end scoreline of 2-14 to 1-08. Many thanks to Denis Twomey (Araglin management) and Seamus Joyce (PRO O’Neills) on their timely release of the lineouts re team sheets.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Cork still involved in senior championship action


It would be entirely understandable to commence the notes this time around with a brief review of what last week’s intercounty action delivered. Such would be the interest therein.
A marked improvement from the Rebels. Themselves the scorers of 3-20 on this occasion. They now face the Kingdom again in this year’s provincial minor football final. Down for Páirc Uí Rinn on Wednesday evening next, June 1st. Best of luck to all concerned there. It will be needed.
By and large Leinster had the focus of attention to themselves on the Saturday. Culprits when last with you. Heroes this time around. Allowing now for two losses but we still have a Galway/Kilkenny provincial senior hurling final. There was a controversial ending in more ways than one in the round robin group match in Salthill. There is nothing as fearsome as a Kilkenny outfit seeking retribution. Still, Wexford will be more than happy as they advanced as third place finisher. As will Westmeath who retained their championship status.
Success for the Cats as well with a narrow success over Limerick in the All Ireland U20 hurling final. While a first minor hurling title for Offaly in two decades after beating Laois before a phenomenal attendance at Portlaoise.
It’s been a long, occasionally dark tunnel along the way. But the Rebels after last Sunday have successfully negotiated it. We all knew, irrespective of how last weekend was going to untangle, that Clare and Limerick were going to meet in the Munster final. That wouldn’t change. But Cork, like Wexford in the East, will now be deliriously happy, full in the knowledge that where they’ve come from to grasp that third place is a stunning achievement and will now provide a huge psychological boost going forward. They should be playing again on the weekend of June 11th /12th.
Largely it’s been a very poor and disappointing campaign for both league champions Waterford and Tipperary who incredibly lost all four round robin matches competed for.
Donal Óg Cusack, whose Friday morning previews are informative and factual as well as being witty, parted last week’s contribution with a thought-provoking question as to when will the football grasp all-consuming attention. Valid point. Well now is the chance for the big ball to grasp those banner headlines as all four provincial senior football finals are virtually upon us. Dublin v Kildare and Limerick v Kerry on Saturday. For the first time since 1934 Limerick in both Munster finals in the same year. Then on Sunday it’s Galway and Roscommon in the Connacht final at 2pm followed by the Ulster decider involving Derry and Donegal at 4pm. Added to that now were the draws for the qualifiers which went out live just after 8.30am on RTE Radio One on Monday morning just gone. Eight teams, four matches. One aim - to utilise that given second chance. Matches to be played on weekend of June 4th/5th. Cork, fifth name to emerge from the bowl, are paired with newly crowned division three league champions, Louth now managed by Micky Harte. It’s a home game for the Rebels. Armagh v reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone looks like the match of the round. Though Mayo v Monaghan would run that close. Clare meet Meath. Times and venues were to follow. You’re probably aware by now. Know alls! Let the games begin!
East Cork Junior C football and hurling draws
Draws for the East Cork Junior C football and hurling championships emerged from a divisional board meeting held on Wednesday, May 11th last. St Catherines are based in section two along with Aghada and Carrig na bhFear in what are three three-team groups to a round robin organised football championship. Three group winners and the best runner-up go through to the semi-finals. Junior C football manager is James Casey.
Bride Rovers, Carrig na bhFear, Russell Rovers along with the Saints fill group two of the equivalent hurling championship. Best two group winners go straight to the semi-finals. Third best winner along with the three second placed teams play off in the quarter finals. Ed Galvin is B and C junior hurling manager.
Club action on the field of play
Round 5 division 3 Red FM County Premier Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 0-19 Aghabullogue 1-11
St Catherines keep the winning run going after this league tie when played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. All the opening exchanges were keenly contested with two well matched teams together twice as the Saints eased into a marginal 0-06 to 0-04 advantage right to the end of the opening quarter.
Strong defensive play with Fionn O’Connell and Eoghan O’Riordan to the fore, more movement around the middle and the accuracy of Kyle Wallace from placed balls kept the momentum going. Points from Liam O’Connor, Kevin Barry and Matthew Mulcahy followed. With attacking half back, Conor Hegarty probably securing the point of the half on twenty-seven minutes. Helping to establish an interval advantage on a 0-12 to 0-06 scoreline for the home-based team.
Intensity levels dropped as the contest advanced. Both teams struggled for scores even from placed balls. Shane Tarrant goaled and Aghabullogue free on fifty-seven minutes. They came desperately close to another from play moments later. It just goes to show you you can’t drop your guard even for a second or you will be punished.
St Catherines will play their round six fixture in Dungourney early on the Sunday morning of the June weekend.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-05 frees)(0-02 ’65)(0-07), K Barry and M Mulcahy (0-03 each), R Galvin (0-02), T O’Donnell, L O’Connor, C Hegarty and E Davis (free)(0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E Wallace, Shane O’Brien, C Hegarty, E O’Riordan, K Neville, S Cotter, T O’Donnell, L O’Connor, K Wallace, R Galvin, M Mulcahy, K Barry, G O’Brien.
Subs: A Neville for S Cotter (33), B Davis for T O’Donnell (42), C Kearney for K Wallace (52), Stephen O’Brien for C Hegarty (55). Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Round 6 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Erins Own 3-12 St Catherines 1-13
Erins Own were leading by a six-point margin and ahead on a half-time scoreline of 2-05 to 0-05 when this tie was played in occasionally overcast Caherlag on Saturday evening last. But there would be no capitulation from the visitors who continued to take the contest to the home-based team right through the third quarter to game’s end.
Stephen Cotter released Tom Hartnett for a well-worked point. Marauding through the centre James Hayes quickly tagged on another and when ace free taker Ronan Clancy goaled a placed ball it became a league match very much in the melting pot. Niall O’Regan quickly adding another point. Whittling the deficit to just a single point at 2-11 to 1-13 to 57 minutes. Joe Ryan, Conor Casey and Peter McCarthy were on the scoresheet for Erins Own who produced the match winning goal right at the death.
Scorers: R Clancy (1-07 frees)(0-01 ’65)(1-09), D Temple, T Hartnett, J Hayes and N O’Regan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, P Ryan, S Kearney, J Mulcahy, A Neville, S O’Regan, M Dinneen, J Hayes, T Hartnett, D Temple, N O’Regan, S Cotter, S Walsh, R Clancy, E Sheehan. Subs: J Casey for E Sheehan (second half), E Sheehan for D Temple (41). Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).
Round 3 division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 0-10 Bride Rovers 0-18
Bride Rovers deserved the win from this round 3 tie requiring the use of lights when played at an overcast Ballynoe on Monday evening, May 16th last.
In fairness the home team through solid defending with Seamus Kearney and Ben O’Connor prominent and doing well were going along fine. John Mulcahy and Denis Temple clipped over a few smartly taken points. Injury after injury has curtailed Temple’s career. With a bit more time, games and fitness, Temple has something to offer. Late President Dick Morrison would always take pride in a promising young player. “He has it,” Dick would say. Denis Temple has it. It was 0-06 each at half-time. Now favoured by the conditions and boosted by the introduction of substitute David Burke who registered at least a half dozen second half points Bride Rovers just pulled away after that.
Scorers: D Temple, J Mulcahy and E Philpott (frees) (0-03 each), H Draper (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, James Casey, S Kearney, P Ryan, M Dinneen, B O’Connor, P Tobin, H Draper, T Hartnett, E Philpott, J Mulcahy, S Cotter, D Temple, S Walsh, John Casey. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Focus on the juveniles
Relax. Stall the horses. Cool the jets. Being just of four team involvement meant the division one Rebel Óg East U14 football championship has been deferred from May 18th to start now as planned in Lisgoold on Wednesday evening next, June 1st. Effectively their season now should have kickstarted with the Rebel Óg mid/North/East, though organised by the East hurling championship last evening. Possibly in Araglin.
All sorted now are the newly revamped U13 football and hurling leagues. St Catherines will play in division 1 along with Glenville, Aghada, Carrigtwohill, Kiltha Óg and St Colmans in the football league. In the hurling will be accompanied by Castlelyons, Kiltha Óg, Lisgoold, St Colmans and Watergrasshill. U13 leagues are under the jurisdiction of Rebel Óg East and will run side by side with those U14 championships. Try and keep maybe three or four days apart, U13 mentors are manger Paul Higgins along with fellow selectors Tom Morrison, Mike Walsh and Alan O’Mahony.
Here comes your upcoming fixture list.
Saturday, May 28th at Lisgoold round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League at 11am. Saturday, May 28th at Ballynoe, round 2 Bon Secours County Junior B Football Championship Araglin v O’Neills at 4pm. Monday, May 30th at Cloyne round 7 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League at 7.30pm. Wednesday, June 1st at Lisgoold (rescheduled) semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East U14 football championship at 7pm.
Sympathy
Condolences to Thomas Higgins, Aghern and the Spillane family on the recent sad passing of his wife Ann. Sympathy also to Noel O’Brien and the O’Briens of Rathdrum, Ballynoe on their recent sad family bereavement.
Horse racing success
On a happier note, well done to the Hurley family, Kilavorilla, Aghern on Community Rebel winning recently at Ballindenisk. With the point to point season winding down maybe now we might get Johnny back on the hurling field!
County Scór na bPáistí
Now just to update what we’ve previously been telling you and following a meeting on Thursday night last, there won’t be any semi-final. So this year’s county Scór na bPáistí final goes ahead on the afternoon of Saturday, June 11th at 2.30pm in the Eire Óg GAA pavilion in Ovens. Best of luck to all concerned with another little promo closer to the time.
Rebels’ Bounty
It’s the morning of the 26th with the May Rebels’ Bounty draw imminent. Sure who knows, by this time next week you could be €20,000 richer. You know the saying – if you’re not in you can’t win!
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night, May 23rd. Numbers drawn were 7, 18, 22 and 27 and there was no winner of the €20,000 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being Kaye Moroney, Conna, Yvonne O’Neill, Ballynoe, Ciara Coady, online, Peter O’Brien, Sycamore Drive Conna and Sean Barry, online. There will be a draw on Monday night, May 30th at 9.30pm. Jackpot €20,000. If that jackpot holds up an extra consolation prize of €150 (€50 x 3) will be included in the draw on the first Monday of the month. Starting with the draw scheduled for Monday, June 6.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

First round victory in County Junior B Football Championship


Round 1 Bon Secours sponsored County Junior B Football Championship
St Catherines 3-14 Abbey Rovers 0-07
A deserved victory for the Saints from this tie when played at Rathcormac on Saturday evening last. That said, Abbey Rovers (Castletownroche) were making the livelier start. Full forward Dylan O’Connor with their and the game’s opening two scores going on to make that three out of four before a Rory Galvin free reached Daniel Mangam, picking his spot and duly finished off Catherine’s first goal and opening score on five minutes. Mangan was largely accurate from placed balls and with the respective goalkeepers Shane Fitzgerald and Johnny Batterberry both pressed into action and making telling contributions it was 1-06 to 0-05 at the interval. Catherines making an explosive start on the resumption. Taking a timely Padraig O’Connor pass, Eoin Condon popped over one of the scores of the match before neatly slotting home the second goal, All within ninety seconds of the change of ends. With the score standing at 2-09 to 0-05 to 40 minutes. By now danger-man O’Connor had departed the action with injury and with it the opposition’s main scoring threat.
There were some smartly taken Kyle Wallace points. Eoin Wallace picked out substitute Eoin Davis to finish off the third goal right at the game’s end. A win that sets up a third-round meeting with neighbours Castlelyons in about three weeks’ time. While before we leave it we sympathise with Castletown on the sad death of Liam Hazelwood.
Scorers: D Mangan (0-06 frees) (1-07), E Condon (1-01), E Davis (1-00), K Wallace (0-03), R Galvin (0-01 ’45) (0-02) and J Hurley (0-01). Abbey Rovers scorers: D O’Connor (0-03), P Sheehan (0-02), M Browne and D O’Neill (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, B O’Connor, S O’Brien, K Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan (capt), F O’Connell, r Galvin, B Davis, J Hayes, K Wallace, P O’Connor, E Condon, E Kenneally, D Mangan. Subs: C Kearney for B Davis (22), E Davis for P O’Connor (42), T O’Donnell for J Hayes (44), J Hurley for B O’Connor (52). Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers).
Reflections
Clearly individuals would know each other. That said, no great rivalry would exist between the clubs. Still Castletownroche would have played a role in the evolvement of the St Catherines club. Without knowing it or aware of it, ‘The Old Bridge by the Mill’ is entrenched in club history. It was of course the venue for the Milford/ Catherines county junior hurling final. “Fabulously entertaining” was how it was described in the paper the following morning. Losing a county final on the afternoon of Sunday, November 1st meant an early start to the winter of 1981.
On approach to the match last Saturday, one hazily was trying to dissect the fractured memories of two clearly competitive matches between the teams from the summer of 1986. Oo return we tried to unravel what facts we could try to unearth. Club notes then didn’t seem as significant as they have become in the intervening years. Three weeks on from an inaugural victory in the grade following a first round win over St Finbarrs in what was a double header at Castlelyons, saw St Catherines and Castletownroche paired in the second round of the intermediate hurling championship. They were conquerors of St Vincents also on the afternoon of Sunday, May 11. Rathcormac would again be the venue. Date being Sunday, June 1st. Dave Relihan and Michael Magnier were major threats as Catherines were savagely protecting a three-point interval cushion on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-12 to 2-06. Two Danny Relihan goals, one a penalty, would see the Avondhu based team assume a four-point advantage to the three-quarter mark.
Strong and forceful play from the trustworthy Denis Walsh allied to points from Mike Mellerick and William Kearney saw two evenly matched teams together coming up to the finish. Christy Clancy would edge the Saints narrowly ahead. But Danny Relihan pointed a forty-metre free and on a scoreline of 1-20 to 5-08 we returned to the same venue on Friday evening, June 20th for the replay.
Conditions weren’t great, with the Saints despite some wayward shooting, edging a low scoring championship encounter. It was 1-05 to 0-01 at half-time. Replays can be like that. Again the Relihans, both from placed balls, whittled back the deficit. Two late Pat Clancy points among the scores edging the Saints to victory on an end scoreline of 1-15 to 3-04. Remember a post-match pint in The Rathcormac Inn. Though it might have been The Crossroads then. Or possible Rosnoulagh Lodge! Oh there’s posh! Wouldn’t be staying. Ballynoe Festival was in full swing then. Have a feeling Tweed were on stage that night. What a version the Ryder Brothers could deliver of the Cozy Powell classic ‘Dance with the Devil’ – ah, memories are made of this!
Castletownroche was also the venue for the intermediate relegation playoff both draw and replay in the early autumn of 2010. Wasn’t there a great championship victory over Kanturk there? Possible twelve months later. We wish them the best of luck!
Replay scorers from 1986
C Clancy (1-04), P Clancy (0-03), C Casey and W Kearney (0-02 each), P O’Donoghue, M Mellerick, D Walsh and D O’Neill (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Willie Murphy, Maurice Hartnett, Pat O’Sullivan, Barrie O’Regan, Kevin Lane, Denis Walsh, Seamus Neville, Denis O’Neill, Cathal Casey, Pat Clancy, Mike Mellerick, Patsy O’Donoghue, Christy Clancy, John Mangan, William Kearney. Same team for draw and replay. Referee was Willie Horgan of Brian Dillons. Cloghduv won the intermediate county hurling championship that year. Overcoming the Saints (1-16 to 1-12) in the quarter final at Church Road, Blackrock on Saturday evening, July 26th. Beating Erins Own (2-12 to 0-11) in the final itself. A team that included Liam Lynch, Brian McSweeney, Donald O’Leary (subsequent board referee), Tim Bally Murphy, Denis Ring (current Catherines and Imokilly coach) and Tim O’Riordan (of langer fame!). Wonder where was ‘Mo’ then?! Enough. Stop. We must move on. Next week - 2022 East Cork Junior C Football and Hurling Championship Draws.
On the walkway
A lot of what you’re reading now was put together last Sunday morning. Very early last Sunday morning when the iron is hot! So between 6.40 to 7.20 we go for a walk around the walkway. As you do with the walkway! Sun up. Not a puff. Fog rising down by the river. Subliminal. All we had for company was the chirping and sounds of the various birds. Wouldn’t have the knowledge of Derek Mooney. But this was an idyllic place. Bye!!!!
Intercounty
A week of contrasting fortunes for the Rebels starting off with an awful, almost unacceptable performance at this level when losing to Kerry in the provincial minor football championship when played at Tralee on Thursday evening last. Hanging by their coat tails now when facing the premier county who ran up an impressive 3-20 tally in their previous match. Indeed, it looks as if it will all be decided now by a trip to Tipp with the Rebels now fully understanding of their fate. Win in Thurles on this forthcoming Sunday afternoon and their senior hurling aspirations remain alive. Reversing their league final loss to the Déise themselves by six points at Walsh Park last Sunday, always an exceedingly difficult venue to play and try and get the required result. Just reflect on the memories of 1967 when the Rebels were all-Ireland heroes. They were league champions when losing there in 1974. Both Cork and Waterford started last Sunday’s round 4 encounter with 13 of their respective lineouts from the aforementioned league final of Saturday evening, April 2nd. As the quest for third place is now the be-all-and-end-all in the provincial senior hurling championship. Last Sunday’s result from Ennis now means Limerick and Clare will meet again in the Munster final. Fixed for Sunday, June 5th at 4pm. Though overshadowed by what is going on elsewhere, surely the Westmeath performance against Wexford deserves special mention from last Saturday evening, especially as the Leinster Championship doesn’t seem to throw up the same excitement as that generated by its Munster counterpart.
Mallow is focus for juvenile match programme
Round 5 Premier 2 U15 Hurling League Mallow v St Catherines
Mallow simply had too much for the Saints from this hurling league tie when played in Carrigoon on Wednesday evening, May 11th last.
Scorers: J Temple (0-01 free) (0-01 ’65) (0-06) and G Sheehan (free) (0-01). St Catherine’s starting fifteen: A Cotter, B McKee, J Kenneally, L Moore, J Pratt, F McCready, T Clancy, J Temple, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, C Hickey, S Wallace, C O’Driscoll, G Sheehan, T Dee. Subs: R Hickey for t dee (36), J O’Connor for C O’Driscoll (37). Referee – Dave Kelleher (home club).
Round 5 Premier 2 U17 Hurling League
Mallow 1-17 St Catherines 0-13
Second trek to the venue inside 48 hours for this U17 HL tie played in sublime conditions at Carrigoon on Friday evening last. Early scores for the home-based team emanated from the half forward line. But with Kian O’Donoghue who struck one awesome first half point and Evan O’Driscoll tightening up considerably at the back, a much greater supply of ball was coming through. Ciaran Pietropaolo, Darragh Morrison and Sean O’Donoghue were finding the target with the teams together on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-08 each.
Key score was the Mallow goal, finished off by Liam Malone five minutes into the second half. Billy Murphy and Simon Leneghan added on the points against a Saints’ outfit presented with numerous chances but were frequently off target with the wides tally increasing as the second half advanced.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue and D Morrison (0-01 free) (0-04 each), K O’Donoghue (0-01 free) and C Pietropaolo (0-01 ’65) (0-02 each) and S Cotter (0-010. Mallow scorers: S Leneghan (0-06 frees) (0-09), L Malone (1-02), B Murphy (0-01 ’65) (0-03), C Mullins, D Copps and P Buckley (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, E O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, T Barry, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell, N Sheehan, D Morrison, C Sheehan, S Cotter, S O’Donoghue, C Leamy. Subs: D Murphy for C Sheehan (44), A Bryan for C Pietropaolo (63), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for S Cotter (65). Referees: Brendan O’Regan (Doneraile).
What’s coming up on your fixture list?
Friday, May 20th at Ballynoe, round 5 division 3 group 3 A county premier junior hurling league v Aghabullogue at 7.30pm. Saturday, May 21st at Caherlag, round 6 division 2 East Cork junior hurling league v Erins Own at 7.30pm. Wednesday, May 25th at Araglin, quarter final Rebel Óg East/Mid/North U14 hurling championship v Kilworth/ Araglin Óg at 7pm.
Late news from Monday night last
Result round 3 division 4 East Cork junior hurling league: St Catherines 0-10 Bride Rovers 0-18. Report will appear next week.
Latest lotto results
Draw held on Monday night, May 16th. Numbers drawn were 5, 12, 21, and 32. No winner of jackpot. Consolation winners were Mgt Spillane, Kilavorilla, Aghern, Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Noel Fenton, c/o Kals Conna, Aoife Neville, online and Pat O’Sullivan, Aghern.
There is a lotto draw after the junior hurling league match in Shanagarry on Monday night, May 23rd. Jackpot €20,000. If the current jackpot holds there will be an extra consolation prize of €150 (€50 x 3) included in the weekly lotto draw, once a month, starting with the draw on bank holiday Monday, June 6th.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief look at club championship draws


They seemingly lack the appeal of before. That said there must be a structure with the draws for this year’s county championship fixtures going out on Tuesday evening, February 8 last. That includes all championship matches in both codes on a round robin basis including the newly introduced premier junior hurling grade which replaces the old lower intermediate but with one major difference as the winners will now represent Cork in the Munster junior hurling championship.
St Catherines are based in section C of the newly titled grade along with Glen Rovers, Tracton and Russell Rovers. In group A are Kilbrittain, Milford, Barryroe and St Finbarrs. While Ballygarvan, Argideen Rangers, Dripsey and Ballygiblin constitute group b. Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play off stages. This will see six teams advancing with the two top group winners now automatic semi-finalists. While the remaining group winner and three second place teams qualify for the quarter finals.
Reigning champions Midleton along with Douglas, Kanturk and Newtownshandrum are based in group A of the premier senior hurling championship. County and newly crowned provincial champions St Finbarrs make up group A of the equivalent football championship together with Eire Óg, Carberry Rangers and Carrigaline. It’s group C of Clonakilty, Castlehaven, Nemo Rangers and Newcestown that will really set the tongues a wagging there.
Overall, it’s a draw to throw up some real neighbourhood battles. Like Aghada, Midleton and Lisgoold are in the same intermediate A hurling championship group, as are Glenville, Glanworth and Kildorrery in intermediate football. Just right now it’s hard to get too excited. It is what it is. Then slowly but surely…..
Parish League – GAA Day
It made for an early start. Headed to the pitch in Ballynoe on Saturday morning last at 8.30am as mentors and players assembled for a GAA Day of Parish Leagues entailing both codes with each round robin fixture played over ten minutes a side. Entire Parish covered as best they could with each team ie Kilcronat Conna and Ballynoe picked for 13-a-side encounters, Sean O’Donoghue kept score. Laurence O’Connor, Steve Cummins, Colm Burke and David O’Connor assembled the Kilcronat squad. Likewise Thomas Walsh and Colm ‘Floppy’ Ahern with Conna. While the Ballynoe mentors were Noel Kielthy and Tim O’Connor. Chief organiser being Eoin Condon. You could call it a bonding day (and night!) with the official opening to the season not that far away now. Ballynoe were winners of both leagues.
Assembled squads
Kilcronat: Conor England, Shane O’Brien, Eoin Condon, Brian Mulcahy, Padraig O’Connor, Richard Galvin, Peter Ryan, Matthew Mulcahy, Laurence O’Connor, Rory Galvin, Fionn O’Connell, John Mulcahy, Eoin Corcoran, Darragh Galvin, Colm Burke, Steve Cummins, Cathal Dineen, David O’Connor.
Conna: Brian David, Cathal Leahy, Ciaran O’Brien, Conor Kearney, Daniel Mangan, Eoin Davis, Sean Bally, Harry Draper, Ronan Clancy, Seamus Kearney, Maurice Dineen, Ben O’Connor, Shane Walsh, Philip Keane, Tom Hartnett, Robert English, Stephen McCarthy, Shane Cogan, James Hayes, Mark Walsh.
Ballynoe: Ed Aherne, Dave Wallace, Patrick O’Neill, Denis Lane, Thomas O’Donnell, Eoghan O’Riordan, James Neville, Kyle Wallace, Conor Hegarty, Stephen Cotter, Kieran Neville, Noel O’Brien, Michael Hegarty, Owen O’Neill, Aaron Neville, Colm Molloy, Eoin Wallace, Lucas O’Callaghan McCarthy, Adam O’Donnell, Luke Beecher, Christopher O’Donnell, Shane Cotter, Stephen O’Donnell.
Next week
Coming up next week a brief look at the opposition for the premier junior and junior B hurling leagues.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to Paddy, Mary, Salle, Patrick, Jonathon, Louise, Jessica and Rebecca on the sad death of Philip Williams in Conna last week.
Club messages
Secretary Eleanor tells us that club messages are now switching to WhatsApp as well as continuing the existing text system.
Action at national level
Chances are both of last Saturday’s All-Ireland Club senior finals were decided by late, late scores. Coming as they did at a time when it would be physically impossible to recover from. Themselves semi-final winners over St Thomas when TJ Reid raised the green flag with a last-ditch effort yet this time Ballygunner almost shamrocked Ballyhale when goaling with the last opportunity of the opening hurling decider at Croke Park. Marvellous encounter and what a finish. Equally exciting stuff in Paris with the home team just edging it at game’s end. Before Kilcoo, who like the newly crowned Waterford hurling champions would be outsiders at the outset, were crowned senior football champions after twenty minutes of extra time.
Another easy win for the Rebels above in Birr (4-25 to 1-15). Imagine heading to the Gaelic Grounds for 3.45pm on the afternoon of Sunday 27th for the round 3 league fixture with Cork on +28 and 4 points, Limerick pointless and -9. The old order changeth? Don’t go believing that theory now. However next up are the county senior footballers facing the long trek to Derry for a round 3 league fixture on Sunday coming, February 20.
Look back ends with brief reflection on minor (U18) season
It had been the policy in other counties for a few years. Certainly Tipperary springs to mind. So it was all spelled out to us at the juvenile annual general meeting right at the outset of the season held on Zoom/phone on the evening of Thursday, January 7, 2021. In accordance with national policy Rebel Óg would organise their competitions putting the emphasis on the irregular age groups – ie U13, 15 and 17. Now there was still a proviso for the outgoing system. But it would strictly adhere to being on the age group. Maybe for Sars, The Barrs and Nemo, it’s not for everyone. That said, a minor championship would be entertained. Ensuring players with their eighteenth birthday during the year could be accommodated. ‘Games for all’ needs to be the aim.
With the usual supply of Board organised pre-season friendlies on tow for which sensibly they would appoint the referees. It was a season starting in earnest with Fermoy as visitors in round 1 division 2 in the Rebel Óg East minor football championship at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 14. Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-09 to 0-02. Four unanswered points quickly on the change of ends extending the margin still further. But were then rocked from comfort zone residence as goals from Ciaran Cloney and Cillian Fitzpatrick instantly narrowed the gap. A delightful Nathan Sheehan pass picked out Conor England for the key goal. Victory assured for the home-based team on an end scoreline of 1-16 to 2-05. They would keep the winning run going.
Goals from Cathal Dineen and Sean O’Donoghue at opposite ends of the opening half were crucial. Tom Hartnett was accurate with the frees when recording a hard-earned 2-09 to 2-06 round 2 victory above in Caherlag on Wednesday evening, July 28. Third proposed fixture v Bride Rovers wasn’t played, Points on the table duly awarded and St Catherines as group winners waltz into a semi-final v Carrigtwohill fixed for Wednesday evening, August 25 at Ballynoe.
A trio of first quarter goals set the opposition on their way against a rallying home-based team who following a late Oisin Fitzgerald point would see the interval deficit trimmed on a 3-04 to 1-07 scoreline. Daniel Murnane goaling direct from a free kick within seconds of the turnover another body blow. In racing terms Catherines battled all the way to the line. But the damage was done and football aspirations for the year trimmed on an end scoreline of 6-07 to 3-09. Team captain was Mark Geary. While Erin’s Own were eventually outright competition winners.
Now an important issue to stress is that clubs must play these championship matches minus the services of county-based players. Bride Rovers, Watergrasshill and Fermoy would come under that umbrella. As would St Catherines and Cobh when round 1 division 1 in the Rebel Óg East minor hurling championship went ahead at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 21. Kyle Wallace not lining out for the Saints. Likewise Timmy Wilk not on the Cobh team sheet. You could play if you were on the extended panel.
With the teams together on a half time scoreline of 0-06 each Harry Draper had the Saints off to a flyer early on the change of ends. Goaling within thirty-five seconds of the resumption. Easing the Saints into a lead they would hold until Eoin Cullimore from a placed ball goaled the Cobh leveller at 1-11 a piece in time added on. Realistically disappointment would be felt on the home bench. Failing to maintain what was a five-point advantage at one time.
Round 2 was certain to be a difficult assignment when played in Rathcormac on the evening of Wednesday, August 4 as the visitors worked out a slender three-point advantage on a half-time 1-05 to 0-05 scoreline. Bride Rovers were very much having the better of it on the turnover. Edmond Cashman, Josh Aherne, Adam Hayes and Denis Cashman all on target. Outscoring the Saints 1-07 to 0-03 through the third quarter and beyond. A duo of Gearoid O’Brien pointed frees and a second and this time match winning Sean O’Donoghue goal rescued the Saints. Winning a tight affair on an end 2-10 to 1-12 scoreline. Two more for Sean O’Donoghue with Stephen Cotter scoring the third when the third game took us to Rostellan on Wednesday evening, August 18. It’s always a difficult venue initially to play in and even more demanding to procure that much sought after required result irrespective of how well you think you are doing. They don’t care much for reputations. So it proved. Catherines won there alright 3-20 to 1-19. But by God they were so hard to shake off. At the end St Catherines were table toppers, thus earning a semi-final place.
Opposition would again be as in the football, Carrigtwohill as the home team edged ahead by the slimmest of margins to lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-10 to 1-09. Carrigtwohill regaining the initiative for the first time since the fifteenth minute following an Alex Kidney goad just pre the second water break (remember them!!!). Herculean Saints’ defending from Fionn O’Connell and Ben O’Connor in turn endorsed by two long range Eoghan O’Riordan frees escorted the Saints over the line in a contest where neither outfit would finish with their full quota of players. Further problems. Final only three days away. Full-time in Ballynoe and it finished St Catherines 1-16 Carrigtwohill 1-14.
So what would the overriding factors be facing a much anticipated divisional final? An emphatic semi-final success over Cobh, the power of motivation having lost to the same opposition in the equivalent U16 final exactly two years previously and now Jack Leahy just named Munster Minor Hurler of the Year all pointed to Kiltha Óg being outright favourites.
Yet there was the sensible laying out of the Saints rear-guard. Fionn O’Connell and Oisín Fitzgerald were outstanding. Behind them an early point-blank stop from rookie netminder Darragh Morison helped him to settle, instantly growing into this final. If anything, Gearoid O’Brien and William Leamy were the top midfielders. Sean O’Donoghue a constant threat, winning a plethora of frees. Kyle Wallace was the goal scorer, all of which had the Saints ahead by four points on a half-time 1-08 to 0-07 scoreline.
Cathal Dineen and opposition captain Michael O’Dwyer exchanged goals on the turnover with that four-point cushion maintained at 2-14 to 1-13 to fifty-two minutes. With Conor England splitting the posts with a skilfully taken point you sensed this was going to be St Catherine’s Day. It was. Finishing in their favour on an end scoreline of 2-16 to 1-14.
Afterwards Board Chairperson Áine O’Leary made the presentation to fullback and successful Catherine’s captain Eoghan O’Riordan who eight days later made his first team debut against Milford at Mitchelstown in the Lower Intermediate Hurling Championship. Holding onto the number five jersey for the duration of the season. Turning out to be a great year for Gary Hartnett, Minor Manager. Fellow selectors being Ed Galvin, Pat Geary, Kieran O’Brien and Pat Fitzgerald, Team coach, trainer and mentor - Rory Galvin. Team medic/first aid in both codes was club secretary Eleanor Galvin. This win was a precursor to further success at U17 level in both football and hurling coming down the road in the middle to the end of October.
St Catherine’s Minor Panel
Mark Geary (football captain), Eoghan O’Riordan (hurling captain), Darragh Morrison, William O’Driscoll, Evan Philpott, Oisín Fitzgerald, Fionn O’Connell, Ben O’Connor, Darragh Galvin, Nathan Sheehan, Kieran Kelleher, Gearoid O’Brien, Tom Hartnett, William Leamy, Conor England, Harry Draper, Cathal Dineen, William McAuliffe, Stephen Cotter, Kyle Wallace, Sean O’Donoghue, Cathal McAuliffe, Kian O’Donoghue, Cathal Sheehan, Ger Leahy and Denis Temple.
Lotto results update
We present our lotto results update, starting with all the details from Monday night, February 7th. Numbers drawn were 5, 10, 11 and 13. There was no winner of the jackpot of €18,800. The consolation winners on the night were Sonny Cotter Glentrasna Ballynoe, J Walsh c/o PH Conna, Kevin Mangan online, Gabriel and Geraldine Gregan Clarecastle Co Clare and Philip Buckner online.
Scór na nÓg
Scór na nÓg (U17) is on in Lisgoold on Sunday evening, March 6 at 6.30pm. If anyone is interested in taking part please contact Marie Clancy Cultural Officer. County final to follow on Saturday, March 12.
Fit Up Theatre Festival
Back in our midst are Blood in the Alley Theatre Company with their Fit Up Theatre Festival. Last Saturday night in Ballynoe putting on Seamus O’Rourke in the self-penned ‘Victor’s Dung’. Would put its suitability down to the wittiness of an adult-orientated script elevated by the excellence of the cast, with people now delighted to be able to get out and actually go somewhere. By all accounts present on the night was Irene Kelleher who will be on stage in Ballynoe on Saturday night coming, February 19 and 8.30pm with ‘Wake’. I’ll be back!
Juvenile fixture
Sunday, February 20 round 1 division 1 section 2 Rebel Óg East U17 football league v Midleton (away) at 11am.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Wretched week for the Rebels


Last week’s report had been submitted too late for the news that the Kingdom had relieved the Rebels of their provincial title in the Munster U20 football final held at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on the evening of Monday, April 25th last. By all accounts not a classic but that won’t matter a fiddler’s to them as they now go ahead of Cork on the titles claimed table, They’ll settle down now and refocus for Tyrone. Forty-eight hours later and a loss to Tipperary at Thurles meant expulsion from the equivalent hurling championship. This was no surprise. A fortunate victory over Clare and a loss to Limerick preceding a defeat for the Rebels striving for a three-in-a row for this particular age group and who had been a highlight for us over the last two summers. Still, one would have massive time for well over a half dozen of this panel. Remember those of you still whinging that these guys are still very young.
A pitiful season at topflight level just continues. Following the league final loss to Waterford and the mauling inflicted by reigning provincial and All-Ireland champions Limerick in the previous round, Cork went down to a third successive competitive loss. Going down to a two defeat to the Banner in their round 3 provincial championship encounter in Thurles on Sunday afternoon last. You would have to concede that Cork are all but gone out of this hurling championship. Next up are Kerry in the football championship at Páirc Uí Rinn this weekend. With the hurlers in Walsh Park on May 15th. Fancy getting anything out of those?
Action on the field of play
Round 6 division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 1-12 Midleton 0-14
A well-earned commendable victory borne out of grit, determination and workrate for the Saints from the tie when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Monday evening, April 25th last. Midleton were shading it. Lead 0-06 to 0-04 at the break and through various pockets on the turnover with Colin Sunderland, Mark O’Keeffe and Cillian Hurley hitting the target were in the ascendancy at 0-10 to 0-06 on 37 minutes and on to the end of the third quarter and further when the lead stood at 0-12 to 0-08.
But Catherines finished strongly. Tough, tight defending from Denis Land and in particular Ben O’Connor hitting an ocean of ball right across the half backline. But a John Mulcahy goal is what really reinvigorated the recovery on 50 minutes. Evan Philpott and Owen O’Neill had been doing the bulk of the scoring. While late points from Tom Hartnett, Stephen Cotter and Cathal Dinneen confirmed a soul satisfying success. First of the campaign.
Scorers: O O’Neill (0-3f)(0-1 line cut) (0-6), J Mulcahy (1-00), F Philpott (0-01 free)(0-03), T Hartnett, S Cotter and C Dinneen (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, D Wallace, D Lane, P Ryan, B O’Connor, P Tobin, J Casey, O O’Neill, T Hartnett, W Leamy, J Mulcahy, C Dinneen, A O’Donnell, E Philpott, S Walsh. Subs: S Cotter for S Walsh (second half), G Leahy for A O’Donnell (58’). Referee Eoin Coleman (Youghal.
April Rebels’ Bounty Draw
Second successive draw for the big money to find its way to Youghal with five names on the list of thirty coming from Imokilly. Sadly nobody from the St Catherines club, following the most recent Rebels’ Bounty Draw which was actually held on Wednesday evening, April 27th last, sounding a bit repetitive but we live in hope!
Latest club weekly lotto draw results
Draw held on bank holiday Monday night last, May 2nd. Numbers drawn were 3, 12, 24 and 28 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were James O’Connor c/o PH Conna, Rose Buckner online, Vince and Michelle Conna, Lisa Moore online and John O’Mahony Ballynoe. There will be a draw on Monday night, May 9th, jackpot €20,000.
Juvenile report focuses on the U15 age group
Round 4 Premier 2 U15 Hurling League
St Catherines 6-10 Donoughmore 5-19
A strange game in many ways as Donoughmore without a glove being laid on them were virtually out of sight with the point in the bag and ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-10 to 0-04 when this league tie was played in dull, overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 27th last. Premature and short of the mark.
There was a general lifting of spirits on the change of ends. Goals rained in. But time ran out and in fairness even in defeat the players rallied to the cause and can be well pleased with their subsequent efforts.
Scorers: J Temple (2-05), G Sheehan (0-04 frees) (1-04), K O’Donoghue (2-00) and T Clancy (1-01). St Catherine’s team: A Cotter, S O’Donoghue, F McCreedy, I Moore, J Pratt, J Pietropaolo, J Kenneally, C Hickey, J Temple, B Aherne, G Sheehan, T Clancy, C O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, S Wallace. Subs: B McKee for C O’Driscoll (second half), J O’Connor for B Aherne (37’), T Dee for S Wallace (45’), C Barry for I Moore (51’), S Aherne for S O’Donoghue (54’). Also L Kilmartin. Referee Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Féile na Peil qualifiers
Diary of morning in Lisgoold
On arrival, Mike Mulcahy guides us to a grand handy space for parking, just inside the front gate on the right. A timely coffee courtesy of Dino (note the haircut!). As the early mist descending into the light rainfall clears up. Brian, Connie and the aforementioned Dino have their charges finely tuned. We’re in as good and nice a company you could be with and all is in readiness for the John West sponsored Féile na Peil qualifiers at a well prepared Lisgoold on Saturday morning last. Just the three teams involved, with Castlelyons off to a flyer. Securing a victory over the host venue on a 4-01 to 2-04 scoreline in the first match played at 10.30am.
Slight pause then with Castlelyons seemingly continuing where they left off. Cathal Sheehan edging them into an early lead against the Saints. Pointing the way inside two minutes. Catherines getting to grips with proceedings. Surging into a 0-05 to 0-01 lead at the end of the first of what are fifteen-minute halves. Five different players contributing looks encouraging. That said a timely Jaydn O’Connor stop just on the turnaround every bit as important as the Billy Aherne goal arriving nine minutes into the second period all helping to withstand the Castlelyons recovery coming up to the finish. Final score St Catherines 1-07 Castlelyons 1-04. Anyone reading this early on Thursday morning only too aware of a league meeting between the same two teams scheduled for Ballynoe last evening, Wednesday May 4th.
Alan Cotter and Kyle O’Donoghue points shot the Saints to the front early against Lisgoold in match two for the Saints but overall third game played on the morning. But somehow never fully recovered from the concession of a Conor Horgan goal on 10 minutes. Behind 1-04 to 0-02 at the short break. Goals from Tristan Clancy and Gearoid Sheehan helped narrow the gap and made it fair exciting but Lisgoold held on. Winning out on an end scoreline of 2-08 to 2-06. On countback with Niall O’Neill, who refereed all the matches it was Lisgoold who went forward to Caherlag for 1-45pm to decide overall group winners going forward to county semi-final and final scheduled for bank holiday Monday last, May 2nd. Initial, understandable disappointment yes, but another great morning supporting a terrific tournament.
Scorers v Castlelyons: B Aherne (1-01), G Sheehan (0-03 frees), K O’Donoghue, S Wallace and J Temple (0-01 each). Scorers v Lisgoold: T Clancy and G Sheehan (0-01 free) (1-01 each), A Cotter (0-02), K O’Donoghue and J Temple (0-01 each).
Panel of players in Lisgoold: Jaydn O’Connor, Sam Aherne, James Kenneally, Liam Moore, Jake Pratt, Juliam Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, John Temple, Callum O’Driscoll, Cilian Hickey, Billy Aherne, Gearoid Sheehan, Tristan Clancy, Shay Wallace, Kyle O’Donoghuye, Thomas Dee, Ronan Hickey, Shane O’Donoghue.
Round 4 Premier 2 U17 Hurling League
St Catherines 1-15 Bride Rovers 4-11
Bride Rovers emerged with the spoils from this league tie when played at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Catherines three points adrift on a 1-08 to 1-05 interval scoreline succeeded in trimming the deficit to the minimum one point when Frank O’Flynn struck for the second of his four-goal contribution. Scores succeeding in keeping the home challenge at bay. Darragh Morrison and Ciaran Pietropaolo pointed numerous well taken scores, both from free and general play. But were unable to haul in the margin.
Scorers: D Morrison (0-07 frees) (1-00 pen (0-01 ’65) (1-09), C Pietropaolo (0-04), D O’Connell and K O’Donoghue (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, C Hayes, K O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, N Sheehan, D O’Connell, D Murphy, D Morrison, A Bryan, K Kelleher, C Leamy, S Cotter. Subs: G O’Callaghan McCarthy for A Bryan (second half), J Temple for K Kelleher (38’). Also G Sheehan. Referee Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
What we have in fixtures for you
Friday, May 6th at Ballynoe, round 6 division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football league v Glenville at 7pm. Saturday, May 7th at Ballynoe round 5 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Fr O’Neills at 7.30pm. Sunday, May 8th division 3 group A County Premier Junior Hurling League in Douglas at 11.30am. Wednesday, Mat 11th at Carrigoon round 5 premier 2 U15 Hurling League v Mallow at 7pm.
Scór na bPáistí
You’re probably standing there right now with the entirely understandable question. Querying the rarity on the start of summer that now is the time to organise and run off the most popular age group for participation in this competition.
St Catherine’s Hurling Club had entries in five of the sections that needed qualifiers when the East Cork Scór na bPáistí semi-finals were held at Lisgoold Community Hall on Saturday evening last. Ciara Hayes with her version of ‘A Communion Story’ advanced in the recitation section. As did the ballad group who performed ‘Red is the Rose’ and ‘Trasna na dTonnta’. Performing with honour and distinction though unfortunately not making progress were Kelly Dillon in the solo singing category. Also Reailtín Galvin in the solo instrumental music and the Tráth na gCeist combination of Tessa O’Leary, Anna Byrne, Ronan Hickey and Teegan Murphy. All doing their utmost in proudly serving their club. There will also be figure and set dancing, solo dance, sean nós dance and novelty act as St Catherines will be taking part in seven of the eleven possible categories when the East Cork Scór na bPáistí finals go ahead this forthcoming Sunday afternoon, May 8th in Watergrasshill Community Hall. Starting time will be 2.30pm. We will have more Scór information for you next week.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Focus on club league match reports


There is no doubt that the glamorous part of the season is gathering momentum. But spare a thought for what happened in Galway last week with the sudden death of Kate Moran following an accidental blow in a camogie match, bringing back memories of an equally freakish accident that killed 13 year old Harry Byrne in St Kieran’s College back in mid-November. Both deaths are worse than sad.
Sympathy also to the Flynn family, Cullinagh, Ballynoe, on the death of Bat Flynn, Ballymartin, Dungourney. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nanamacha dílis.
Reminding patrons that the latest Rebels’ Bounty draw is due tonight, Thursday, April 28th.
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, April 25th – numbers drawn were 18, 25, 28 and 29. The €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation prize winners being D~G, c/o Winacres Stables; Eimear O’Keeffe, online; T Walsh, c/o PO; Michael Hartnett, Ballynoe and John and Betty O’Brien, online.
Bank holiday Monday night, May 2nd with a €20,000 jackpot is the date for next weekly lotto draw.
Cork now play Tipperary in U20 hurling, while the equivalent football decider v Kerry was due for Monday night last. Cork are up against Clare next in the Munster senior hurling championship, down for 2pm in Thurles on Sunday Live TV coverage though will be Galway v Kilkenny from Salthill and Tyrone v Derry in the Ulster senior football championship.
Club action on the field of play
Red FM Round 3 division 3 group A county premier junior hurling league
St Catherines 2-14 Barryroe 0-11
A brace of Rory Galvin goals, the first as early as the 90 second mark, were the crucial scores as the Saints maintained their unbeaten run with a well merited nine point success from this tie played in endearing conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday last, throw-in exactly on the 12 noon mark. Solid Fionn O’Connell defending and further points from Kevin Barry, Kieran Neville and Gearoid O’Brien among others guiding the Saints into a lead on a first half scoreline of 1-7 to 0-6 against a Barryroe outfit well served by Brian O’Donovan, Anthony Fleming and Donal Buckley.
Kyle Wallace points extending the margin onto 1-12 to 0-7 to the end of the third quarter before a lengthy Eoin Davis free clutched high in the air before Rory Galvin again careered through, picking his spot for the match sealing second goal on 54 minutes. Next up is a trip to Douglas and an early start on the morning of Sunday, May 8th. Patrons take note that St Catherines will play Abbey Rovers in the first round of the county B1 junior football championship on the evening of Saturday, May 14th. Match fixed for Fermoy.
Scorers: R Galvin (2-0), K Wallace (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ’65), K Barry, K Neville, B Mulcahy, G O’Brien, C Hegarty, B Davis, C England (0-1), E Davis (0-1 free). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E Wallace, P Keane, J Neville, E O’Riordan, C Hegarty, G O’Brien, B Davis, K Neville, B Mulcahy, A Neville, K Barry, K Wallace, R Galvin. Subs: C England for B Davis (38’), J Hayes for G O’Brien (48’), D Galvin for F O’Connell (54’), R Clancy for K Wallace (56’). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Round 4 Division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Killeagh 2-09 St Catherines 1-12
It was the exquisite skill and foresight of Tom Hartnett that released Harry Draper, Finishing with aplomb for the Saints’ goal on the quarter hour of this tie played under the lights at 8pmn in Killeagh on Friday evening last. Sublimely converted Conor England points allied to the accurate free taking of Ronan Clancy saw a lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-07 to 0-02. Moving on the 1-11 to 0-05 by 48 minutes. A nine point cushion hauled in initially by a. Shane Kearney strike before David Buckley pounced for the equalising goal right at the death. Second Saints’ draw of the campaign.
Scorers: R Clancy (0-06 frees), H Draper (1-01), C England (0-03), T Hartnett and R Galvin (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, C Kearney, J Neville, O O’Neill, A Neville, K Neville, D Galvin, J Hayes, C England, C Dinneen, R Galvin, R O’Connell, H Draper, R Clancy, T Hartnett. Subs: W Leamy for R O’Connell (2’), P Ryan for H Draper (22’ – temp), P Ryan for W Leamy (45’). Also E Sheehan. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erin’s Own).
Round 9 Division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Fr O’Neills 6-13 St Catherines 1-08
With Ciaran McHugh, Pat Steele and Conor Parker on top scoring form Fr O’Neills had too much for the Saints from this league tie when played at Aghavine on Tuesday evening, April 19th last.
For the visitors there were some smartly taken points from Conor Kearney and Stephen O’Brien in turn and when free taker Evan Philpott’s goal-bound effort was kept out it was Shane Walsh reacting the quickest, forcing the breaking ball over the line for the goal late in the first half. But the margin was too wide, O’Neills keeping the Saints’ challenge at bay when safely securing the points on offer.
Scorers: E Philpott (0-04 frees) (0-05), S Walsh (1-00), C Kearney (0-02) and S O’Brien (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, P Ryan, S Kearney, J Casey, J Hurley, P Tobin, S O’Brien, C Kearney, H Draper, A O’Donnell, E Kenneally, E Philpott, S Walsh, J Mulcahy, T Hartnett. Sub: E Sheehan for E Aherne (18’), also M Dinneen. Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Round 2 Premier 2 Group 2 County U10 Hurling League
Erin’s Own 0-21 St Catherines 0-18
An enthralling visually exciting encounter dominated by the finishing skills of Oran O’Regan ad Kyle Wallace who combined ran up a tally of 23 of the 39 points registered from this league tie when played at Caherlag on Wednesday evening, April 20th last. It was 0-12 to 0-09 for the home based team at the interval. A 3 point margin maintained on an end scoreline of 0-21 to 0-18 in favour of Erin’s Own at game conclusion.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-07 frees) (0-11), G O’Brien, D Morrison and H Draper (0-02 each) and C England (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, F O’Connell, N Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, E O’Riordan, D Galvin, G O’Brien, M Geary, C England, K Wallace, C Dinneen, D Morrison, T Hartnett, H Draper. Sub: C McAuliffe for C England (51’). Referee: Joseph Coppinger (Ballinacurra).
Juvenile Club
Round 5 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football League
Killeagh 2-08 St Catherines 1-09
Similar fate bestowing on the Saints’ challenge as the junior hurling match that would follow. Again releasing their grip on proceedings standing at 1-06 to 1-02 at half-time when this U17 league tie was played in Killeagh at 7.30pm on Friday evening last.
Scorers: K Kelleher (1-01), C Pietropaolo (0-04), D O’Connell (0-01 free) (0-02), K O’Donoghue and C McCarthy (0-01) each. St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, A Bryan, C Hayes, D Morrison, T Barry, N Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, C Leamy, D Murphy, D O’Connell, J Hickey, C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher. Also G Sheehan. Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Round 3 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League
Killavullen 1-07 St Catherines 9-07
St Catherines inflicted the damage early when this tie was played in Killavullen on Thursday evening last. In fairness there was some very impressive play from the home team as the contest moved on, totally belying the lopsided scoreline. But the gap was too wide. This squad reassemble for the Féile na Peil qualifiers this bank holiday weekend.
Scorers: J Temple (3-02), K O’Donoghue (2-02), T Dee (2-00), C O’Driscoll and R Hickey (1-00 each), B Aherne, G Sheehan and T Clancy (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, S O’Donoghue, J Kenneally, L Moore, C Hickey, F McCready, A Cotter, J Temple, T Clancy, B Aherne, G Sheehan, B McKee, C O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, T Dee. Subs: C Barry for A Cotter (second half), R Hickey and S Walsh for T Dee and S O’Donoghue (both 53’). Referee: Cathal Egan (Clyda Rovers).
Round 3 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League
Aghada 3-04 St Catherines 7-10
After the blemish incurred in the football two weeks previously and St Catherines returned to winning ways with a well-earned success from this tie when played in a sunny albeit deceptively windy Rostellan, home of Aghada GAA Club at 1pm on Saturday afternoon last, Rian O’Brien, David Murphy and Robbie Oosthuizen were very good for the home team right in contention up to the interval. Sean O’Keeffe was alert between the posts, Billy O’Connor dependable at corner back and in around the square while at times Ronan Hickey was inspirational for the Saints at fullback. With the space created around the middle of the field Alan Cotter with the help of Tadg Walsh ran up the scores as the formative stages of the competition concluded.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-02 frees) (6-08) and T Walsh (1-02). St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, R Hickey, B O’Connor, R O’Donoghue, S Walsh, A Burke, A Cotter, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, J Mulkerrins, T Morrison, E O’Mahony, J Cunneen. Also K O’Connell and N Curtin for J Cunneen and J Mulkerrins (both second half). N Keane for A Burke (40’). Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
What’s coming up in fixtures
Saturday, April 30th at Lisgoold and Caherlag, Féile na Peil qualifiers at 10.30am. Monday, May 2nd semi-finals and final Féile na Peil. Wednesday, May 4th at Ballynoe R4 D2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League v Castlelyons at 6.30pm. Wednesday, May 4th at Ballynoe R3 G2 Premier 2 U19 Hurling League v Youghal at 7pm.
According to the master plan watch out for a fixture in division 2 of the East Cork Junior Football League.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile Club.

Stay involved and intercounty will dominate



Inevitably there will be the usual spate of league matches, hurling and football, both adult and juvenile. That’s a given. Probable late spring headline will be the opening sequence of matches in the all county junior B football championship.
Where is this heading? Well, we’re going into the glamourous part of the season and for the next three or four months of so, depending on how long you stay involved, intercounty dominates. Right now intercounty rules, ok? It’s the turn of the jersey clad flag waving, though frequently misinformed supporter to shine! Roll the drums, simultaneous release of footpedal and crash symbol .. and they’re off!
But like those old record charts we all craved for during the 70s and 80s had been a breaker, but now Oisin Fitzgerald zooms in at number 19. Up from 24 to 15 is goal scoring corner forward Sean O’Donoghue. Cork continue their solid start in the provincial minor (U17) hurling championship with a comprehensive dismantling of Limerick in a round two clash at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Tuesday evening, April 12th.
24 hours later and the Rebels only barely see off an unlucky Clare challenge in the Munster U20 hurling championship second round meeting at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge on Wednesday evening, April 13th. Off the track we learn of the momentary Keith Ricken departure from the Cork senior football setup. John Cleary replaces, you never know do you?
Hauling in a 9 point deficit makes the Wexford draw with Galway almost feel like a victory. It’s points in the bag from Dublin and Kilkenny as a seemingly subdued Leinster senior hurling championship commenced with Sky coverage on Saturday evening.
Alan Cotter of Barrafohona, Ballynoe National School and St Catherines GAA Club played in the Primary Go Game. Neighbour Finola Neville captaining the Rebelettes in their defeat of the Kingdom in the Munster intermediate camogie final, all playing their part over a weekend when the respective All-Ireland champions from both codes were tasting early championship action. Tyrone doing enough in seeing off Fermanagh in a preliminary round up North, now playing Derry on May 1st.
Limerick again confirming their clear cut superiority over a static looking Rebels outfit also at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in round one of the round robin provincial senior hurling championship.
With not guarantee the Kerry game will even take place, Rebel supporters are now in dire need of inspiration from somewhere. Over to you Ed Sheeran!
Now as early as round two we have the meeting of the champions, All-Ireland and league this time around. No real pressure on either team, both playing with the fullness of confidence brough by first day wins. All will be revealed at 7pm on this forthcoming Saturday at TUS Gaelic Grounds on the Ennis Road. Oh yes and Sky!
It seems farcical to reach such a conclusion on a game of hurling but we’re opting for this one to be a draw. With a game under their belt, Tipperary should be back in the mix after Sunday. Quest for third place now on in earnest!
Club action on the field of play
Round 4 division 2 East Cork junior football league
Glanmire 1-5 St Catherines 0-6
At one stage outstanding Shane Fitzgerald, goalkeeper, allied to the scoring ability of Padraig O’Connor, James Hayes, Rory Galvin and in particular Kyle Wallace had the visitors five points to the good but were hauled in by a late sucker punch. TJ Dennehy setting up Sam Caulfield for the games only and match winning goal on 56 minutes in this round 4 division 2 East Cork junior football league tie when played in dull and overcast conditions under the lights at Sallybrook on Thursday night last.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-3, 0-1 free), P O’Connor (0-1), J Hayes (0-1), R Galvin (0-1 free).
St Catherines team: S Fitzgerald, P Keane, S O’Brien, K Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan, F O’Connell, R Galvin, A Neville, J Hayes, K Wallace, E Kenneally, P O’Connor, L O’Connor, R O’Connell. Subs: C Kearney for F O’Connell (second half), B Davis for J Hayes (38’), D Galvin for A Neville (48’). Also E Sheehan.
Referee: Bryan Sweeney (Erins Own).
Round 2 group 1 East One County U19 football league
St Catherines 0-8 St Colmcilles 4-19
There was a man of the match performance from Eddie Coughlan and strong support play from Aaron Ryan and Harry Coughlan. That said Conor England, Eoghan O’Riordan and Kyle Wallace worked ferociously hard for the home based team. But overall the power, accuracy combination and pace of St Colmcilles was too much and were deserving winners of this round two east one U19 football league tie played in sunny Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, 13th April last. No complaints.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-6, 0-3 frees), W Leamy (0-1), E O’Riordan (0-1 45’).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, M Geary, C McAuliffe, D Morrison, F O’Connell, D Galvin, E O’Riordan, C England, N Sheehan, K Wallace, C Dinneen, T Hartnett, W Leamy.
Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
This week’s juvenile column starts with rescheduled division one Rebel Og East U17 football league
St Catherines 2-9 Carrigtwohill 2-5
St Catherines made a good start, conceding a softish goal inside two minutes when this round two division one U17 football league tie, originally postponed from the end of February was rescheduled and played in dull and dampish conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, April 11th. A full length sprawling Jake Bryan penalty save on 13 invaluable to home teams cause, now behind on a half-time score of 1-2 to 0-4.
Now playing with the wind at their backs on a horrible night for football and exquisitely taken Kieran Kelleher finishing a goal on 32 minutes and point not that long afterwards, scores of rare beauty and grandeur. It was a privilege to witness them. Overall this saw parity restored at 1-6 to 2-3 on 40 minutes. When Diarmuid O’Connell and Ciaran Pietropaolo, two players figuring on the scoring charts, combined to release pacy substitute Shane Cotter to finish off the second and match winning goal on 54 minutes.
Scorers: K Kelleher (1-1), C Pietropaolo (0-4), S Cotter (1-0), D O’Connell (0-2, 0-1 free), C Leamy and C Hayes (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Hayes, D Morrison, C Dunning, N Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, C Sheehan, D Murphy, D O’Connell, C Leamy, C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher. Subs: S Cotter for K Kelleher (40’), J Hickey for C Sheehan (49’). Also A Bryan and T Barry.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Round 3 premier 2 U15 hurling league
Grenagh 3-8 St Catherines 4-17
St Catherines were quick out of the traps in this round 3 premier 2 U15 hurling league tie, overlapping with the U19 football league tie in Ballynoe, when also played in Grenagh on Wednesday evening, April 13th last. Building up a lead with a half-time score standing at 3-9 to 0-6, thus claiming their first points of the league campaign.
Scorers: J Temple (1-8, 0-2 frees), K O’Donoghue (2-2), G Sheehan (0-6, 0-4 frees), C Hickey (1-1).
St Catherines team: A Cotter, S O’Donoghue, F McCready, B McKee, J Pratt, J Pietropaolo, L Moore, J Temple, T Clancy, S Wallace, G Sheehan, C Hickey, J O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, T Dee. Subs: C O’Driscoll, C Barry and S Walsh for S O’Donoghue, J O’Connor and T Dee (all second half).
Referee: Davy Copps (Ballyea).
John West Feile nan Gael qualifiers
There is something strangely attractive about underage blitzes with a few clubs involved. Just something more than your average two team one off tournament final. It must be the level of expectancy going with it.
Early on Saturday morning last players and officials from Fermoy, Killeagh and Bride Rovers along with the host venue gathered at a well organised Pairc Naomh Caitriona, Baile Nua for the group A sequence of games in the John West sponsored Feile na nGael qualifiers. Data for the morning printed on doors, flags flying, car parking well organised, officials in yellow bibs. Yes there must be something going on. Probably leaving someone out here now but thanks to Susan Sheehan, Marie O’Donoghue, Una Barry and Mairead Kenneally for the welcome teas and coffees in between games. Fiona Sheehan brought lovely scones!
Midleton officials John Kirby and Niall O’Neill were the referees with each group game over twelve minutes a half. Never gets a mention but David Temple is always available for duty. The umpire strikes back.
A late John Temple penalty goal saw the Saints squeeze out an unlucky Fermoy outfit (3-1 to 1-6) in the first match on court. An early Kyle O’Donoghue strike wasn’t enough to rescue the Saints against Killeagh (0-8 to 1-2) in match two, while the goalkeeping prowess of Shay O’Dowd and scoring ability of Conor O’Riordan laid the foundation for Bride Rovers success in the third game at 12.30. It finished on a score of Bride Rovers 3-8 St Catherines 1-5. Conor Murray was now off the Saints panel, injured as the morning moved on. That didn’t help. He was a loss. Bit of a delay then before group B winners Youghal arrived to play neighbours Killeagh in the final. Youghal were victors and they as overall group winners were heading to Carrigtwohill for a county Feile semi-final on bank holiday Easter Monday last.
It was a wonderful atmospheric occasion and thankfully the weather behaved itself. Chairman Brian Sheehan and Lisa Moore, juvenile secretary, take a bow. Just take note that the Feile na Peil qualifiers will be on weekend of April 30th / May 1st.
Match stats
St Catherines mentors: Brian Sheehan (manager), Ed Kenneally (coach), Dino Pietropaolo, Joe Pratt.
Scorers v Fermoy: K O’Donoghue (2-0), J Temple (1-0 penalty), G Sheehan (0-1 free).
Scorers v Killeagh: K O’Donoghue (1-0), J Temple (0-1), G Sheehan (0-1 free).
Scorers v Bride Rovers: C O’Driscoll (1-0), J Temple (0-2, 0-1 free), G Sheehan (0-2 frees), C Hickey (0-1).
St Catherines panel of players: Alan Cotter, James Kenneally, Conor Murray, Liam Moore, Jake Pratt, Julian Pietrolpaolo, Fionn McCready, Tristan Clancy, John Temple, Cillian Hickey, Gearoid Sheehan, Shay Wallace, Billy McKee, Kyle O’Donoghue, Callum O’Driscoll, Shane O’Donoghue, Jaydn O’Connor, Liam Kilmartin, Cathal Barry, Thomas Dee, Billy Aherne.
Running simultaneously was the girls Feile in Newtownshandrum. Most vivid parting memory departing Ballynoe around lunchtime on Saturday were the glowing praiseworthy comments from our visitors.
Full upcoming fixture list
Tonight Thursday, April 21st, round three division two Rebel Og East U15 football league in Killavullen, 6.45pm.
Friday, April 22nd, round five division one Rebel Og East U17 football league in Killeagh at 7pm.
Friday, April 22nd, round four division two East Cork junior hurling league in Killagh at 8pm.
Saturday, April 23rd, round three division two U13 hurling league v Aghada at Rostellan at 1pm.
Sunday, April 24th, at Ballynoe, round three division three group A county premier junior hurling league v Barryroe at 12 noon.
Monday, April 25th at Ballynoe round six division four East Cork junior hurling league v Midleton at 8pm.
Wednesday, April 27th at Ballynoe, round four premier two U15 hurling league v Donoghmore at 7pm.
Wednesday, April 27th at Dungournvey round three East One County U19 football league v Kiltha Og at 7pm.
Personal gripe
How often do we get photographs of helmeted intercounty players on our national media? Okay when they line up jersey fronts are now numbered. But there’s no longevity in that. Surely it wouldn’t take that long to unfasten and pop back on. U13s can do it.
Sad death
There was the recent sad death of Brendan Mooney. Though perhaps better known in athletics and boxing, the now late Brendan was also adept with GAA matches, both at county and club level and I remember him covering games in Ballynoe for The Irish Examiner. He was a very nice man.
Belated commiserations to Watergrasshill/Glenville clubs on the recent passing of Pat McHugh. Also sympathy to the O’Callaghan and Murphy families on the death of Mon O’Callaghan (Leahy), Newtown, Ballynoe.
Latest lotto details
Congratulations to first team player and underage mentor, trainer and coach, Rory Galvin on his half share success in a recent Ballysaggart GAA Club weekly lotto draw.
Results of the most recent club weekly lotto draw from Bank Holiday Monday night, April 18th: numbers drawn 8, 9, 14 and 21 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation prize winners being David Hegarty, Rathdrum, Ballynoe; Kal Moroney, Conna; Kevin Galvin, Tacken; Eric Flynn, Cullinagh, Ballynoe and Liz O’Dowd, c/o online.
There will be a draw on Monday night, April 25th in the clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9.30pm after the division four hurling league match below in the pitch. Jackpot: €20,000.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Lotto jackpot now at €20,000


Back to back victories in the newly inaugurated County Premier Junior Hurling League. A loss to Dungourney in Division 4 of the East Cork Junior Hurling League and an intense juvenile prÓgramme that is ongoing would be the highlights from another busy week at club level. Sure isn’t it great?
But right at the outset we pay tribute to a neighbour’s child with Jim Hennessy of Dungourney announcing his retirement from refereeing duties. Taking charge of three underage games in Ballynoe last week and he was officially to step down at the weekend. Locals Richie Hegarty and Paul O’Brien frequently umpired for him over the years and always spoke highly of Jim who captained Dungourney to success in the East Cork U21B hurling final of 1977 in his playing days. Sorry Jim, I’ve put an age on you!!
Obviously we would like to be associated with all positive comments issued. Numerous managers availed of Jim’s services to take charge of challenge games at club level over the course of time. Jim arrived always on time. Showing the fixture the respect it deserved. No agendas and importantly in official regalia. He will be an insurmountable loss both to the East Cork Board and the various juvenile boards especially Rebel Óg East who he served diligently over the years. Referees are hard to get. A nice man. As honest off the field as on it, we are naming the Carrig na bhFear/Russell Rovers East Cork Junior Hurling final at Lisgoold 2019 as his personal highlight. Good man Jim.
Round 2 Group A Division 3 Red FM sponsored County Premier Junior Hurling League
Na Piarsaigh 1-11 St Catherines 1-19
Although ahead with the lead point courtesy of team captain Shane Cotter in the opening exchanges, generally speaking it took the visitors a whle to settle into this tie when played in Na Piarsaigh GAA grounds on Cork City’s northside on Friday evening last. There were some excellent Kieran Waters’ points before setting up Danny Morrisey for the goal and a score showing the home team to the good at 1-04 to 0-03 on 14 minutes.
Kevin Barry and Aaron Neville were involved before Kyle Wallace, a clear threat up front, finished off the Saints’ goal shortly afterwards. A precursor to a quartet of unanswered points making it 1-07 to 1-04 to 22 minutes. Three point margin maintained on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-10 to 1-07. It took the home team until the fourth and final quarter to add to their tally. Conor England, Kieran Neville and a nicely taken Rory Galvin double stretching out a competitive outing as it evolved. Keeping the winning run going with upcoming league fixtures against Barryroe and Douglas to follow. All in due course.
Scorers: L Wallace (1-03), R Galvin (0-05), B Mulcahy (0-03), K Barry (0-01f) (0-02), S Cotter, A Neville, C Hegarty, K Neville, C England and E Davis (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E David, F O’Connell, E Wallace, Shane O’Brien, B David, E O’Riordan, C Hegarty, S Cotter (captain), J Neville, L O’Connor, B Mulcahy, A Neville, K Barry, K Wallace, R Galvin. Subs: M Mulcahy for B Davis (37), K Neville for S Cotter (temporary) (40), C England for K Barry (45), K Neville for A Neville (50), H Draper for K Wallace (56). Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).
Round 2 Division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League
Dungourney 3-11 St Catherines 1-09
Sucess for the home based team from this tie when played in Dungourney on Thursday evening last. After a few stupendous Paul O’Flynn stops between the posts, it was Brendan Ronayne who found the net with the lead goal on 24 minutes. For the Saints there were some delightful flicks and touches with Paul Tobin and Ed Kenneally to the fore though behind on a 1-04 to 0-03 half-time scoreline.
Owen O’Neill was doing his best with the frees while Kevin Dinneen poached an opportune goal with a sublime finish. But it was two Kieran O’Flynn goals settled this league game as a contest.
Scorers: O O’Neill (0-06 f) (0-07), K Dinneen (0-01f) (0-01) and T Hartnett (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, P Ryan, D Lane, J Casey, S Kearney, P Tobin, M Dinneen, O O’Neill, E Kenneally, A O’Donnell, J Mulcahy, T Hartnett, C O’Donnell, S Walsh, K Dinneen. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Round 1 Premier 2 County U19 Hurling League
St Catherines 2-07 Kiltha Óg 1-15
A duo of Darragh Morrison points to which strong and influential Eoghan O’Riordan work lead to Harry Draper finishing off the game’s first and lead goal on ten minutees of this tie when played in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 6th last. Second leg of a double header following on the earlier U15 football league match v Carrigtwohill. Earlier advantage of 1-03 to 0-05 wiped out before Kyle Wallace with a second goal right on the 30 minutes restored a narrow and slender lead. For the home based team on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-05 to 0-10. A John Aherne goal off a close-in free proved the match-winning Kiltha Óg score 12 minutes into the second half.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-02 f (1-03), H Draper (1-00), D Morrison (0-02), K O’Donoghue and C England (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, B O’Conor, F O’Connell, N Sheehan, C McAuliffe, E O’Riordan, M Geary, D Galvin, C England, K O’Donoghue, K Wallace, C Dineen, D Morrisson, T Hartnett, H Draper. Subs: W Leamu for T Hartnett (53), A O’Donnell for H Draper (60). Referee: Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
This week’s juvenile column
Round 4 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football League
St Catherines 1-04 Erins Own 1-10
Overlapping with the Na Piarsaigh hurling game in the the city was this league game played in Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Scorers: K Kelleher (1-00 penalty) (1-01), C Pietropaolo, N Sheehan and D O’Connell (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarty, C McAuliffe, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Hayes, D Morrison, T Barry, N Sheehan, D O’Connell, J Temple, C Leamy, A Bryan, J Hickey, C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher. Subs: C Hickey for A Bryan, also C Sheehan. Referee: Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Round 2 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League
St Catherines 0-14 Carrigtwohill 4-05
Bottom line, despite a rousing finish, is that St Catherines just couldn’t fully recover from the concession of four first half goals at the end of which they were behind on an interval 4-02 to 0-06 when this tie was played at a cold and showery Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 6th last.
Gradually the home team, visibly improving, began to claw back the deficit and points from Julian Pietropaolo, Gearoid Sheehan, Kyle O’Donoghue, John Temple, Bily Aherne, Callum O’Driscoll, Thomas Dee and Tristan Clancy had the margin reduced to three points, one kick of a ball, on 58 minutes. But try as they might, that equalising score wouldn’t come.
Scorers: G Sheehan (0-03 f) (0-05), J Pietropaolo (0-03), K O’Donoghue, J Temple, B Aherne, C O’Driscoll, T Dee and T Clancy (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, J Pratt, C Murray, L Moore, B McKee, F McCready, S Aherne, J Pietropaolo, J Temple, C Hickey, G Sheehan, T Clancy, C Barry, K O’Donoghue, S Wallace. Subs: A Cotter, C O’Driscoll, T Dee and B Aherne for S Wallace, C Barry, S Aherne and B McKee (all second half). Referee: Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Round 3 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League
Castlelyons 3-16 St Catherines 3-07
It was the home team quickly into their stride and with Jude Hallahan and Kalan Hickey very good, were in a very strong position and ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-12 to 1-01 in this tie played in sunny Castlelyons at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon last.
Again use of the bench stood in good stead to the visitors who had been unbeaten going into this league game. Tadg Walsh, Ronan Hickey, Noah Keane and Kenneth O’Connell seemed to get a new lease of life as the contest advanced. Truth be known were not availing of all chances presented. Frequently wasteful in front of the posts. Castlelyons though again finished strongly and were deserving winners.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-02f) (1-03), R Hickey (1-01), N Keane (1-00), T Walsh (0-01f) (0-02) and K O’Connell (0-01). St Catherines’ team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, B O’Connor, J O’Connor, S O’Riordan, S Walsh, A Burke, A Cotter, R Hickey, C Higgins, T Walsh, E Dillon, N Curtin, E O’Mahony, J Mulkerrins. Also: R O’Donoghye, S O’Keeffe, N Keane and K O’Connell. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Camogie Final
A week on from the hurling decider and Cork lost out to Galway when the Littlewoods National League Camogie Final was played in Croke Park last Saturday night. It was shown live on RTE2. Laura Hayes played. Aoife Hurley a panelist.
Intercounty Championship starts
So the preliminaries are out of the way. We lie on the cusp of the association’s most eagerly anticipated competitions. This weekend the reigning champions from both codes will be on the starting blocks. Tyrone will be up against Fermanagh in a preliminary round of the Ulster Senior Football Championship on Saturday evening April 16th. Twenty-four hours later Limerick are visitors to Pairc Uí Chaoimh in round 1 of the round robin provincial senior hurling championship. A stunned, chastened Cork are opposition. That match will be played just after the Tipperary and newly crowned League champions Waterford clash in Walsh Park. There will be three games in the Leinster Championship on Saturday. Were giving the nod to the Wexford/Galway clash at Chadwick Park as the highlight. TG4 did commendable league coverage all along. Now the championship franchise is snapped up by Sky and RTE. We have been saying it for years. Repeating it again now. Only for Ulster football and Munster hurling the provincial championship would be dead in the water. They are continuously saving it. If they weren’t around surely the powers that be would be looking at a geographical influence, you know the price of petrol!! Champions League style format. Teams from other provinces mixed in. Surely what is being labelled as the Munster Senior Football Championship is a dressed up joke. Look at Leinster, high in quantity. But what about the quality. It’s struggling and again let’s be honest, it’s a hard sell. A championship bereft of a single division 1 team. Guaranteed there will be the occasional cliff hanger. But there is something rotten in the state of Denmark! There may be trouble ahead.
Cork Minor Hurling Team
Cork had their expected easy win over Kerry in the first match of the round robin Munster Minor (U17) Hurling Championship when played in Tralee on Tuesday evening, April 5th last. They should have been playing Limerick at Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night last, April 12th. St Catherine’s player Sean O’Donoghue is on the official substitutes list. Just off the chosen 24 and a member of what is called the extension panel is Oisín Fitzgerald.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to the Bryan family, Kilclare, Conna on the sad recent passing of George. We remember Alan and Gordon playing the game and from the next generation again, Padraig and Cathal.
We offer our condolences to Pat O’Brien, Ballynoe, a man who has given a lifetime of service, on the death of his brother Laurence. Though a native of Ballydehob, Laurence (Larry) had resided in Carrigaline in recent years. Also to Brian and Susan Sheehan on the death of Susan’s aunt on the Carlow/Wicklow border.
What’s coming up next
Tonight (Thursdday), April 14th at Sallybrook, round 4 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Glanmire at 8pm. Saturday, April 16th and Monday, April 18th are reserved Féile Hurling dates. Tuesday, April 19th at Auhavine round 9 division 4 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Fr O’Neills at 7pm. Wednesday, April 20th at Caherlag round 2 premier 2 group 2 County U19 Hurling League v Erins Own, time tbc.
Latest lotto results
9, 10, 11 and 28 were the numbers drawn and there was no winner of the €20,000 jackpot from the most recent weekly lotto draw held on Monday night last, April 11th. Consolation winners were Emma Hanrahan c/o Hegartys, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, O’Donnell Bros and Linda – online, Bridget Mangan, Conna, Eric Flynn, Cullinagh, Ballynoe and Conor Kearney, online. Despite being a festive season there will be a draw on Bank Holiday Monday, April 18th. Jackpot standing at €20,000. Can we take this opportunity of wishing patrons a very Happy Easter.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines’ Juvenile Club.

Well now where do we start with what was another intensely busy week? There was a win in the division two junior hurling league. Surrendering an unbeaten start with a first loss in the equivalent football league All age groups are in juvenile action. Up to 20,000 attended the national league hurling final in Thurles. We’re working off an accumulated €20,000 jackpot in the weekly lotto draw. Now read on.
Round Two Division Two East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 4-15 Aghada 1-18
St Catherines simply exploded into action. Ronan Clancy, Niall ‘Crouch’ O’Regan and Richard Galvin early goalscorers on a score of 3-1 to 0-2 on seven minutes. James Hayes and Cathal Dinneen engineered a few eyecatching points and the home based team were ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-6 to 0-10 in this East Cork round two division two junior hurling league tie when played under lights at Ballynoe on Monday night, March 28th last.
Rory Galvin scored a welcome fourth goal six minutes into the second half. This time substitutes Christopher O’Donnell and Owen O’Neill tagged on further points. That said Eoin Motherway, Ronan Murphy and especially Matthew Leahy were very good for Aghada. They could have been closer still only for some smart Ed Aherne goalkeeping.
A six point success for the Saints on a mildly flattering scoreline of 4-15 to 1-18. Having secured a share of the spoils with Bride Rovers in their previous encounter, it was also a result which produced back to back success over Aghada having beaten them in the equivalent football league at Rostellan exactly a week previous.
Scorers: R Clancy (1-3, 0-1 free, 0-1 ’65), N O’Regan (1-2), Rd. Galvin (1-1), R Galvin (1-0), J Hayes and C Dinneen (0-3), O O’Neill (0-2), C O’Donnell (0-1).
St Catherines team: C Leahy, P Ryan, S O’Brien, S Kearney, A Neville, J Neville, D Galvin, J Hayes, Rd Galvin, T Hartnett, R Galvin, N O’Regan, C Dinneen, R Clancy, S Walsh. Subs: E Aherne, C Kearney, O O’Neill and C O’Donnell for C Leahy, P Ryan, T Hartnett and S Walsh (all second half), S Cotter for N O’Regan (43’).
Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal)
Round Three Division Two East Cork Junior Football League
Erins Own 3-7 St Catherines 1-07
Goals in the early stages of both halves were having a two pronged effect, laying the platform for home success, by contrast proving detrimental to the Saints prospects of maintaining their unbeaten start. Going down to their first loss of the campaign when this round three division two East Cork Junior Football League tie went ahead at 12 noon in Caherlag on Sunday last.
Brian Ramsey converted the first for a lead extending itself to five points after 20 minutes. Points from Ed Kenneally, Eoin Condon and Kyle Wallace helping to reduce the margin somewhat, keeping the Saints in touch, trailing by a three point margin and behind on a half-time score of 1-4 to 0-4.
Cian O’Callaghan clung the second on 36 minutes. We were a bit befuddled believing the ball may have gone over the bar in the build up but the referee confirmed he ran in and a perfectly legit third goal was finished off by Ian Mylod on 50 minutes. Padraig O’Connor struck a Saints goal with a wonderous finish near the end. Tally now is four points from three league matches played.
Scorers: P O’Connor (1-1), E Condon (0-2) and R Galvin (0-2, 0-1 free), E Kenneally (0-1), K Wallace (0-1 free).
St Catherines team: S Cogan, J Neville, S O’Brien, K Neville, E Wallace, E O’Riordan, F O’Connell, R Galvin, A Neville, E Kenneally, K Wallace, J Hayes, P O’Connor, B Davis, E Condon. Subs: C Kearney for B Davis (2nd half), H Draper for J Hayes (41’), D Galvin for A Neville (48’).
Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
Juvenile Notes
Round Three Premier Two U17 hurling league
Inniscarra 1-18 St Catherines 1-9
Apart from a brief spell midway through the opening quarter, Inniscarra were the dominant force from this round three premier two U17 hurling league tie when played in sunny yet deceptively and bitterly cold conditions at Ballyanley, Cloghroe on Thursday evening last. Niall Buckley and Daniel Murphy were in top scoring form with the lead standing on a half-time scoreline of 1-10 to 1-4.
Despite the best efforts of Ciaran Pietropaolo, Cathal McAuliffe, Nathan Sheehan and in particular Kian O’Donoghue, a six point margin largely maintained to game’s end.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (1-5, 0-3 frees), D O’Connell (0-3 frees), N Sheehan (0-1 free).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, D O’Donovan, C Dunning, K O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, C McAuliffe, N Sheehan, T Barry, D Murphy, D Morrison, C Sheehan, S Cotter, C Leamy, D O’Connell. Sub: K Kelleher for T Barry (47’). Also G O’Callaghan McCarthy and G Sheehan.
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwin (Eire Og).
Round Two Division Two Rebel Og East U13 Football League
Fr O’Neills 3-4 St Catherines 10-12
St Catherines were just too strong when this round two division two U13 football league tie, originally planned for the previous Saturday, was rescheduled and played at the opponent’s venue on Monday evening, March 28th last.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-6), R Hickey and C Higgins (3-0 each), K O’Connell (1-3), T Walsh (1-1), S Walsh and S O’Keeffe (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: J Cunneen, S McCarthy, B O’Connor, J O’Connor, A Burke, S Walsh, E Dillon, R Hickey, A Cotter, C Higgins, T Walsh, C McCarthy, T Morrison, E O’Mahony, J Mulkerrins. Also: N Curtin, S O’Keeffe, K O’Connell, D Temple and N Keane.
Referee: Mary Byrne Swayne (Fr O’Neills).
Round Two Division Two Rebel Og East U13 hurling league
Fr O’Neill v St Catherines
We were back in Aughavine for the round two hurling league clash largely spoilt back incessant heavy showers when played at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon last. St Catherines again emphatic winners.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-6, 0-1 free), T Walsh (0-6, 0-1 ’65), E O’Mahony (1-1), E Dillon (0-4), S McCarthy (1-0), K O’Connell (0-3), D Temple (0-1).
St Catherines team: S O’Keeffe, S McCarthy, R Hickey, B O’Connor, S O’Riordan, S Walsh, A Burke, A Cotter, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, T Morrison, D Temple, E O’Mahony, R O’Donoghue. Also K O’Connell, N Keane and S Moore.
Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada)
Round Two Premier Two U15 hurling league
St Catherines 5-10 Shandrum 5-13
Right at the end of a busy seven days came the match of the week. Such was the excitement generated from this round two premier two U15 hurling league tie when played at Ballynoe on Sunday evening last at 6pm.
Ben Jordan Reidy was a revelation with the visitors ahead 2-7 to 0-5 at the interval. But a hat trick of Kyle O’Donoghue goals in a glorious eight minute spell on the turnover turned the game right around. Jaydn O’Connor, Julian Pietropaolo and John Temple also on target and with Gearoid Sheehan pointing a beauty the home team had edged ahead at 5-09 to 2-11 to fifty four minutes.
But Shandrum were able to steady the ship and Liam O’Mahony with the match winning scores sealed the deal. Both clubs shared the refereeing duties.
Scorers; K.O’Donoghue (3-01), J.Temple (1-03), G.Sheehan (0-03 Frees) (0-0.5), J.O’Connor (1-00) and J.Pietropaolo (0-01).
St. Catherine’s team; A.Cotter, J.Pratt, C.Murray, L.Moore, B.McKee, F.McCready, J.Kenneally, J.Pietropaolo, J.Temple, C.Hicky, G.Sheehan, T.Clancy, J.O’Connor, K.O’Donoghue, S.Wallace. Subs: T.Dee for J.Pratt (18’), J.Pratt for J.Kenneally (Second Half), C.Barry for J.O’Connor (51’), L.Kilmartin for S.Wallace (59’).
Refereeing duties shared.
Hurling League Involvement
Well there certainly can’t be any excuses of any kind offered up as Waterford, far from being full strength were very much the dominant force. Thus claiming what we reckon to be a fourth title following the National Hurling League Final on Saturday evening last. For Déise followers, mentors and players it must have brought back memories of a replayed Munster final also under the lights from a decade ago. For The Rebels, it’s a losing stretch now moving on to twenty five years and their fifth league final loss in a row following the mauling picked up in last year’s All-Ireland final.
Ironically, the Déise put a firm stronghold on matters at a time when Cork Looked to be exercising a grip. Goals from Pat Curran and Stephen Bennett just over sixty seconds apart from the twenty sixth minute pushed them into a lead at 2-07 to 0-07 and six further points were shared from there to the interval. Apart from a four point margin which briefly surfaced on fifty eight minutes but goals from the peerless unmarkable Stephen Bennett and the classy Dessie Hutchinson meant the title was going deservedly to Waterford. As we hinted last week they still look like the team that might dislodge mighty Limerick. Overall they are the two counties who should be involved possibly right to the end and remember the championship starts off in Walsh Park and Páirc ní Chaomh on Sunday April 17th. Leinster will be on the night before. One thing is for sure, Cork, Clare and Tipperary have a mountain to climb.
All Star for Laura Hayes
We were a bit tight with info last time Around. Just to elaborate that Laura Hayes was one of three Rebel Cork winners from the recent All Star camogie team. Also included were half back partner Laura Treacy. There was a midfield selection for Hannah Looney. With Orla Cotter picking up half a dozen such prestigious statuettes in the course of such an illustrious career and Cathal Casey named on the 1991 hurling team and if you’re counting that now means eight All Star Awards have come to the St. Catherine’s Club over the years.
County Under Nineteen Leagues
It’s up and running now. Just to give you the structure of the under nineteen leagues. St. Catherine’s are based in Division One Group One of the Eastern Football League. Other teams involved are Youghal, St Colmcille’s, and Kiltha Óg they will play Premier Two G Hurling League. They will be in with Youghal, Erin’s Own and Kiltha Óg in Group two. Age group manager is Gary Hartnett.
County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship Draw
Also to hand this week is the draw for the nineteen team County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship. Round one sees St. Catherine’s paired with Abbey Rovers. Loser plays Crosshaven or Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas in round two. While the winner would be up against Lough Rovers or Castlelyons in round three of the competition. There is the possibility of a lip-smacking pairing there.
Busy Upcoming Fixtures List
Tonight (Thursday April 7th round two division four Junior Hurling League in Dungourney at 6.45pm.
Friday April 8th at Ballynoe round four division one Rebel Óg East under seventeen Football League v Erin’s Own at 6.30pm.
Friday April 8th round two division three group 3A Premier Junior Hurling League in Na Piarsaigh at 7.30pm.
Saturday April 9th at Ballynoe round three division two East Cork Junior Hurling League v Youghal at 7.30pm.
Monday April 11th at Ballynoe round two division one Rebel Óg East under Seventeen Football League (rescheduled) v Carrigtwohill at 7.00pm.
Wednesday April 13th round three Premier Two Under Fifteen Hurling League in Grenagh at 6.30pm.
Wednesday April 13th at Ballynoe Round Two East Under Nineteen Football League v St Colmcille’s at 7.30pm.
Rebel’s Bounty
St Catherine’s GAA club secretary Eleanor Galvin was involved in the making of the most recent Rebels Bounty draw on Thursday night last. No return for the club with Tommy Kennedy of Youghal winning the big money. First prize, €20,000. Still on we go with the next draw scheduled for the end of April. Here’s hoping!!!
Latest Lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, April 4th. No’s drawn were 9, 12, 17 and 30 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. While the consolation winners were; Elsie Dinneen (Ballynoe), Brian Davis c/o P.H. (Conna), John and Mary Gough (Conna, Online), Colm Finn (Online) and Susan Murphy (Online). There will be a draw on Monday Night, April 11th. Jackpot is €20,000.
St. Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
T~A, Building and Civil Engineer Contractors Ballynoe are sponsors of St. Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St. Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

All-Star award for Laura Hayes


Look, in submitting this report we don`t know an awful lot about it, information is sketchy, but it’s congratulations to Laura Hayes on picking up her All-Star camogie award last weekend. We will try and elaborate on it next week.
Round 1 Division 3 Group 3 A Red FM sponsored County Premier Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 2 16 St Finbarrs 0 12
St Catherines picked up the points on offer from this opening tie in this newly created league played in sunny spring-like conditions at Ballynoe early on Sunday last. An early Kyle Wallace goal on ten minutes helping the home team to settle in a first half which featured some lengthy points off both goalkeepers – Cathal Fitzpatrick and Eoin David - from placed balls Even though the Barrs didn’t register their first score from open play until three minutes into the second half they were still only even points adrift, nothing in a hurling match, and still very much in contention. St Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1 08 to 0 04.
Eight points were shared mostly from frees through the third quarter before Conor England picked out Gearoid O’Brien to polish off the second and match-winning goal on 48 minutes. Next up will be a visit to Na Piarsaigh.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-05 f) (1-06), G O’Brien (1-00), B Mulcahy and E Davis (0-03f) each, N O’Regan (0-02), C England and R Galvin (0-01) each.
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E Wallace, P Keane, E Condon, E O’Riordan, C Hegarty, J Neville, G O’Brien, S Cotter (capt), B Mulcahy, L O’Connor, C England, K Wallace, R Galvin. Subs: S O’Brien for J Neville (44), N O’Regan for C England (48), H Draper for L O’Connor (52), J Hayes for E Condon (54), Stephen O’Brien for F O’Connell (57), R Clancy for B Mulcahy (59). Referee: James Hennessy (Dungourney).
Round 2 Division 2 East Cork Junior Football League
Aghada 0 11 St Catherines 3 09
St Catherines with three second half goals maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign after this tie when played in Rostellan, home of Aghada GAA Club at 8pm on Monday night, March 21st.
Both teams were taking it in turns with the lead and it was the visitors marginally ahead on a half-time scoreline of 0 05 to 0 04.
Subsequently taking over free-taking duties and it was Daniel Mangan edged in the opening goal. In an exchange of passes Eoin Wallace added the second, just over two and a half minutes later. It was now 2 06 to 0 07 to 42 minutes. Luke O’Connell, Fintan Cody and Eoin Motherway among the scorers for the home-based team.
Playing a central role in the second goad and Kyle Wallace added a third on 58 minutes for a Saints’ team able to give game time to all 19 players present on the night. Coming up next is a trip to Caherlag to face Erins Own.
Scorers: D Mangan (0-04f) (1-04), K Wallace (1-02), E Wallace (1-01), P O’Connor and R Galvin (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: S Fitzgerald, K Neville, S O’Brien, J Neville, F O’Connell, F O’Riordan, E Wallace, R Galvin, T O’Donnell, J Hayes, D Mangan, P O’Connor, E Kenneally, L O’Connor, K Wallace. Subs: P Keane for P O’Connor (47), D Galvin for K Neville (54), B O’Connor for J Hayes (57), H Draper for E Kenneally (59). Referee: Andrew Dorgan, (Watergrasshill/Glenville).
Rebels’ involvement in the national leagues
Right through this campaign much has been made of particularly by the national media that proud Rebel Cork haven’t won the National Hurling League since 1998. They’re right of course. But what’s never mentioned is they have reached deciders in the interim. They just haven’t been coming out on the right side of results and in Dancing with the Stars lingo – it takes two to tango!! In that 23 year empty spell without what is a coveted prize, Cork reached four finals. Only to lose them all.
In 2002 losing out to Kilkenny 2 15 to 2 14. That was the year of the first sign of unrest in the camp. Marching in the pre-match parade with socks down. Galway dished out a fair old beating in the 2010 final. Though subsequent wins over Tipperary and Limerick preceded a replayed Munster final loss in a year which ended up with Tipperary as All-Ireland champions. Lar Corbett scoring a stunning hat-trick. Remember?
Kilkenny simply mauled Cork in the 2012 Hurling League final. They were in fairness one of the greatest teams of all time and while Cork and Tipp had moments in the sun, we must accept the fact that the Cats (or as Donal Cusack frequently referred to them – the team with the stripey jerseys!) were the team of the era. Just fast forward another three years when the Rebels 1 24 to 0 17 lost out to the Déise county in the Hurling League final of 2015. All four finals mentioned were played in Thurles. Seamus Harnedy, Alan Cadogan, Conor Lehane and Patrick Horgan were on that Cork team. Damien Cahalane was used as a sub. Replacement goalkeeper was Patrick Collins. Lining out for Waterford were Austin Gleeson, Tadg de Burca, Padraig O’Mahony, Jaimie Barron and Colin Dunford. Listed as substitutes were Shane McNulty and Stephen Bennett.
Now on this upcoming weekend Cork and Waterford will meet in the 2022 National Hurling League final. Both teams have gone for it. Cork beating Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny (stripey jerseys!) among others on their march to the decider. Waterford drawing with Dublin only blemish on the way. Now in fairness Cork lost to Wexford as did Waterford to Kilkenny. But both were at least mathematically through to the semi-finals at that stage. Waterford possess a formidable panel and at this stage look every inch a major threat to Limerick. These two teams will bring out the best in each other as both would be desperate for success. Hurling could be the real winner!
Elsewhere Cork escaped from Tullamore, maintained their division 2 status and now the quest for Sam is on!
We conclude this section with an observation. Cork and Limerick clashed in last year’s All-Ireland senior hurling final. Now it’s Waterford and Cork in the upcoming league final. All Munster counties. Adding more fuel to the fire, There won’t be one Leinster team in division 1 of the National Football League when resuming in the spring. Kildare, Meath and now Dublin are officially division 2 teams. Is there a problem in the country’s biggest province?
Rescheduled round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football League
St Catherines 2 04 Midleton 4 04
Fionn Kelly, Oscar Brennan and Eoin Higgins were central to a good Midleton start when this rearranged tie went ahead under lights at Ballynoe on Thursday night last at 8.15pm.
That said, Jake Bryan had no chance with the goals conceded and did make two telling stops between the posts. Cathal McAuliffe was a real workhorse from the back all through. There was an audacious Kian O’Donoghue point and cheekiest of Ciaran Leamy goals on 17 minutes for the home-based team. Behind on a half-time scoreline of 2 03 to 1 01.
Though never ahead parity was restored following a dominant third quarter display. Diarmuid O’Donovan was at the end of a sweeping move to finish off the second goal. Points from the energetic Ciaran Pietropaolo and Darragh Morrison equally as important in making it 2 03 each to 46 minutes.
All taking a lot of effort with the Magpies coming right back to win a good football match with two late goals, including one from a Cian Lambe penalty kick on 56 minutes.
Scorers: C Leamy and D O’Donovan (1-00 each), K O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, D Morrison and S Cotter (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, C McAuliffe, C Dunning, T Barry, D Morrison, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, D O’Donovan, D Murphy, C Sheehan, C Hayes, C Leamy, K O’Donoghue, J Hickey. Subs: S Cotter for J Hickey (2nd half), A Bryan G O’Callaghan McCarthy for C Dunning and C Hayes (both 47), C Hayes for T Barry (58). Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Round 3 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football League
St Colmcilles 5 12 St Catherines 0 05
Not being condescending to the opposition in any way but a multiplicity of reasons would explain a panel clearly a long way short of being any way near to firing on all cylinders. Behind at 3 03 to 0 03 at the break before going on to a sizeable loss to St Colmcilles in this encounter when played at 11am in Carrig na bhFear on Sunday morning last.
Another victim of that appalling recent weather was the Carrigtwohill match, now refixed for Ballynoe on Monday evening, April 11.
Scorers: D O’Connell and C Pietropaolo (0-02 each) and K O’Donoghue (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, N Sheehan, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, C McAuliffe, C Hayes, D Morrison, C Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, D Murphy, D O’Connell, A Bryan, C Leamy, G O’Callaghan McCarthy. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 Football League
Fr O’Neills v St Catherines
This match wasn’t played on Saturday afternoon last as billed and was switched to Monday evening last, March 28th at 6.30pm. Now the same two teams are back in Auhavine in the equivalent hurling league on this forthcoming Saturday afternoon. So we will try to tie up both games for next week’s report.
Next on a busy fixtures list
Tonight Thursday, March 31st at Ballyanley, round 3 section 2 Premier 2 U17 Hurling League v Inniscarra at 6.30pm. Saturday, April 2nd at Auhavine round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League v Fr O’Neills at 2.30pm. Sunday, April 3rd at Ballynoe, round 2 Premier 2 U15 Hurling League v Shandrum at 12 noon. Sunday, April 3rd at Caherlag round 3 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Erins Own at 12 noon. Wednesday, April 6th at Ballynoe round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League v Carrigtwohill at 6.30pm. Wednesday, April 6th U19 Hurling League tbc.
Important upcoming dates
Now a reminder to all that in order to have voting rights at the annual general meeting of St Catherine’s GAA Club it would be absolutely essential, a must, that membership is paid by today Thursday, March 31st, either online through Foireann or directly to registrar Pat Hartigan.
Census forms
Don’t forget to fill in those census forms on Sunday evening coming, April 3rd.
Late result from Monday night last
Round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League – St Catherines 4 15 Aghada 1 18. Match report will be in next week’s notes.
Latest lotto details
Keeping you up to speed with the results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night lat, March 28th. Numbers drawn were 3,4,8 and 29 and the €20,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were John Higgins Ballynoe, LSS Moroney Kilmagner, Colm Finn online, Rebecca Kenny Aglish and Mark Walsh online. There is a draw on Monday night, April 4th for a jackpot of €20,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe and sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief look at county championship programme

Right now up and running are Division Two Junior football and hurling leagues. As of Sunday morning last, St. Catherine’s participation in division four of the junior hurling league has also started. That involves the club’s third choice team who later in the summer take part in the East Cork Junior C hurling championship.
There would have to be the usual spate of preparatory challenge games, which were played at three different venues. This upcoming weekend you feel raises the bar still further, with the commencement of the RedFM Division Three County Premier Junior Hurling League, St. Catherine’s are at home to St Finbarrs early on Sunday morning. See fixtures elsewhere in this report.
According to the master plan, the championship starts with the Russell Rovers match fixed for Killeagh on Friday evening, July 29. Second match v Tracton is down for Sunday evening August 7th. Carraig na bhFear is the appointed venue. Third and final outing in the group stages of the inaugural County Premier Junior Hurling Championship versus Glen Rovers is in Lisgoold on Friday evening, August 26th. That`s the plan for now anyway.
Páirc Naomh Caitrionaigh, Baile Nua will play host to the attractive pairing of Kilworth and Castlemartyr (clash of colours there!!), in round two of the Premier Intermediate hurling championship. It`s down for Saturday, August 6 was at 3pm throw in.
Now, be taking all that in over the coming days and allow a small space for change.
Round One Division Two East Cork Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 2-12 Bride Rovers 1-15
With the teams together on four occasions through the opening passages of play, it was the home team edging ahead for the first time at 0-8 to 0-7, when this round one Division Two Junior hurling league tie went ahead in damp, overcast conditions under the lights at Ballynoe on Tuesday night, March 15th last. Before Adam Walsh, who had pointed twice clung a well taken goal on the half hour mark and Bride Rovers shading it at 1-7 to 0-9 at the interval, pushed on and were ahead at 1-14 to 0-12 to the three-quarter mark and beyond.
Niall O`Regan and Conleth Ryan exchanged some eye-catching well taken points. Richard Galvin booted in a Saints goal on 50 minutes before a timely Matthew Mulcahy delivery released the always threatening Rory Galvin to finish off the second and equalising goal right at the death.
Scorers – R Galvin (0-02 frees – 1-4), Rd Galvin (1-02), N O’Regan (0-03), M Mulcahy (0-02) and Shane O’Brien (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: C Leahy, Stephen O’Brien, Shane O’Brien, M Geary, A Neville, K Neville, D Galvin, J Neville, I O’Connor, B O’Brien, R Galvin, M Mulcahy, C O’Brien, N O’Regan, Rd Galvin. Subs: E Aherne and H Draper for C Leahy and C O’Brien (both second half); R Clancy for N O’Regan (39), P Tobin for M Geary (44), T Hartnett for B O’Brien (49), C England for A Neville (52). Also: E Philpott, P Ryan, D Lane, B O’Connor, S Kearney and S Cotter (B’fohona).
Referee was Pa Beausang, Midleton.
CORK LEAGUE TEAMS
Well now the picture is much clearer. Cork as runners-up up now meet Group B winners Kilkenny in the last four. It`s Wexford and Waterford on the other side.
Both national hurling league semi-finals are down for this weekend.
Technically it`s built as being Round Seven of the competition, but realistically will be much bigger than that.
Sunday`s trip to Tullamore will be a relegation playoff. 12 years ago, Cork and Down played out the All-Ireland football final. They were the two best teams in Ireland.
Down are already relegated. How would the mighty have fallen. Who joins them in Division Three of the National Football League? Big weekend coming up for the Rebels on both fronts.
JUVENILE WEEK STARTS IN KILWORTH ON ST PATRICK`S DAY
ROUND 1 PREMIER 2 U15 HURLING LEAGUE
Killara Óg 5-10 St Catherine’s 3-07
St Catherines were finding scores hard to come by through the early stages of this Round One Premier 2 U15 hurling league tie played in sunny Kilworth on St Patrick`s evening at 4pm. Kyle O’Donoghue was the only first half scorer from play, as the visitors found themselves four points adrift on a halftime score line standing at 2-05 to 1-04.
Gearoid Sheehan and Shay Wallace third quarter goals, two minutes apart in a scoring return of 2-02 without reply, briefly saw the scenario change. But the home team were strong down through the middle. Denis Riordan, Alex Flynn, Adam Duggan, Charlie White and Lucas Donfield prominent in securing the win.
Scorers: G Sheehan (0-04 frees; 1-04); K O’Donoghue (1-01); S Wallace (1-00); J Pietropaolo and J Temple (free; 0-01 each).
St Catherines team: A Cotter, J Pratt, C Murray, L Moore, B McKee, F McCready, J Kenneally, T Clancy, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, J Temple, C Hickey, T Dee, G Sheehan, S Wallace. Subs: C O’Driscoll for T Dee (2nd half); J O’Connor for L Moore (56’); C Barry for S Wallace (58’); L Martin for J Kenneally (60’).
Referee: Peter Watson (Kildorrery).
ROUND 2 SECTION 2 PREMIER 2 U17 HURLING LEAGUE
Bishopstown 3-08 St Catherines 4-13
After the setback in Newtownshandrum from the previous match, and a win for the Saints from this Round 2 Premiere 2 U17 hurling league tie. Billed for Ballynoe in the master plan, but on opposition request and by mutual agreement was played in Bishopstown on Friday evening last, who were organising a weekend for stalwart Mick Cronin injured in an accident pre-Christmas.
A strong first half performance at the end of which they lead 4-09 to 0-05 laid the platform for the Saints victory.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-01 free; 3-01); K O’Donoghue (0-01 ‘65’; 0-05); D Murphy (1-00); O Fitzgerald (0-01 free) and D O’Connell (frees; 0-02 each); C Pietropaolo, C Leamy and N Sheehan (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, D O’Donovan, C Dunning, K O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, D O’Connell, D Murphy, C Sheehan, C Leamy, S O’Donoghue and K Kelleher. Subs: C Hayes and S Cotter for O Fitzgerald and S O’Donoghue (2nd half). Also A Bryan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy and J Temple for K Kelleher, T Barry and C Leamy (all 41’). Not used: G Sheehan, C Murray and S Wallace.
Referee: Frank O’Dwyer.
ROUND 1 DIVISION 2 REBEL ÓG EAST U13 HURLING LEAGUE
St Catherines 2-17 Killeagh 0-04
St Catherines again confirmed their superiority over Killeagh, when this Round 1 Division 2 U13 hurling league tie was played at a sunny, dry, albeit windswept Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. Sean O`Keefe, Billy O’Connor and in particular, Ronan Hickey were dominant in the home defence, while Alan Cotter was in his element around the middle of the pitch against a Killeagh team for whom Olan O’Keeffe excelled between the posts.
Scorers: A Cotter (2-11), T Walsh (0-02 frees; 0-03); T Morrison, C Higgins and S Walsh ‘65’ (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: S O’Keeffe, B O’Connor, R Hickey, S McCarthy, C McCarthy, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, T Walsh, R O’Donoghue, C Higgins, A Burke, J Cunneen, E O’Mahony and T Morrison. Subs: J Mulkerrins and N Keane for J Cunneen and A Burke (both 2nd half); N Curtin for C McCarthy (36’).
Referee: Jonathon O’Connell (Watergrasshill-Glenville).
YOUR FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT WEEK
Thursday, March 24 at Ballynoe, Round 1 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 football league v Midleton (rearranged) at 8:15pm.
Saturday, March 26, at Auhavine, Round 2 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 football league v Fr O`Neill`s at 1pm.
Sunday, March 27 at Carrig na bhFear Round 3 Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 football league v St Colmcilles at 11am; at Ballynoe, Round 1 Group A Division 3 County Premier Junior hurling league v St Finbarr’s at 11am.
Monday, March 28, at Ballynoe Round 2 Division 2 Junior hurling league v Aghada at 8pm.
Wednesday, March 30, U19 football league - TBC.
RACING FESTIVAL
My God, what excitement and entertainment was provided by the Cheltenham Racing Festival last week. It was everything and more if that`s possible. Willie Mullins, Rachael Blackmore, Henry de Bromhead, the heroes and heroines. Imagine the Irish went through the card on Gold Cup day winning all seven races, and it was only right they retained the Prestbury Cup, because they were winning the championship races as 23/5 became 18/10. It`s still a landslide and when witnessing what`s coming, it won`t change anytime soon baby!
We congratulate Glengoura’s Jonathan Burke on his first festival success aboard Love Envoi in the Mare`s Novice Hurdle (15/2) on St Patrick`s Day.
Closer to home now and all the best for the Ballynoe Point-to-Point race meeting on Sunday. That`s where it all starts.
LATE NEWS FROM MONDAY NIGHT LAST
Round 2 Division 2 East Cork Junior Football League - Aghada 0-11 St Catherines 3-09 (report next week).
MOST RECENT LOTTO RESULTS
Results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night, March 21. Numbers drawn were 14, 15, 25 and 29. There was no winner of the €20,000 jackpot. Consolation winners: Mary McAuliffe online, Lane grandchildren Curraheen, Conna; DFF syndicate c/o Winacres Stable; Ciara S Clancy, Conna and Betty Cahill c/o TVM Bartlemy.
There will be a lotto draw with €20,000 jackpot on Monday night, March 28 after the junior hurling league game in the village.
SUMMERTIME
Be careful, clocks go forward this weekend as summertime starts.
CLUB SPONSORS
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe, are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Cub. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Happy St Patrick`s Day


As sure as night follows day it’s a date that inevitably comes around. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day (or for UK readers Boxing Day!), New Year’s Day. As you will have noticed events that share the same date annually. All celebrated in style. But March 17th has been struggling. Ravaged by Covid-19 over the last two renewals. This time last year we were in a very dark place. Struggling to cope with restrictions on distance allowed to travel, restaurants, pubs, barbers, hairdressers were all off limits. That initial vaccine shot and the drive to Mallow was all we looked forward to!
There was no competitive activity, intercounty action for elite athletes set the ball rolling. What an evening Monday, April 26th was with underage training resuming on the pitch. See the joy on their faces. Adults were back a fortnight later. First match on a condensed juvenile programme took place on Wednesday evening, June 9. There was the Intermediate Hurling League Cup below in sunny Timoleague four days later. At least the weather was good! Cúl Camp followed in a heatwave and from there on the season meandered its way through until natural termination two weeks short of Christmas.
Though it won’t be as before, this year will be different. St Catherines first choice hurling team are spending the day in the Déise county. St Catherines will be in Kilworth in the evening. Opening their U15 hurling league campaign. Other juvenile teams sampling the action over the ensuing two days. There is the junior football league coming up in Rostellan on Monday night. See fixtures section going with this report. So, for the first time since 2019 can we really wish you a happy St Patrick’s Day. Or in this case couple of days. Even a bank holiday thrown in and rightly so!
Lotto
Coming right at the end of the long weekend will be the next weekly lotto draw, now featuring a jackpot of €20,000. Results of the most recent draw from Monday night last, March 14th - Numbers drawn were 8,12,15 and 32 and the jackpot of €19,800 was not won. Consolation winners on the night were D Noonan c/o PH Conna, Gabriel Gregan Clarecastle Pat Hartigan Conna, Shane Cotter online and Richard Hegarty Ballymonteen Ballynoe.
Next draw after the junior football league match in Rostellan will take place in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, March 21 at 10pm.
Racing success
Right now we are in the throes of the most appealing festival of the season. Tomorrow is Gold Cup Day. Dropping it a notch and Richie Condon, this time as a favourite, landed a nice pot in Navan recently. While Johnny Hurley sprang a surprise when A Long, Long Story at the generous odds of 28/1 was successful in The Hunters Chase at Thurles on Thursday afternoon last. Trained at Shankill Cross, roughly halfway between Conna and Tallow by Sean Ahern, a great community man is Johnny. He wouldn’t leave the local amateur drama troupe down and some summers ago wasn’t he crowned Lord Mayor of Conna during the August weekend festival held in the village. Gary and Lorna Dunlop and William Kearney would be able to elaborate on that. He also figured on numerous hurling teams over the years and captained St Catherines to win an underage hurling title, defeating Cloyne in the final of the U11 C championship when played in Castlemartyr on Friday evening, September 9th, 2005. Two days later Cork defeated Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling final. Making for a great and memorable weekend overall. Names to figure prominently on that Saints’ team in a final won by the Saints on a 2-03 to 2-02 scoreline and refereed by Cathal McAllister (Midleton) were Jonathon Burke, Christopher O’Donnell, James Neville, Michael Wade, Daniel Mangan, Paddy Lee and Aaron Neville. Figuring at the head of affairs for the opposition were Tom Cannon, Stephen Beausang and Dylan Cahill. We like to be able to name final teams. Especially winning ones. They put the meat in the sandwich! So here goes – Jonathon Burke, Christopher O’Donnell, Paddy Lee, Eoin Condon, Cathal Galvin, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Neville, Michael Wade, Johnny Hurley (capt), Robert Keane, James Neville, Daniel Mangan, Brian Lane, Mark Buckley, Paul Tobin. Also Cormac Mulcahy and Eoin Kearney. There’s a nice little brain teaser for you on our national feast day. Congrats again Johnny.
Commiserations
Although possibly because of geographical location but there was never that much rapport between the two clubs. But Neilius O’Neill would have crossed the divide. Getting to know Neilius and his family when based in Fermoy for many, many years and one found him a very warm, friendly and accessible individual. Deepest sympathy to the Glanworth Club on his sad departure. He will be missed.
Club appointment
Ber Feeney has been appointed Children’s Welfare Officer of our club.
First aid course
Juvenile Chairman Brian Sheehan tells us a first aid course of roughly 3.5 hours wend ahead from 9am in Ballynoe Community Centre of Saturday morning last.
Action continues on the juvenile playing fields of East Cork
Round 1 section 1 division 2 Rebel Og East U13 Football League - Killeagh v St Catherines
Numerous descriptive words could be sued for the opening tie of this league, relocated to Killeagh with a 2.30 start on Saturday afternoon last. Horrendous is the one we’re opting for. Massive credit goes to the 30 players on view in what were the worst conditions imaginable. An added bonus for the visitors was collecting the points on offer. Same two teams meet in the equivalent hurling league at Ballynoe this weekend. Not such good news for Pat Fitzgerald, Noel Kielthy and co. Dropping their second proposed fixture when the awful weather led to the cancellation of the Carrigtwohill match in the Division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 Football League. Still, what can you do?
Scorers v Killeagh: C Higgins (3-00), A Cotter (1-02), T Walsh (1-01) and E O’Mahony (1-00). St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, T Morrison, B O’Connor, E Dillon, S Walsh, A Burke, A Cotter, T Walsh, K O’Connell, C Higgins, S Moore, E O’Mahony, R O’Donoghue. Also J Mulkerrins and D Temple for S Moore and R O’Donoghue. Referee Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Intercounty scene
There was no game club-wise on Sunday afternoon last. A proposed U17 football league match for the morning didn’t materialise. Knew about that the previous evening. To be honest coming as no surprise.
Then sussed out the county scene, with two Leinster teams figuring prominently from before now, again taking the limelight. It might surprise any younger observers that a Meath/Cork football league match from 30 years ago would be high profile. It would be match of the day. They were the two best teams in the country. Fuelled by a bitter, intense rivalry only gradually diffusing itself. Especially after the sad funerals of John Kierans and Mick McCarthy. It’s unlikely any stench atmosphere manifested itself in Navan on Sunday with the Rebels sinking deeper into the mire. Oh dear.
Oh yes there were a few historic clashes with Wexford too. Art Foley and the Rackards. Christy Ring being shouldered off the halcyon Croke Park surface after the 1956 All-Ireland senior hurling final. Completing a two in a row for the Yellowbellies. Didn’t a league match around that time enter the annals as The Battle of New Ross!
In 1990 Cork received a mauling in a league semi-final. You shouldn’t need reminding on how that year finished up! There were some key tussles in the noughties also. One requiring a replay.
But if it’s draws and replays you want, look no further than the legendary series of matches served up by Cork and Wexford from the National Hurling League final of 1993. Realistically the Slaneysiders should have won the first day. Inexplicably the normally reliant John O’Connor off target from a late (very late!) eminently scoreable free.
Just look at the various scores forthcoming like half time, full time, half time extra time, full time extra time from the replay a week later. 0-05 each, 0-11 to 1-08, 0-15 to 2-08 and 0-18 to 3-09. Second replay again in Thurles on Saturday, May 22nd. Cork losing Leonard Forde early. Send off on ten minutes. Goals from Barry Egan, Thomas Mulcahy and John Fitzgibbon helping fourteen-man Cork to clinch a historic title 3-11 to 1-12. Denis Walsh and Cathal Casey played in those games. Winning captain was Brian Corcoran. However Cork lost out to Clare at Limerick in the first round of the championship that year. Wexford lost out to Kilkenny in a replayed Leinster final. Not to peak too early would appear to be the lesson. No pressure of that nature as Cork and Wexford go to Chadwick Park this Sunday for a round 5 league fixture. Both unbeaten. Both automatic semi-finalists. Still it could be a Cork/Wexford final again. Though Kilkenny and Waterford might have something to be saying about ideas like that.
Eventual Cork league winning team of 1993
Ger Cunningham, John Considine, Sean O’Gorman, Leonard Forde, Denis Walsh, Jim Cashman, Brian Corcoran, Cathal Casey, Sean McCarthy, Teddy McCarthy, Pat Buckley, Thomas Mulcahy, Ger Manley, Paul O’Callaghan and Barry Egan. Subs used – Tony O’Sullivan, Mark Foley, John Fitzgibbon. Also on panel were Tom Kingston, Brian Sheehan, Liam Meaney, Ger Fitzgerald, Kevin Hennessy and Pat Hartnett.
Fixtures for St Patrick’s morning
Thursday, March 17th at Kilworth, round 1 Premier Two U15 Hurling League v Kilara Óg at 4pm. Friday, March 18th round 2 Premier Two U17 Hurling League in Bishopstown at 5.45pm. Saturday, March 19th at Ballynoe, round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League v Killeagh at 1pm. Sunday, March 20th round 2 division 4 Junior Hurling League in Dungourney at 12 noon. Monday, March 21st at Rostellan, round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Aghada at 8pm. Fixtures correct at time of going to press.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of our Juvenile Club.

A closer look at Junior Football League opposition




The major item for discussion throughout the Eastern Division this Thursday morning would be what would have emerged regarding the knockout competitions. All Junior A and B Football and Hurling Championship draws were scheduled to be made at a meeting of the East Cork Board in Midleton last night, Wednesday, March 2. You probably have them at your fingertips now. We will take a brief look through when back with you in a week’s time.
For now we focus on Division 2 of the East Cork Junior Football League. Entailing 9 teams, with St Catherines due to start their campaign in Ballynoe this weekend against Dungourney. Further home games will follow against Russell Rovers, Fr O’Neills and Castlemartyr. Receiving a bye in round 9 but in the interim must play Junior Football League matches in Aghada, Erins Own, Glanmire and Cloyne. First choice football team in the club will play in the Divisional Junior B Football Championship with second team playing Junior C Football Championship only. Up to 9 substitutes permissible in those Junior Leagues. League cut-off point will be decided by the Board in due course. Junior B football manager is Liam O’Connor. Junior C football manager will be James Casey. Take note that the Division 2 Junior Hurling League commences next week and as previously revealed the Division 3 County Premier Junior Hurling League group A will be starting off the end of the month. St Finbarrs are visitors in that opening County Board League fixture.
Upcoming in your fixture list
Friday, March 4 at Ballynoe, round 1 Division 2 Junior Football League v Dungourney at 7.30pm. Sunday, March 6 round 1 section 1 Division 2 Rebel Óg East U15 Football League in Lisgoold at 11am.
Action returns to underage playing fields
Shandrum 1-22 St Catherines 3-06
We were to have been out in the football a week previously. Pitch unplayable. Scene of the competitive wind up following a championship encounter exactly four months previously. So now it was a case of the last shall be the first. Returning to the venue with this juvenile season officially starting off with this round 1 Premier 2 U17 Hurling League when played at 11am in Newtownshandrum on Sunday morning last.
Visitors starting off well. Two Sean O’Donoghue goals, both clinically finished off with Ciaran Leamy adding a third, saw a lead of 3-01 to 1-02 build up to the 13 minute mark. Terrific work rate and sublime Darragh Morrison striking allied to the accurate free taking of Kian O’Donoghue helping to maintain the status quo. Sweet and accurately struck points from Timmy Barry and Nathan Sheehan keeping that aforementioned five-point cushion afloat. St Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-06 to 1-07. But it’s a game of two halves. Favoured by the elements Shandrum completely took over a league encounter between two understrength teams. Johnny Murphy, Robert Troy and Stephen Minihane were very good as 15 unanswered scores were build up and the end result was decided well before the finish. A feature of the second half was four points struck over from all angles by Kieran Murphy from sideline cuts. A masterful exhibition of point scoring from one of the game’s treasured skills. For the moment we have to take it on the chin. Get a few more players back and the learning process will continue still further.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (2-00), C Leamy (1-00), K O’Donoghue (0-03f), T Barry, D Morrison and N Sheehan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, C Pietropaolo, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, C McCarthy, D Morrison, T Barry, D O’Connell, C Leamy, K O’Donoghue, S Cotter, S O’Donoghue, K Kelleher. Sub: A Bryan for K Kelleher (39’). Also on panel: G Sheehan, C Murray and C Hayes. Referee Davy Copps (Ballyhea).
Last weekend
Back from Newtownshandrum and straight away get your thoughts down. It takes about an hour. They deserve that. Don’t forget every name on paper. Is for real. They all exist in reality. It’s not makey uppy! Now the rest of the day is your own. Get the results from other sports. Willie has just one winner in Naas. A previously unraced Bring On the Night in a novice hurdle. Though in fairness had small success on the flat in France during the summer. Read his fascinating interview in the Racing Post on the nerves and anxiety being felt approaching the major meets. He says he always fears a blowout on Cheltenham week. Still, he is human after all. Willie Mullins sure to raise the profile with the festival fast approaching. Then following on from that comes Aintree, Fairyhouse and Punchestown. Wow!
Get the zapper. Check out that little box in the corner. Anything that could go wrong went wrong for the Italians at the Aviva. It’s called Murphy’s Law as the Irish prepare for Twickenham next week. Coach Farrell probably knows his team even by now. Surely Lowe and Sexton will be on it. They both bring that element of surprise on what looks a decent panel.
Few could give out that over the last number of years Limerick are the team continuously raising the bar on the intercounty hurling front. Were it not for a controversial call they might have claimed four All-Irelands in a row. A few fellow parishioners didn’t like it. But you must say what you feel and would still have given all 15 places to Limerick on the 2021 All-Star hurling team. Not to mention the subs! Every match the Shannonsiders would play is highly profiled and rightly so. But it’s there for all to see that they have a collection of ‘getable’ players. They started without two last Sunday. One of those made an appearance off the bench. Yet stupidly losing another in the course of battle and not for the first time or anything like it. Could this be the rock they might perish on? Could this prove to be their eventual undoing?
In fairness, the Rebels were good. Particularly Mark Coleman and Darragh Fitzgibbon. There are still a number of positions up for grabs. Though it’s looking more likely with each passing day that a place surely waits for Ciaran Joyce of Castlemartyr. Daire O’Leary from Watergrasshill will likewise be pushing hard. There is no doubt East Cork hurling is strong. Six players from the division started out in the Gaelic Grounds at the weekend. Another two came on. Imokilly are well capable of winning the County Senior Hurling Championship again. Next up and Henry Shefflin and his charges will be in Páirc Uí Chaoimh for 5pm on this coming Saturday evening, March 5.
Galway winning on their football visit at the weekend. Next up are the old nemesis Meath, in Navan shortly as the lure of Division 3 football and Tailteann Cup appearances looms ever larger.
However, overriding memory lodged in the brain from last weekend and it’s not leaving in a hurry comes from BBC radio on Sunday night as natives cried on the streets of Lviv in the Ukraine. Fearing what the future holds and here we are worried about a few ould sports results.
Rebels’ Bounty Draw delayed
Due to unprecedented demand to the system there had to be a delay with the Rebels’ Bounty, Both January and February draws were rescheduled for Tuesday night, March 1st last. Still if it means €20,000, I wouldn’t mind waiting an extra five days! Would you?
Lotto results update
Right, let’s get this show on the road. An update starting out with all the details from Monday night, February 21. Numbers drawn were 2, 6, 8 and 11 and there was no winner of the jackpot of €19,200. The consolation winners were Catherine McCready Castleview Conna, Pat Noonan Carrigmore Conna, Bernie Flynn Conna, Mary Leigh c/o F Galvin Ballytrasna Fermoy and Moroney 5 c/o Kals Conna.
Results from Monday last, February 28th. Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 10 and 13 and the €19,400 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Deirdre Hayes online, Neilus Kearney c/o PH Conna, Marie Mellerick Conna, Veronica Martin Tallow and Una and Liam Barry online. There will be a draw on Monday night, March 7. Jackpot is now €19,600. Lotto draw is held in the clubrooms every Monday night at 9.30pm.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to wife Amanda, son Jack, daughter Dearbhaile, brothers Denis (well known in athletics circles) and John (now chairman of Castlelyons GAA Club), and extended family, on the sad passing of Tommy McCarthy, Newtown, Ballynoe last week. Sadly, all too young.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Fifth grade retained with Lower Intermediate giving way to Premier Junior


Well now we know and following the vote, club revelations were there for all to see. Opting for proposal B of holding onto five grades with the lower intermediate, which was to be disbanded, replaced by a new twelve team county premier junior hurling championship. Option A was for reverting to a four grade championship. It unfolded as 120 votes to 99. A third - option C, of maintaining the status quo, picked up a mere 14 votes. Major implication to emerge from this decision is that the winners of the newly introduced premier junior will now represent Cork in the Munster junior hurling championship. Decision publicised at the county board meeting of Tuesday night, February 1 last. Championship draws can now follow on the presently.
A significant amount of tweeking went on regarding fixtures at Munster council level last week. Round 4 will now be played before round 3 in the round robin series of matches pertaining to the Munster senior hurling championship with Páirc Uí Chaoimh unavailable (Ed Sheeran) the Cork/Clare match on May 1st will now be on in Thurles or at least the new swankily titled FBS semple stadium. With the round 3 fixtures moving back a week in the reshuffle. Waterford v Cork game in Walsh Park now being played on Sunday, May 15. Patrons just take note that the Cork-Kerry football match will now be in áairc Uí Rinn on Saturday, May 7, wouldn’t want you going to the wrong venue now! It will have to be The Venue or The Leaping Salmon now. No Tatler Jack or Laurels this time around. Could be a draw of course! Deep down what are you thinking?!
Last weekend`s action on the field of play
It was competitive enough through the opening exchanges. Taking the lead for the first time after a Tim O’Mahony goal on 26 minutes. Adding nine points without reply in the time left with Shane Kingston, Mark Coleman and Darragh Fitzgibbon among the scorers. All contributing to a 1-19 to 1-09 interval advantage. Though against the elements for the change of ends, points seemed secure for the Rebels following a fourth quarter Luke Meade goal against a Banner outfit refusing to throw in the towel. A winning start then for Cork in division 1 aroup A of the National Hurling League. Score at the finish being Cork 2-30 Clare 2-21.
What Keith Ricken would give for credentials like that. Already under pressure following an unwelcome setback in the Hyde the previous Sunday afternoon and Cork are now in an extremely precarious position when sharing the spoils after the second encounter in a double header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening last. Final score in what was a round 2 encounter in division 2 of the National Football League was Cork 1-13 Clare 1-13. Now the permutations are raw and there for all to see. Failure to progress from division 2 allied to not beating Kerry in the Munster Championship means the Rebels enter the fray for the Tailteann Cup. We are where we are.
Losers themselves by a similar margin to Mayfield in the 2017 decider yet Mooncoin came out on the right side of a 0-22 to 1-18 victory scoreline this time around when defeating Ballygiblin, Cork`s last remaining representatives in the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling final at 3pm on Saturday afternoon last. A boost for the game in Kildare with Naas edging out Kilmoyley in the Intermediate final that followed in what was a Croke Park double bill.
Now then what have the next sequence of league matches thrown up? Well, both matches will be away with the hurlers in Tullamore for 2pm on Sunday, February 13. Exactly one week later on Sunday, February 20 the footballers will be in Owenbeg to play Derry.
It was an absolute whirlwind weekend of all sports, irrespective of where you get it from. It must say a lot when after building up a 29 point without reply lead the pundits would be of the opinion that 40 points plus would be closer to the mark. Coming as it did after the death of Tom Kiernan, one of the great Irish rugby players of at least two generations. May be stretching it a bit but hasn`t that big test in Paris on Saturday evening coming at 4.45pm the feel of a decider? While champions weekend at Leopardstown nearly surpassed wildest expectations. Pity about the clash though. So, for next year what about moving the two day racing festival from Saturday and Sunday to Sunday and the newly installed Bank Holiday Monday? Looks like a win-win solution, there are thousands out there with dual interests and involvement. This could well be the answer. Leona Maguire, Seamus Power, Winter Olympics. It just goes on and on.
Dick Morrison RIP
Needless to say the people were out in force for the removal of Dick Morrison from church to his ultimate destination. It was always going to be like this. It wouldn`t be any other way. Flying the club flags by private houses and from places of business one found appropriate, timely and touching. We knew why they were there. As we rounded the corner up by the welfare home with the graveyard straight across the road, the placing of a flying flag there in club colours was especially poignant. You don`t get a second chance to make a first impression. With the accompanying guard of honour on tow we had reached our place of refuge.
A Conna man true and true, Dick Morrison dedicated his whole life to the promotion of Gaelic Games especially hurling. Dick wasn`t blind to the appeals of other sports. Nobody would be blocked out. Dick was a sportsman. His name will be intrinsically linked and forever associated with his beloved St Catherine’s Club. Nothing else mattered.
He played for the club in 1951. First success coming when winning the divisional junior B hurling championship. Beating Ballymacoda in the final. Third title in seven years. That was 1954. Disappointment followed. There were back-to-back losses to Castlelyons and Carrigtwohill in the East Cork junior A hurling finals of 1955 and 1956. Castlelyons cornerback Martin Flynn later married Dick’s sister Pat. In the mid 50s Dick worked up in the midlands and in Connaught. Based in Laois and Roscommon. Assuredly, the gospel was spread. Subsequently entrenched in Cork city working for CIE.
History made when winning the title for the first time, beating Killeagh 3-10 to 2-07 in the East Cork junior A hurling final of 1957. Captain was Jack Hogan, scorer of all three goals. Match played in Midleton on Sunday, September 8. Dick lined out in the middle of the field partnered by father Philip O`Keefe. Also in that line out was Dick’s late brother Toss. St Catherines were beaten by Cloyne in the 1960 final.
By now Dick channeled his resources into the underage section of the club. He attended meetings and in the late ‘60s was on the GPC of the East Cork Juvenile Board and was a selector on various Imokilly Dick Barry Shield hurling teams. Closer to home Dick took on the treasurer`s role of the parent club in 1969. Not putting his name forward for reelection at the AGM of 2615.
He assumed the title of President for Life at the AGM of 1993. Previous occupant John Casey passed away in September of that year. Along with Dave Hoare the support they helped build up for the weekly lotto draw introduced into the club in late March 1995 was astronomical. Only in later years was it being felt when sales understandably tapered off.
It was known Dick wasn`t well but he continued to go to the matches. He was in Mitchelstown back on September 12th for the lower intermediate hurling championship tie with Milford. Later the same evening he was in Youghal for the junior B game against Dungourney. Attending his last St Catherine’s match which was the East Cork junior B hurling championship semi-final v Carrigtwohill. That was played in Copper Alley on Sunday, October 24. Fittingly, final time to see Dick at a club organised event was the weekly lotto draw of Monday, November 22.
Subsequently spending some valuable time in St Carthages in Lismore and the Bon Secours. Dick passed away in Marymount on Saturday evening, January 29 after an illness bravely borne.
Thought of Jim Roche last Tuesday. Jim, Dick, Pat and Dolores Hartigan usually travelled to matches together. Jim would sometimes drive. Mostly it would be Pat. With Dick a front seat passenger. Dolores slouched in the back. They were a subcommittee. A team within a team. Pat and Dolores were very good to Dick who wouldn’t want for anything when they were around. They always looked out for him. Be it to the shops or to town or the odd job around the house like cutting the grass.
At this point in time, we sympathise with Dick’s sister the aforementioned Pat (Flynn), Coole, Fermoy. Sons Paul and Kieran. Paul is a doctor based in Dingle. Kieran is with EMC in Ovens and lives in Douglas. Playing his juvenile and adult hurling and football with St Catherines. He was on both county winning intermediate hurling teams - 1994 and 2004 which was the year of the introduction of the Premier Intermediate grade. Club duties aside, Kieran starred with St Colman’s and UCC through his second and third level days. Surely a classic and must be mentioned would be the Harty Cup final of 1992 against St Flannans, played in Kilmallock. There was Fitzgibbon cup success with UCC.
Kieran played in all grades of hurling with Cork. Was on the team beaten by Tipperary in the Munster minor final of ‘93 played in Limerick. Better luck 12 months later. Kieran was on the Cork team that defeated Kilkenny in the All-Ireland intermediate hurling championship decider. That match was played in Dungarvan. Making his senior championship debut versus Clare in Limerick in 1995. He was a member of the last Cork team to attain national hurling league success. Beating Waterford in the final of 1998 in Thurles. He also played championship hurling that year and was a panellist in the All-Ireland winning year of 1999.
Tom, Ger and Pat Morrison, nephews of Dick, have all served their club well over the years. Tom has been chairman while Ger served a term as secretary. Pat played back in the ‘90s and now lives in the Clonmel area. Grandnephew Oisín is a grand player. Sure to figure with the club minors this year
Dick Morrison`s remains were escorted from St Catherine’s Church, Conna by James Ronayne Undertakers following 12 noon Mass on Tuesday, February 1st, to the local cemetery. Celebrant was Fr Billy O’Donovan PP. Club PRO John O’Mahony presented a short tribute to Dick at the graveside. Friend and neighbour John ‘Mo’ O’Connor (local musician) gave us De Banks. So Dick, you’re at your destination. You’ve reached the end of the road, the match is over. Assuredly you will never be forgotten. Such was the impression you made.
In conclusion we will make two points. We won’t see his like again - and without fear of contradiction, this truly is the end of an era. Risteárd O Muirisean (1933-2022), Uachtarán Cumann Naomh Caitríonaigh. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a anam dílis.
After which on Thursday morning last came the news of the sad death of Mick Barry of Rathcormac. Deepest sympathy to Margaret, Liam, Pat, Nicola and Michelle at this very sad time. Great Bride Rovers people all and Liam would of course be especially well known for his Fermoy Print business.
Retirement
We will put this pure and simple. One of the finest exponents of the game of hurling from the last decade, Tipperary’s Padraic Maher, has vacated the stage. What a player! That Tipp defence for a while anyway will now resemble Hamlet with the Prince.
Cork Intermediate Camogie captain
She previously had a brief sojourn in the junior role and we congratulate our neighbour the popular and extremely likeable Finola Neville on being awarded the Cork Intermediate captaincy. With Laura Hayes and Aoife Hurley members of the first team’s plans Cork Camogie is in good hands.
Lotto results
As a mark of respect to the late Dick Morrison, last week’s lotto draw was held over from its traditional Monday night slot, relocated and rescheduled for Wednesday night, February 2. Numbers drawn were 9, 27, 29 and 30 and there was no winner of the €18,600 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night were Dermot O’Leary Conna, PJ Egan c/o PH Conna, Patrick O’Neill Ballynoe, Jack Mulkerrins Shanakill Curraglass and Mary Murphy online. We will try to get back up to speed with results as soon as possible. Weekly lotto draws are continuing at 9pmn for the moment anyway.
Next week
This time around we were to have had a look back at last season’s U18 campaign for you. Due to pressure of space it will now appear next week.
Fit Up Theatre Festival
Well it’s closing in, get ready for the return of the Fit Up Theatre Festival. Coming to Ballynoe this forthcoming weekend is the hugely talented Seamus O’Rourke in the eagerly awaited ‘Victor’s Dung’. A mad galloping tale of a cantankerous Cavan farmer called Victor Maguire and the ghosts of his past, present and possible future. Smeared in sadness with lots of accidental joy. O’Rourke and that strong, alluring rural Leitrim/Cavan accent just draws you to the stage with his hugely significant presence. It’s on Saturday night, February 12. Curtains up at 8.30pm. Then on Saturday night, February 19 we have Irene Kelleher in Wake. In fairness each of these productions carries and age suitability. Tickets at the door are priced at €15.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Death of Dick Morrison, club president


It is with grief and sadness we report the death of Dick Morrison. Predeceased by wife Mary and in more recent times brothers Jode and Toss, passing to his eternal reward following an illness on Saturday night last. He had a lifelong involvement with the club, both as a player and an administrator. He was a member of the St Catherine’s team that won the East Cork junior A hurling championship for the first time when beating Killeagh in the 1957 final, played at Midleton.
He assumed the role of treasurer in 1969 and maintained the position until the AGM of 2015. He was elected lifelong club president at the 1993 meeting. He left an indelible mark and lifelong impression. We will pay a full tribute to him in next week’s report.
Now as a mark of respect to the late Dick Morrison, this week’s lotto draw was held over. Full results when we return.
Major decision awaits
A major decision on the future of the county intermediate and junior championships awaits. Three proposals were put before the clubs. Option A and B referring to the intermediate and lower intermediate as we would have known them, to be renamed as premier junior with the winners to represent the county in the subsequent Munster junior championship. Option C of maintaining the status quo was also up for discussion. Clubs have already expressed their preferred option with the revelations due presently. You might well know by now. This then might explain why the county championship draws scheduled for Tuesday, January 25th were held over.
Intercounty underage draws at Munster level have emerged. Clare, Cork and Limerick make up Group A of the U20 hurling championship; Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford are based in Group B.
Cork will play either Waterford or Limerick in the semi-final of the equivalent football championship. Kerry meet either Clare or Tipperary in the other.
Cork, Kerry and Limerick make up Group B of the Munster minor hurling championship, Clare, Tipperary and Waterford are on the other side.
Cork and Kerry meet in the minor football championship. Winners go into the final. Loser to play whoever emerges from a round robin series of qualifiers involving the other four counties.
It’s no surprise that water breaks are now no more. At a recent meeting of the club executive we learned that this year St Catherine’s Junior B football manager will be Liam O’Connor, Junior C football manager is James Casey.
Intercounty and club action on the field of play
Disappointing weekend on the field of play. Newly crowned Munster champions St Finbarr’s losing out by a five point margin, following twenty minutes of extra time in the first of this year’s All-Ireland club football championship semi-finals, when played on Saturday evening last. It finished in favour of a fancied Kilcoo team on an end scoreline of 1-18 to 1-13.
Then Cork were no match for Roscommon in a battle between two understrength sides when opening their division two campaign in the national football league 1-13 to 0-10 when played in Doctor Hyde Park the day after. Instant pressure on now with the Rebels up against Clare in a double header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on this forthcoming Saturday evening. Playing the Banner in the first round of the national hurling league. That’s on at 5pm, while Clare have two points from the match with Offaly when it comes to the second football league match, which has a 7pm throw-in.
Representing division, county and province, we wish the best of luck to Ballygiblin against Mooncoin in the All-Ireland Club junior hurling final at Croke Park, also on Saturday, February 5th. That’s live on television.
Continuing our 2021 seasonal review
U17 on the double
It was a campaign that kicked off at home with an easier than expected outing against Ballycastle Gaels in Division Three Rebel Og East of the U17 football championship on Wednesday evening June 23rd. A competition sensibly put on hold with a number of players overlapping and Rebel Og opting to play off the minor hurling and football championships that’s under eighteen over the peak summer months.
An age group accommodated into the schedule for one season only - as it evolved, Brian Dillons withdrew, thus taking no hand or part in the U17 age group. Subsequent mid autumn wins were recorded over Whitechurch and Castlelyons in turn. So far, so good.
An explosive high quality mini programme high on skill level triggered a vastly entertaining start to the Division One Rebel Og North hurling championship. Competitive and at all times sporting matches against what are two sizeable towns in north Cork. With Mallow visitors to Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, June 30th. In fairness the home team quick to settle, largely motoring well and enjoying a four point cushion with a 0-13 to 1-06 advantage on the half hour mark. An injection of fresh opposition legs, new blood, rattled the home cage. Conceding six points without reply as the opposition turned it around. They were ahead at 1-12 to 0-13 to forty minutes. Fionn Heffernan struck for a second goal consolidating the Mallow advantage. But one would have to be impressed with the way the home team saw out a contest that visibly seemed to be slipping away. A Kyle Wallace goal a precursor to the equalising point off the stick of Kian O’Donoghue, as Sean O’Donoghue struck for the all important match winning point right at the death. A mighty start on a 1-17 to 2-13 scoreline and four mornings later in buoyant mood, headed for Charleville on Sunday, July 4th.
Here, a late Gareth Gleeson point easing the home team into a slender interval 0-06 to 0-04 advantage in a round two championship match frequently spoiled by ferocious showers. Sure we weren’t used to it! A point blank Diarmuid O’Connell stop between the sticks allied to the point scoring of Shane Cotter, Gearoid O’Brien and Darragh Morrison in turn kept the Saints’ momentum ticking over. Likewise, David Forde, both from frees and general play, on target for Charleville. It finished up at 0-13 apiece. Taking everything into account, a fair and justifiable result. There was one of two no shows with Catherine’s winning.
The next high scoring contest 5-23 to 1-13 against Kanturk/Banteer under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, September 15th. Year moving on now!
So having successfully negotiated the round robin segment of activities Catherine’s would find themselves contesting both deciders. Following a toss of a coin the 13-a-side Rebel Og East Division Three U17 football championship final was going to the opponent’s venue of Whitechurch, whose grounds seem more impressive on each passing visit. Throw in for 11am on Sunday morning October 17th. Kieran Kelleher was the goal scorer on 21 minutes with Catherine’s edging themselves ahead with the half-time scoreline standing at 1-05 to 0-05.
Oisin Fitzgerald and Conor Hayes were on the mark in a closely fought contest between two well matched and evenly balanced teams locked in deadlock at 1-09 apiece to 58 minutes. A well taken point from impressive substitute Ciaran Pietropaola matched by some mind boggling, eye catching Fionna O’Connell defending confirming the victory and ruling out the ominous fear of extra time, a possible draw and resultant penalty shoot out. Surely a captain playing his part. It finished at St Catherine’s 1-10 Whitechurch 1-09.
Surely one of the matches of the year from a busy intense underage programme. Board secretary John Buckley, a well known and hardworking referee back in the day representing the Mayfield club, made the post match presentation. That’s one up as we headed to Kildorrery six days later and another battle with Charleville in the final of the Division One Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship. Quest for the double being played in a gloomy, dull, overcast Saturday evening, October 23rd. Well known referee Davy Farrell Snr, on the whistle.
Good early work undone with the concession of a goal through DJ Collins at the initial water break and sensibly, just as the floodlights were being turned on after 16 minutes. A goal from Sean O’Donoghue and Darragh Morrison were equally as relevant and in a relatively short space of time, an interval advantage of 1-11 to 1-04 had been built up. Catherine’s clearly in the ascendancy.
That all important second goal finished off by Cathal Sheehan on 40 minutes, touch tight defending and a smartly taken Stephen Cotter point all extended the margin and in ever worsening conditions Catherine’s were clear, emphatic and deserving winners. Crowned champions on an end 2-17 to 1-07 scoreline. Double achieved.
Peter Watson representing Rebel Og duly presented the winning cup with the rain teeming down to Kyle Wallace, captain of the successful St Catherine’s team. Rounding off a memorable year, being a panelist and making numerous appearances on the All-Ireland winning Cork minor hurling team. Gearoid O’Brien a member of what is labelled the extension panel.
An unforgettable five month period as well for Gary Hartnett, manager of the dual winning squad of players. Ed Galvin, Pat Fitzgerald, Kieran O’Brien and Pat Geary were the selectors. Pat always has lovely sweets, that vacant or empty stare could help you get a second or in some case a third! Invariably he knows what you’re alluring to!
First team hurler and footballer Rory Galvin coached both teams. There’s all the answers in a nutshell, but in moving away from this particular age group we pose one prophetic question – where will this all end? What does the future hold? Lads – it’s all in your hands!!
2021 U17 football and hurling panel: Fionn O’Connell (football captain), Kyle Wallace (hurling captain), William O’Driscoll, Diarmuid O’Connell, Darragh Morrison, Nathan Sheehan, Ben O’Connor, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Oisin Fitzgerald, Cathal McAuliffe, Kian O’Donoghue, Cathal Sheehan, Stephen Cotter, Sean O’Donoghue, Kieran Kelleher, Timmy Barry, Conor Hayes, Gearoid O’Brien, Dylan ‘Chips’ Murphy, Cian McCarthy, Ciaran Leamy, Adam Bryan, Evan O’Driscoll and Diarmuid O’Donovan.
Next week
As we conclude our little resume on teams that brought success to the club from a season now over and with a lot of these names reappearing, we go back over the football and hurling year at minor (U18) level. All coming in next week’s notes.
Return of the fit ups
Can’t remember was I emerging from Tom’s Corner Shop or the Post Office back pre Christmas when we met Liz Higgins on the street. “There could be something in the spring,” she said. Instantly knew what was meant. Now it’s spring and she was right.
It first visited our shores in the spring of 2019. There was another showing twelve months later. Now it’s back. It’s the return of Geoff Gould and The Blood in the Alley Theatre in association with Cork County Council and the Arts Council, as they present an exciting new programme from the Blackwater Valley Theatre Fit Up Festival 2022. There are six allocated venues. Thankfully Ballynoe is included. Even though it starts off next Wednesday evening, February 9th in the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal.
Seamus O’Rourke whose star continues on the rise brings Victors Dung to Ballynoe on Saturday night February 12th. Exactly one week later it’s the turn of Irene Kelleher and ‘Wake’. Wonderful, stunning talent up there on your local stage. Tickets at the door are priced at €15. Starting time for Ballynoe is 8.30pm. We will give you another reminder when with you again in a week’s time.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A, Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe, are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Culture and sports events do well in television ratings


First to emerge were the figures from TG4 on Wednesday morning, January 12. Showing overall ratings to go up by all of 25% from the festive period of the previous twelve months. Some quality documentaries including `Sean O Riada Mo Sheanathair` were on the schedule. As was `Eamon Ryan An Maistir` which was watched by 51,000 people. Over the holiday duration from say Christmas Eve to New Year`s Day over 1.87 million people were drawn to what realistically is only a minuscule television channel. However, this shouldn`t conceal the fact that they are a slick professional outfit and do a massive job on promoting our traditional culture of song and dance and likewise sport. Their coverage of the ladies football championship is legendary. Most watched sports events on Irish TV last year and second most watched overall programme was the Tyrone-Mayo All-Ireland senior football final viewed by 945,000 people. There is no doubt that nothing beats being at the live event. Safe in the knowledge our television coverage pays fitting tribute to it. Inter county senior hurling and football championship viewing is always eagerly anticipated. RTE and Sky Sports have the franchise. Other channels TG4 included have a highlights package.
Commiserations
Can we express our sympathy to the O’Briens of Shanakill/Curraglass and the O’Regans of Cullinagh, Ballynoe on their recent sad family bereavements.
More early season action on the pitches
Newly crowned county senior champions St Finbarrs off to a flying start. Brian Hayes, who figured in successful U20 intercounty teams in both codes in recent seasons goaling inside 50 seconds and with Stephen Sherlock also to the fore up front found themselves six points to the good on a half-time scoreline of 1-07 to 0-04 in the Munster club senior football final at sunny Thurles on Sunday afternoon last. Conceding five points without reply. A stunning John Kearns save allied to an Enda Dennehy goal proved itself almost a six point turnaround. So much so the Barrs were able to withstand the implications of a late Sean Quilter goal for an excellent Austin Stacks fifteen who battled gamely right to the end and only just ran out of road on an end scoreline of 2-9 to 1-10. First provincial title in 36 years and St Finbarrs will now play Ulster champions Kilcoo in the All-Ireland semi-final towards the end of the month. As we now have another Cork- Kerry tussle who by mutual agreement derailed their proposed McGrath cup final to this forthcoming Saturday afternoon January 22. It will be played in Killarney.
Though it may take more than a Co-Op Superstores final to bring it out, nevertheless Clare and Limerick remains one of hurling’s great rivalries. That`s a decider that should be on this weekend too. Claire overcame Waterford, minus their Ballygunner contingent, in the first semi-final on the Saturday. Limerick too strong for Kerry in the other, the day after. Great to have it all gradually making a reappearance. Whetting the appetite for the big tussles that lie ahead. All depending on Covid of course.
Lotto results catch up
A subheading clearly telling you we’ve been that bit behind giving you the details of the lotto from Monday night, January 10. Numbers drawn were 1, 8, 12 and 27 and the €18,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Richard Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Ollie and Fiona Sheehan, Glentrasna, Ballynoe, Elaine Wallace, Stone Hall, Ballynoe (online), Regina McAuliffe c/o HOC Conna and David Hegarty, Rathdrum, Ballynoe. Results of the most recent draw from Monday, January 17 – numbers drawn were 25, 26, 29 and 31. There was no winner of the jackpot. Consolation winners were Noreen Broderick, c/o Castlelyons PO, Holly O’Neill Garrycahera, Ballynoe, Susan Murphy online, Margaret Kiely TVM Bartlemy and Ashling Heffernan online. We’re back again on Monday, January 24 when the jackpot will be €18,400.
Rewarding juvenile year starts with a reflective look at U13 season
We did our look back last time around at the junior football programme. This week and probably from instructions from a higher power as Rebel Óg put the emphasis on the irregular age groups, we begin a review of what must be termed a successful juvenile year. Now before we advance any further that’s not to say there wasn’t proviso for a programme of games at U12, 14 and 16 level. But as a club St Catherines couldn’t meet the requirement of panel age. Consider U13, 15 and 17 to be the main ages. Ok for one season, only there would be minor as we knew it ie U18, but that’s another story. We start with the U13s.
We started what were being labelled pre-season games with hurling in Passage on a glorious sunny evening in mid-June. It was Lotabeg seven evenings later for football. It all worked well. Panels finely tuned. As the season started in earnest in Castlelyons on Saturday morning, July 31. Soft borders evident as ironically this was the opening game in division 3 Rebel Óg North of the U13 football league. Further home victories ensured over Bride Rovers and Kildorrery.
On Friday evening, August 6 St Catherines commenced their division 1 Rebel Óg East programme of matches with a home hurling victory over Youghal. Julian Pietropaolo and Cathal Higgins were the goal scorers in a well-earned victory on an end scoreline of 2-13 to 1-02. Again just a reminder this particular age group only play leagues, Would safely say without contradiction next visit to an outside pitch in Passage produced one of the underage games of the year. Goal for goal, point for point as the scoring mounted up, Tristan Clancy, Eoghan O’Mahony, Cathal Barry for the visitors, In particular Sean Coughlan for the home based team was particularly impressive. Catherines doing enough in recording an eye-catching victory. It finished at 6-20 to 7-06. Match played on Friday evening, August 20. Winning the final group game 3-09 to 2-06 in Rostellan. Maybe four impressive stops from Tadg Walsh between the posts was telling its own story, As we head into what we call the real nitty gritty part of the season. Division one hurling semi-final against Kinsale on Saturday morning, October 2. Exactly 24 hours later penultimate round of the football. Opponents would be Duarigle Gaels, a combination of Cullen and Millstreet. Both matches scheduled for Ballynoe. Maybe firsthand we were witnessing the possible downside of an age group overlapping, divisions now faced with dual code involvement, Still you get on with it but it’s not ideal.
History would tell us Kinsale would be tough underage opponents. They will put it up to you and don’t roll over easily. And so it proved. Kinsale had an interval deficit of 2-06 to 1-04 trimmed to a three point margin to 52 minutes in a clearly still competitive semi-final. Catherines procuring the match winning scores at game’s end with Kyle O’Donoghue particularly impressive. Into the final on an end 4-12 to3-09 scoreline. Going on to record a 5-08 to 2-06 win in the football on Sunday morning, October 3. A deceptive enough scoreline as again it was a difficult task right through.
Now, we’re not making excuses but conditions were clearly worsening in heading to Ballinacurra for the Division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league final. It’s early in the morning of a Saturday, October 16 and Aghada were a strong physical team, nine unanswered second half points in a glorious 18-minute spell, most of them converted courtesy of the accuracy of Tom Walsh. Tipping the scales in the opposition’s favour and good enough for them to win out on an end scoreline standing at 2-16 to 3-04. Resident, though not a club native, Board Treasurer Michael Mulry who hails from Caltra in Galway, made the post-match presentation to successful Aghada captain Richard Keely.
In contrast the Saints were always in control and proving altogether too good for Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels in the division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league final, finishing at 5-15 to 1-9 in favor of St Catherines. Catherine Nash on behalf of the Board made the winning presentation. Successful Catherine’s captain James Kennedy the recipient. It was a final played in Castletownroche on Sunday morning, October 24.
They were an especially endearing albeit tight squad of players. Terrific ambassadors for themselves their respective families and the St Catherines club in general. Manager Dino Pietropaolo, who suffered a body blow in the spring with the death of his mother in Australia and not being able to attend the subsequent funeral, lead his charges diligently. Had the team and squad well prepared, always arriving in plenty of time. Be it league or challenge, they were all the same to Dino. Receiving able support from Conor Keaney and Colm ‘Floppy’ Aherne in their roles as hurling mentors. Back from the states and Owen Condon wasn`t afraid of work, rolled the sleeves up and got involved with the squad in a football role. Alan O’Mahony was a selector in both codes. Team medic was Majella Pietropaolo. Hopefully all involved will further and better their careers. They are the future.
St Catherines U13 hurling and football league squad of players 2021
Tadg Walsh, Ronan Hickey, Shane O’Donoghue, Callum O’Driscoll, Billy McKee, James Kenneally, Liam Moore, Alan Cotter, Julian Pietropaolo, Jaydn O’Connor, Kyle O’Donoghue, Sean Walsh, Cathal Barry, Tristan Clancy, Eoghan O’Mahony, Liam Kilmartin, Shay McCarthy, Cathal Higgins, Billy O’Connor, Tomas Morrison and James O’Connor.
Next week
When we`re with you next week we take a look back at the U15 year. Their campaigns saw them involved in the Division One Rebel Óg East hurling championship and division two Rebel Óg North in the football. Both panels participating in their respective Féile competitions. That`s all for next time around. Continuing a brief sojourn over teams that attained success from a season now over.
Booster
Family First Medical Practice in Fermoy are trying to target clubs to help get people boosted and the Covid-19 booster is available to anyone aged 16 years and older who is either three months post Covid or three months post vaccine. You do not need to be a patient of the practice. If you are interested, please email familyfirstmedicalpractice@protonmail.com.
Rebels’ Bounty
Now in finishing up for another week just an important reminder that Rebels’ Bounty tickets for the new year are now available. Buy your ticket online before 6pm on Monday, January 24 and you will be entered into a draw for All-Ireland hurling and football tickets. Join now. Some success came to St Catherines last year. Mark Lester doing well from the February draw. But the real winner was Lisa Moore collecting the €20,000 prize from the draw in March. Living proof that it can happen. Dreams can become reality. Lisa Moore is secretary of St Catherines juvenile GAA club.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Looking at past, present and future


Although it was originally billed for Thursday night, Cork eventually began their McGrath Cup senior football campaign with a win. Overcoming the always dogged challenge of Clare in their rescheduled opening tie at a cold and wet Milltown Malbay early on Saturday afternoon last. A confidence boosting result for new gaffer Keith Ricken. They were due to face Waterford on Tuesday night just gone.
What these competitions need is an unexpected result, one that makes you sit up and take notice. Surely Stephen Molumphy and Kerry provided it. Overcoming the challenge of a fancied Tipperary at Tralee in the Co-op Superstores Munster hurling Cup also on Saturday last.
Opening passages of play as a new season splutters into action. Yet the outgoing meandered on with top grade matches from both codes at provincial and national level the day after. It’s not confusing. We will just call it a contradictory time of the year.
Few could complain with Ballygunner being crowned Munster Club Senior Hurling Champions as previously hinted. They sent out a clear marker with that hugely impressive quarter final victory over Ballyea. But they can win ugly too. Getting stuck in when withstanding the always ferocious battle put up by Loughmore – Castleiney they day after that. Then they annihilated Limerick champions Kilmallock at Páirc Uí Chaomh on Sunday afternoon last. It seems an obvious comment to make but they are going to take some stopping.
Congratulations to Ballygiblin. It sounds ironic that they were playing a team only six miles away, overcoming the challenge of Tipperary champions Skeheenarinky in the junior final in Mallow. They are now the only Cork representatives remaining in competitive hurling action. As Courcey Rovers lost out in extra time to Kerry senior champions Kilmoyley in the Munster intermediate hurling final in Limerick. Emphasis now turning to football.
Having a peek out over the fence to upcoming intercounty action. Cork will be in Dr Hyde Park to face Roscommon in their opening fixture in division two of the national football league, that’s on Sunday, January 30. On the following Saturday evening they will be up against Clare again in their first home league fixture. Fixed for Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the evening of February 5th. Throw in will be 7pm. Also in the group will be Derry, Galway, Meath, Down and Offaly. They will be doing well to emerge from that.
That Clare match should be a double header. They face the banner county in division one of the national hurling league at 5pm. First match on the road is in Tullamore on Sunday, February 13. Limerick, Galway and Wexford complete group A. Draw your own conclusions. According to the master plan Cork inter club championship draws will be made on Tuesday, January 25.
Brief reflection on junior football year
It was only end of April / early May when training as we know it would take centre stage. St Catherines were in Timoleague facing Argideen Rangers in the intermediate hurling league cup on the morning of Sunday, June 13. Still in that exorbitant heat and just over twenty hours later it was over to Castlelyons as its junior equivalent would open up. Three of the four applicable juvenile teams had sampled the action. Indeed for one year only there would be minor as we used to know it and already the U18 age group were out in both codes labelled pre-season friendlies, all approved by Rebel Óg with official referees appointed. Coming from a standing position with no competitive activity since early the previous October, this was proving some jolt to the system. Yes a condensed season was up and running, would slowly gain momentum and delighted we were to have it back as we assembled in the carpark in Sallybrook for a round one fixture in group five of the East Cork junior football league cup. It was Sunday evening, June 20.
Daniel Mangan with the key pass picked out Eoin Wallace for the game’s only and match winning goal on twenty seven minutes. It finished at 1-08 to 0-08. A competition that seemed to lose focus fairly quickly and had almost slipped off the radar completely when resurfacing at year’s end. However that opening win could bring its own pressures. Now facing Glanmire again the opening match of group one in the round robin junior B football championship following the toss of a coin played in Ballynoe at 8pm on Monday evening, July 12. Truthfully the opposition fluffed their lines when presented with a late equalising chance, Eoin Condon’s goal proved decisive with the Saints emerging victorious on an end scoreline of 1-09 to 0-11. Truthfully overall one couldn’t have expected a better start than this though Murphy’s Law that anything that could go wrong went wrong reared its ugly head in the next match against Glenville on Tuesday evening, July 20. It finished St Catherines 0-16 Glenville 6-06. While Midleton seemed distressed in the final group game again at Killeagh this time in a deluge of rainfall on Thursday evening, August 5. It finished at St Catherines 1-18 Midleton 1-01.
It would be Glenville again in the Michael O’Connor Motor Factors sponsored East Cork junior B football championship final. Pencilled in for Rathcormac on the evening of Sunday, August 15, it was a James Hayes pass helped set up now team captain Eoin Wallace for the lead goal on nineteen minutes. Catherines ahead at 1-02 to 0-03 at the interval. But Glenville recovered well from losing a man and a PJ Dennehy goal had them on their way. It was 1-08 to 1-05 at game’s conclusion and it was team captain Rob McKenna receiving the Michael Boig Coleman Cup from board chairman Donal O’Keeffe at the post match presentation.
No time to wallow. It’s a very condensed programme of matches. All involved have bought in to the schedule with that understanding. Six days on from the East Cork final loss and the draws were made for the opening fixtures in the county junior B football championship. dompetition for B graded teams only and entirely from what Glenville would now be chasing. St Catherines had been paired with Garnish and it was down for 2pm on the afternoon of Saturday, August 21. Venue was to be St Mary’s GAA Club in Enniskeane/Ballineen, kind of half way between Bandon and Dunmanway but that didn’t materialise, by Thursday afternoon venue had changed. Now we were off to Kilmichael. It was also a very busy weekend on the intercounty front. Cork teams out in Tullamore, Thurles and Dublin - all high profiled and glamourous ties. We had casualties.
Early goals from Darren Deery and Brian Terry O’Sullivan would inflict irreparable damage. Garnish ahead at 2-05 to 0-3 at the interval going on to advance on a finishing scoreline of 2-13 to 1-05. Eoin Condon scored the Catherine’s goal ten minutes into the second half. Mild confusion again reigned re the venue for the second round or last chance saloon tie against St Kilbrin. Only confirmed on the morning of the match for the massive GAA complex at Carrigoon, Mallow. Throw in under the lights fixed for 8pm on Friday, September 3. In a low scoring contest it was 0-3 each at half-time. A Padraig O’Connor goal edged the Saints ahead on thirty three minutes. Cancelled out by a Niall field effort later and Kilbrin were second round winners in the Bon Secours county junior B football championship. Score at the end was Kilbrin 1-06 St Catherines 1-04. Confirming a result from county semi-final stage at Ballyhooly eleven years previous.
We are now on the cusp of sliotar season with three teams involved and it wasn’t over until a rearranged clash with Bride Rovers in the East Cork junior C hurling championship going ahead at Ballynoe on Sunday morning, November 7. So now what springs to mind is that disco hit from the early to mid-seventies and get right back where we started from!
Following a toss of a coin Ballinacurra were visitors for what was in effect a league cup semi-final on the morning of Sunday, December 5. Eoin Wallace and Padraig O’Connor were the early second half goal scorers and on a 2-09 to 0-09 scoreline the Saints were in to the decider and a third meeting with Glenville, this time at the opponents venue one week later on Sunday morning, December 12. Team captain Wallace again and Eoin Condon the goal scorers and right at season’s end a divisional title claimed. Board chairman Donal O’Keeffe making the presentation in a howling swirling wind. Final score St Catherines 2-08, Glenville 0-06. Turkey would taste that bit more appropriate now!
Team manager was Pat Clancy, ably assisted by fellow selectors Laurence O’Connor and Dave Wallace. Also involved for the major part of the football season was Ballynoe based Clonakilty born Kevin Ryan who did a lot of the physical work with the players.
Players involved in league cup final
Eoin Wallace (team captain), Eoin Sheehan, Kieran Neville, Shane O’Brien, Darragh Galvin, Aaron Neville, Eoghan O’Riordan, James Hayes, Rory Galvin, James Neville, Padraig O’Connor, Brian Davis, William Leamy, Eoin Condon, Philip Keane, James Casey and Harry Draper.
Next week
When with you next time around a brief reflection of the U13 football and hurling campaign from a season now complete.
Early lotto results
First lotto draw of the new year was held on Monday night, January 3. Numberss drawn were 1, 6, 23 and 25. There was no winner of a jackpot then standing at €17,800. Consolation winners being: P/Z Hartigan, Conna; Regina Hartigan, online; Dick Hegarty, Garrycahera, Ballynoe; Jennifer Daly, Tallow and Pat Hartigan, Conna. We will have a further update for you in a week’s time.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief review of festive season



It’s the morning of Thursday, January 6 and I’m wishing you season’s greetings with the first report of the new year which in effect is the final contribution from 2021.
There are lotto results on the double while Páirc Naomh Chaitríonaigh Baile Nua played host to the Goal Mile on Christmas morning. Twenty-four hours later and after a brief time out there was the welcome return of the annual poc fada from Ballynoe to Conna on St Stephen’s morning. Read on!

Catching up with the lotto results
Gaining momentum as the time advanced to the point where this would be one of the most eagerly anticipated gatherings of the year, Finger food, background music, even free drinks for the staff - and those were the days!
Real plus factor now is the fact that we’re in a position to hold it. Presenting you with the details from the final weekly lotto draw pre-Christmas when held on Monday night, December 20. Numbers drawn were 12, 17, 28 and 32 and the jackpot then standing at €17,400 wasn’t won. Regular consolation prizes went to P O’Connor c/o PH Conna, John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons, Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh Ballynoe, Emma Hanrahan c/o Dick Hegarty, Garrycahera, Ballynoe and John Paul Flynn online. Bonus prizes in honour of the festive season were won by Jim Brien c/o PH Conna, Mary C Leahy Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Jennifer Galvin online (name emerged twice) and Laura Ahern, online.
Another draw was held on Bank Holiday Monday night, December 27. Numbers drawn were 1, 4, 6 and 29 and there was no winner of the jackpot. Consolation winners were Martin Hurley Gallyanne Upper Aghern, Therese Leamy Kilcoran Conna online, Pat Lane Curraheen, Conna, Norma Dineen Ballyknock, Ballynoe online and David O’Sullivan Glenreigh Ballynoe, online. Latest draw with a jackpot of €17,800 was set for Monday night, January 3. Results on the double will appear on Thursday, January 13. Thanking you our loyal supporters for your undying and unfailing support for both the Rebels’ Bounty and weekly lotto draws. Two of our biggest and most important fundraisers. It’s hard to know where we would stand without them. Keep up the good work.

Ballynoe Goal Mile
It was dull and overcast as from the outside looking in there was a regular flow attending the Ballynoe Goal Mile between 10.30am and 12 midday at St Catherines GAA pitch. Supporters could either walk, jog or run and help raise much needed funds for this worthy charity. Ballynoe is one of only two Cork venues hosting the event and it has been a regular part of Christmas morning now since 2007.
St Catherines GAA Juvenile GAA and Camogie clubs annual poc fada competition
First entering the calendar in the autumn of 2016 and allowing for the fact there was a cancellation last year, by mathematical conclusion St Catherines GAA clubs were able to host their fifth annual poc fada competition over the festive period. Starting from 11am on St Stephen’s morning on the road from Ballynoe to Conna, interest was high with a marvellous entry overall.
Talk about keeping it in the family, overall success for Kieran, Ciarán and Gearoid O’Brien, while overall winners in the juvenile section were the U13 prizewinners of Alan Cotter, Kenneth O’Connell and Julian Pietropaolo. There was success in the other age groups for Ciaran Leamy, Dylan Murphy and Timmy Barry with the U15 and Fionn O’Connell, Oisin Fitzgerald and Denis Temple at U17 level. Overall, a memorable occasion and hopefully by this time next year the world will be a better place.

Documentaries over the holiday period
Though perhaps they could have been spaced out a bit better, nevertheless there were still a few decent documentaries of a sporting nature on the box over the bank holiday period.
‘All-Stars at Fifty’ was inspired by Eileen Dunne and her sister finding a scrapbook of her father Mick Dunne, one of the original selectors on the formation of the All-Stars back in the early days. Mick Dunne used to be with the Irish Press before moving to RTE as its original Gaelic games correspondent. Also on the programme was Jim O’Sullivan of the Cork Examiner. Other original selectors were Padraig Puirséal, John D Hickey and Paddy Downey.
Overall, it can’t have been easy to get a balance into a programme covering the period required. But you feel including the likes of John Connolly, Liam Currams, Tommy Walsh, Donal Óg Cusack and Peter Casey among others gives you a fair spread.
Later on the same night we had ‘Rachel Blackmore – A Grand Year’. Again including the whole family elevated an extremely watchable piece of work while racing contemporaries like the Shark Ruby, Henry De Bromhead and Willie Mullins added to a programme you feel just had to be made. Flashing the cameras on the signpost for Killenaule triggered off another distant memory stored at the back of the mind. Taking some time to find but tracked it down to Sunday, October 19 2003. Up the old N8, no motorway in those days, before turning right at the roundabout right in the centre of New Inn. Now heading for Fethard. Location of prestigious restaurants and well-known hostelries. Extremely well-known equine luminaries Eddie O’Grady and Mouse Morris work out of there. You are now heading straight for Killenaule. Or you should be! Back in the day the likes of Donie O’Connell carried the can, Pat Kerwick and John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer continued it on, now of course in the words of commentator Richard Hoiles “Rachel raises the bar still further”. But of course, all these were just placenames on the way to our destination for the day, it was the next village and a meeting with Ballingarry in a division two semi-final of the Munster Hurling League. You are now perilously close to Mullinahone, next stop Callan. Imagine the rivalry there, both club and county. Now of course other people night give you different instruction. But that was the route taken and as the saying goes ‘sure didn’t it get me there’. Wonder what sat nav would say?
Observing a still intact team sheet and there it is staring right back at you. That being the multi appearance of MacIomhair. It translates as McIvor or in this case Ivors. Seven players with the name Ivors were involved that day. There was a sprinkling of Shelly and the name Cahill was on it three times. Eamon Downing number 3, Sean thirteen while Liam was wearing number 14. Liam was named on the All-Star hurling team of 1996 on a full forward line completed by Gary Kirby and Tom Dempsey. He is now the influential manager of Waterford. Having achieved cult status with underage teams from his own county. There is a strongly held theory that any team build around a bank of brothers will be difficult to stop, fair point.
Very little was separating two well matched teams. Together on five occasions including 0-06 each to 17 minutes. Two Kieran Morrison points halved an interval deficit of 0-11 to 0-07 quicky on the change of ends. Remaining a two-point contest into the fourth and final quarter before the home-based team were able to procure the match winning points. Don Lyons scoring the game’s only goal two minutes over time. Final score was Ballingarry 1-18 St Catherines 0-12. They went on the play Ballybrown in the final thought they did lose to Killeagh in an earlier group game.
Scorers: K Morrison (0-05), S Kearney (0-01f) and K Dineen (0-02f). (0-03 each) and G Bryan (0-01). Ballingarry scorers: L Cahill (0-02f)(0-01 sideline cut)(0-08), D Shelly (0-06), D Lyons (1-00), P Ivors (0-03) and S Cahill (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: Ian O’Connell, Ed Galvin, John Rumley, Aidan Hogan, Brian Hogan, Mike Fitzgerald, Patrick O’Neill, Gordon Bryan, Shane Kearney, Kevin Dineen, Paul O’Connell, Padraig Cotter, Richie O’Connell, Kieran Morrison and Denis Walsh. Subs used were Damien Farrell, Colin Hogan, Roy Hartigan and David Temple. The match referee was Jimmy Sweeney from Loughmore-Castleiney.
Now look at the impact two television programmes, albeit in close season, can have. Good and relevant documentaries they were. Same could be said for ‘Steps of Freedom: The Story of Irish Dance’ and ‘The Flourishing’ on the revival of Irish tradition and folk music. It’s sort of reassuring that public broadcasting can come up with quality such as this. Keep paying the license fee!
Paul Brady belted out a mean ‘Lakes of Pontchartrain’. Not as good as Mo though. Or even Brian Cowen on a good session! Later we had ‘Eamon Ryan An Maistir’ on TG4. One thing sure and certain, oceans of repeat material there. Chalk it down.
Next week
A season ending still fresh in the memory. Did alright with the junior B footballers while in an extremely enjoyable albeit condensed juvenile programme there were commendable performances from U13, U15 to 17 and for one year only U18. So over the next five weeks we cast a reflective eye on what actually happened.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Poc fada returns on St Stephen`s morning



An issue touched on more than once at the major season defining meeting. It`s the end of what clearly has been a difficult and demanding year, and we have reached our destination, it`s all but over.
This report was submitted on Monday morning just past, so we`ve missed out on the most recent weekly lotto draw with a jackpot of €17,400 scheduled for Monday night last, December 20. Also including consolation prizes allied to bonus festive draw in honour of the Christmas season.
There won`t be a report next week, while Monday, January 3 is also a bank holiday, so we will be that bit adrift until at least the middle of the first month of the new year. Don`t worry if you`re a winner, you`ll know as all winners will be notified and locals have access to posters.
We must take this opportunity of wishing St Catherines people, players and mentors alike and GAA people everywhere a peaceful Christmas a happy new year. And for God`s sake we thank The Avondhu for unfailing help and co-operation, they are a pleasure to be involved with.
Very soon now we will notice that short stretch coming in the evenings, then the word training will surface. Before you know it normality returns, at least as normal as can be.
Annual Poc Fada
Now Ronan Clancy has been in touch, there wasn`t one held last year because of the pandemic, but it`s back!
St Catherines GAA and Camogie Club`s annual poc fada returns on St Stephen`s morning commencing at 11am from Ballynoe Community Hall. All adult and juvenile teams must have a minimum of one adult accompanying them on any course at all times. Juveniles will also require a parent or guardian`s signature on waiver upon registration. Adults €10, juveniles €5. Sliotars will be provided.
Start arranging your teams of three today, great fun guaranteed! Please adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times during the event. Enjoy!
St Catherines GAA Club Annual General Meeting report
An intense two nights of indoor GAA activity with the juvenile equivalent taking place in Ballynoe Hall twenty four hours previously, and the parent club AGM was held in Conna Community Hall at 8.30pm on Friday night, December 10 last. Socially distanced with all in attendance fully vaccinated and suitably masked up.
Chairman Pat Clancy in addressing the meeting right at the outset, thanked committee members, the executive and all those who supported the St Catherines Club in what clearly was a difficult year. There is no doubt the club`s first choice hurling team would be the standard bears, and obviously the one attaining the highest profile.
Managership was thanked for their efforts, even though at the end it was a playing season that ended badly, it was disappointing the way it finished. Failing on scoring average to advance from the group stages of the lower intermediate hurling championship, a downside compounded that now the team won’t be seeded and will be ranked three for the upcoming season.
In contrast every last ounce was drained out of the second and third choice hurling teams. There was an improvement forthcoming with football, praise-worthy comments issued to all players involved in divisional and college teams. Eoin Davis goalkeeper of the 2020 All-Ireland winning U20 hurling team. All-Ireland medals for Kyle Wallace and Gearoid O`Brien from the All-Ireland winning Cork minor hurling squad, from the season now over. Plying at this level makes a huge difference and provides another asset for the club.
There is great working ongoing at juvenile level, there was the coaching scheme initiated by Johnny Sheehan, while there are the regular and ongoing coaching sessions provided for the schools by Sean O`Farrell.
Continuing in his speech he thanked all his fellow officers, the club executive, board delegates, lotto sellers and those who upgraded results posters and current jackpot boards. Physio John O’Meara while Mike Walsh is the club`s sole referee and new referees must be encouraged. Tom Morrison looks after the insurance side of matters. Covid committee was headed up by Paul Davis, in a brief contribution in his role as children`s officer, he said what were only minor problems were resolved quickly and overall found the job easy.
Tom `Waxer` Murphy and Paul Hartigan under the chairmanship of Billy Neville were complimented for their unfailing duties connected with the pitches.
St Catherines GAA Club are indebted to both T~A (main sponsor) and Mulcahy Steel (juvenile sponsor), and although there are still a few small things that need to be sorted out, you could say the development is largely complete.
Being the meeting that it is, it`s only inevitable that questions would be asked, then the treasurer Richard Hegarty`s detailed financial reports were proposed and seconded. Touching on the fact the version back in February was on Zoom or phone and even though it was a year spent grappling with restrictions, Eleanor Galvin in her always meticulously drawn up secretary`s report referred to the gym opening and use of the walkway, presented a detailed account of the adult match programme and thanked Dolores Hartigan who washes the jerseys. Again singling out John O`Meara as well as Michelle Kearney and Finola Neville in their capacity as physios.
Marie Clancy was recently honoured at national level and Laura Hayes has received an All-Star camogie nomination. Eleanor again stressed the relevance and importance of both Rebels’ Bounty and the weekly lotto draw, two of the club`s biggest fundraisers. Highlighting Lisa Moore on winning the first prize of €20,000 in the March Rebels’ Bounty Draw, Mark Lester collecting a smaller prize on the same night.
Actually towards the end of proceedings, Lisa Moore as secretary along with chairman Brian Sheehan and newly elected treasurer Paddy Bryan were ratified as officers of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club, having been elected and in some cases re-elected at the juvenile AGM in Ballynoe Community Hall on the night before, that being Thursday, December 9. Concluding her address, Eleanor thanked our supporters.
Obviously during Covid the executive are organising events, were the situation to improve there would be a gradual return of the regular fortnightly committee meetings. Shane Kearney will again be first team hurling manager, junior B and C hurling manager is Ed Galvin. Officers were elected. Membership for players and non-players using the gym is €100. Adult non-playing members is €60.
Brief period of reflection
Occasionally though not always, you drive back from a juvenile game safe in the knowledge that an opposition player might be that bit above the average. It might take a few years for the implication to set in if ever.
We go to Friday evening, September 15th 2007, and a meeting with Nemo Rangers in the Rebel Óg East U16 B2 hurling championship final, venue was Castlemartyr. An honest, evenly contested decider ending in a share of the spoils (1-16 to 4-07).
Catherines would feel they had done enough and duly won the replay under lights at Trabeg ten nights later (3-15 to 3-11), but in balance right to the end. Full forward on that Nemo team was Patrick Campbell scorer of 4-03 in the first match. Move on two years he was again full forward on an All-Ireland winning Cork minor football team, while just a fortnight ago scored a spectacular try from fullback in his Munster debut against Wasps at Coventry. That original hunch proved accurate.
Commiserations
Sympathy to the Tobin family, Monagown, Conna on their sad recent bereavement.
St Catherines GAA Club Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Juvenile AGM report

It was a week dominated by indoor activity at administrative level with the holding of the annual general meetings both at juvenile and parent club level. This time around concentrating on the underage equivalent. Next week report on adult club AGM.
Storm Barra made its expected arrival, duly stayed before moving on and off loading a ferocious deluge over the continent. Though for a while we thought there was going to be a little cameo role across Glenville on Sunday morning for the junior B football league final. Such was the strength of the wind again.
Paul David and James Casey were expecting the schools to be closed again. Possible for a week this time! As promised all your details from back to back lotto draws. Ok - off you go now and read on!
It`s a busy time for the club at administration level. Exactly seven nights previously the camogie equivalent was held. On Thursday night last it was back to Ballynoe Community Hall where of ninety minutes duration it again was the venue this time for the annual general meeting of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
Describing it as a challenging yet successful year chairman Brian Sheehan declared despite the dreaded Covid situation that membership actually increased within the club. A few players who may have drifted came back and played their part in any success attained. Coaches who themselves wouldn’t have children involved played a significant role and over fifty mentors from U6 to U18 were playing their part.
Some time back there was the coaching scheme introduced by Johnny Sheehan. Describing it as a work in progress and not finished yet. It`s value came up more than once throughout the evening. Brian touched on the work of Sean O’Farrell and the cooperation of the schools in accommodating the coaching of the games there in.
Although there would be clear and obvious concerns as a juvenile club transfer to the irregular age groups worked out well. Briefly looking ahead and taking all that into account maybe the U19 age group should now be looked at.
Health and safety had to play a huge part. There was the Covid group set up by Paul Davis back at the start and the contribution of Cathy Cotter and Majella Pietropaolo subsequently. It`s essential the health of these young players is properly looked after. There was the thanking of the parent club and the facilities provided there in. Mulcahy Steel are to continue their sponsorship. Garry Hartnett put up the tops adorned by the U15 and 17 squads. Brian thanking all his fellow officers for their help and contribution. Hoping that 2022 can be a successful and enjoyable year.
Lisa Moore`s report
It was a busy night for Lisa Moore presenting the implications from the last Zoom held AGM of January 7th to a thorough review of the year just ending in her meticulously prepared secretary’s report. There was the return to the pitches on April 26th. In many ways a unique and historic night. By early May contact play was approved and resumed across all grades. A registration morning could then be hosted on the club grounds.
New requirements were introduced by headquarters re the staging of the annual Cúl Camp which went ahead from Monday, June 28 to Friday, July 2 inclusive. Conditions simply surreal. It was very well attended with 140 children in the 6 to 13 age group taking part. An action packed five days where many new skills were imparted by experienced members from both GAA and camogie clubs. Cúl Camp co-ordinator being Martina O`Connor. A major word of thanks goes to Ed Galvin in co-ordinating the pitches for training and matches for the full club throughout the season. There was participation in Féile and the hosting of the clubs in house tournaments.
Lisa touched on a very relevant issue, that of referees, it is something that must be built on in the next year. As a club we are indebted to our one referee, Mike Walsh, concluding by thanking all parents who attend training sessions.
We can safely say that Lisa Moore has definitely arrived. While we anxiously await the imminent return of assistant Susan Sheehan.
When called upon, Pat Clancy, chairman St Catherine`s GAA Club commented on a favourable results return. It couldn`t have come at a better time and augurs well for the future. All presented reports were impressive. Spoke of the facilities and the fact the gym is working. Stressing the importance of the weekly lotto draw. Only downside was the lack of manpower transferring from underage up to the adult section of the club, that can`t continue. Don`t be thinking if you finish at juvenile level that your work is done, it`s not.
Fiona Sheehan presented a well prepared financial statement, proposed and seconded. It was know in advance of the evening that she would not be seeking re-election. She is to continue on in an assistant role which had been fulfilled by Paddy Ryan who now moves up to treasurer of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
Over the years there has been a massive contribution from Fiona Sheehan at juvenile level. Everyone would back and support the glowing comments issued by the chairman of the underage section on the night. She had a three year stint as secretary and had served as treasurer since October 2016. Good to have her still around and making as always a sensible and vital contribution.
John O`Mahony Club PRO presented a detailed results sequence of all competitive games, both league and championship entailing both hurling and football from season just ending. Open discussion on the night centred on possible team grading. Membership settled on at the parent meeting twenty four hours later.
Managers appointed to various teams covering both hurling and football: U6 - Paddy Ryan. U7 - Patrick O`Neill. U8 - Steve Cummins. U11 - Paul O`Connell. U13 - Paul Higgins. U15 - Brian Sheehan. U17 - Pat Fitzgerald.
Election of officers
Presided over by Pat Clancy until Brian Sheehan reinstated as chairman.
Vice chairmen - Steve Cummins and Tom Morrisson. Secretary - Lisa Moore. Ass sec - Susan Sheehan. Treasurer - Paddy Ryan. Ass treasurer - Fiona Sheehan. Membership - Cathy Cotter. PRO - John O`Mahony.
Next week we do it all again with a report on St Catherines GAA Club AGM scheduled for Conna Hall on Friday night last, December 10 at 8.30pm.
Action on the field
Final group 5 East Cork junior football league cup
Glenville 0-06 St Catherines 2-08
Talk about cutting it tight! A season drawing its last breath when a title arrives courtesy of the parent club with a well-earned and on this occasion fully deserved victory over the home based team when the group 5 East Cork junior B football league cup final was played in Glenville at mid-day on Sunday last.
Frequently wasteful in the opening exchanges Catherines would take the lead following a tally of five early wides following a Padraig O`Connor point on nine minutes. Rory Galvin was winning masterful ball right across the middle. His freetaking was surreal, beautifully judged and joy to behold as the scores mounted up.
Then a probing Brian Davis cross, a face of goal delivery, accurately picked out running team captain Eoin Wallace who duly slotted home from close range on twenty four minutes. Catherines ahead at 1-07 without reply at half-time and clearly in a strong position.
There would be no let up. Philip Keane pointing in the first attack within a minute of the change of ends. As Glenville now backed by what were savage wind gusts came raiding for scores - Stephen Coffey, Paudie Cotter and Willie O`Neill to the fore. But you feel the show was up when Eoin Condon charged through and with a subliminal finish delightfully crashed home that welcome second goal just as Gavin O`Brien was thinking about blowing for that second water break. At games conclusion East Cork Board chairman Donal O`Keeffe made the presentation, Eoin Wallace the recipient.
Scorers: E Condon (0-1 free), (1-02), E Wallace (1-01), R Galvin (0-03 frees), P O`Connor and P Keane (0-01 each). St Catherine`s team - Eoin Sheehan, Kieran Neville, Shane O`Brien, Darragh Galvin, Aaron Neville, Eoghan O`Riordan, James Hayes, Rory Galvin, James Neville, Eoin Wallace (from captain), Padraig O`Connor, Brian Davis, William Leamy, Eoin Condon, Philip Keane. Subs: James Casey and Harry Draper for Darragh Galvin and Philip Keane (both 54`). Referee: Gavin O`Brien (Lisgoold).
It`s Plaudits time
Roll of the drums!!! and the winner is....!!!! No just a few personal gongs we would like to dish out.
To Marie Clancy on her picking up such prestigious camogie award at national level. Marie Clancy is also Irish/Cultural officer at St Catherine`s GAA Club and annually would be an avid promoter and supporter of Scór.
Congratulations must go too to Kenneth O`Connell on his All-Ireland U11 cross country success at Gowran. Kenneth likes the games as well and lined out at left half forward, on the Willie Ryan U12 hurling blitz winning team from Aghada back towards the end of September. Sometime, somewhere down that lonely road young Kenneth might have to make a decision, but that shouldn`t be for a few years yet so enjoy it all for now. Between horses and hurling, football and dogs and now athletics, it`s going to be a fulltime job following the O`Connells!
Just briefly popping up to Avondhu and the heartiest of congratulations to Araglin on completing the double, following their win in the county junior C football championship final. Some great people up there, salt of the Earth, that`s what makes them so likeable.
No I`m not going to use the word commiserations, let`s be positive! Keep the head up and congratulate the Conna players on doing this great little parish proud, on reaching the recent one act All-Ireland drama finals in Ennis, Co Clare.
All Stars
On Thursday morning last, the national media were torn between whether to give Limerick`s twelve hurling all-stars awards or no awards for beaten All-Ireland finalists Cork, also a record the banner headlines. Both were right of course and while it hurts it`s impossible to argue with. Personally would have stretched it out that bit further, what would have been wrong with giving Limerick all fifteen awards? Nicky Quaid, Dan Morrissey and Aaron Gillane? I mean why not?
Getting ready to head out the door to the AGM on Friday night last when the awards were presented and the football teams were named on a special ninety minute programme live on RTE One television.
Still, like the hurling only four counties were honoured, but it was much more balanced and spread out from what was a much more competitive championship. Newly crowned champions, Tyrone had a player named in every section of the field and the entire halfback line was honoured.
Centre back Kieran McGeary was subsequently selected as player of the year, while perennial defeated finalists Mayo had three players selected with Oisin Mullin picking up the young player of the year accolade. All-stars for the Fossa duo, the Cliffords, David and older brother Paudie.
A second hurler of the year award went to Cian Lynch, while younger player of the year was Kilkenny`s Eoin Cody, for which Blarney`s and Cork player Shane Barrett was also in the running for. I suppose the usual spate of books will keep us going until the evenings stretch out a bit!
Recent lotto results
We have been just a tad adrift in presenting you with the results of the weekly lotto draw from Monday night, December 6 last. Numbers drawn being 14, 26, 27 and 32. There was no winner of the attractive jackpot then standing at €17,000. The consolation winners on the night were; Anita Mullins, Abbey Glen, Cappoquin, Bridget Mangan, Curraheen, Conna, Amy Mulcahy, Leamlara, Anne Conneely, online and Orna Ryan, online.
Results of the most recent draw from Monday night last, December 13. Numbers drawn were 1,3,9 and 30 and the jackpot of €17,200 wasn`t won. Consolation winner were Catherine McCready, Castle View, Conna, P O`Connor c/o P.H, Kevin Mangan, online, Jeremiah and Elaine O`Donovan, Kilosseragh, Ballynoe and Katie Spillane, Kilavorilla.
Next draw including bonus prizes in honour of the festive season will be on Monday night, December 20 when the jackpot will be €17,400.
Now let’s fully update on the current situation. Early copy deadline for Monday, December 20th and subsequent draws on December 27th and January 3rd, means details will be behind. Don`t worry, if you win you will be notified. Results are on the site, locals have access to posters.
St Catherines GAA Club Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Busy week at administrative level

It started with the camogie equivalent with their annual general meeting taking precedence on Thursday evening last, kickstarting an intense eight days at administrative level, continuing on with St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club AGM going ahead tonight, Thursday, December 9 in Ballynoe Community Hall. It’s timed for 8pm.
Then 24 hours later is the staging of the most important meeting of the year, with the parent club version fixed for Conna Community Hall this Friday night coming, December 10, commencing at 8.30pm. Nomination papers distributed and hopefully returned by now.
Now we are only all too well aware of the current situation. Its gloomy presence inveigles our very existence. So following Covid guidelines all attendees must be fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid in the last six months and wear a mask. If you or anyone in your bubble is unwell please do not attend. Meeting reports will follow over the next two weeks.
The extraordinary revelations of Orca the goldfish
Well results are probably in the public domain by now so hopefully it all went well for Conna Dramatic Society in the One Act All-Ireland drama finals in Ennis. They were due to appear on stage on Sunday afternoon last. Go on, ‘break a leg’.
Handball success
Belated congratulations to first cousins Diarmuid O’Connell and Cian Dunning on their recent success at the O’Neill’s All-Ireland 4-Wall 2020 juvenile handball championships finals held in Kingscourt up in Cavan. Representing Conna club both donning that proud Rebel red of Cork, Diarmuid in the U14 boys singles, Cian a day later taking part in the doubles equivalent.
Both Diarmuid and Cian encapsulate all aspects of the association, lining out on successful U15 hurling and football teams through the summer and months of early Autumn. Coming as they do of course on being members of a family steeped in the Gaelic tradition. Cian a tough tight corner back in both codes, Diarmuid a bit more flamboyant further out the pitch, taker of the close in frees with the footballers and proving himself and adept netminder with several telling stops with this year’s U17 hurling squad.
Success for Sean Guiheen
Yes a recent success too for Sean Guiheen, coach of the Courcey Rovers team that won out the premier intermediate hurling championship. Sean spent a three year stint with the Saints from 2017 to 2019, during which Catherines won the county junior hurling championship. A dual county minor in 1988, Sean shared in all Na Piarsaigh success attained through the 90s and early noughties. A team that included the likes of Christy Connery, Leonard Moore, Mickey Mullins, Sean Óg O hAilpín and of course the peerless Tony O’Sullivan. I can just hear him now, “where’s he going?”.
Rebels’ Bounty
Well it’s over with the much sought after €100,000 prize heading out to Nemo Rangers following the December Rebels’ Bounty draw early on Thursday evening last. Focus now goes on 2022 with the first draw to take place at the end of February (January and February draws).
Latest club lotto results
Preparation for the AGMs mean the lotto results with the €17,000 jackpot from Monday night last, December 6 are held over. Sorry about that, a double supply for you next week.
Seanie O’Leary RIP
We would be in a state of shock putting the words down, it just didn’t seem right or fair. Seanie O’Leary RIP. There we were watching the evening news on our national television service and Eamon Horan was asked for the sporting headlines, to which the man from Ballycumber in Offaly instantly replied “Cork GAA in shock at death of Seanie O’Leary”.
Seanie was a player whose name was on everyone’s lips from college days on. Winning All-Ireland minor and U21hurling medals in the late sixties and early seventies. Fermoy based Bandon man Noel Crowley would have played on those teams. Seanie would have four All-Ireland senior medals. He was an All-Star player in 1976, 1977 and 1984. He will be forever remembered as being a part of a prodigious full forward line completed by Charlie McCarthy and Ray Cummins. There you have it - Leary, Cummins and McCarthy. Names just roll off the tongue. Forever stars. Parts of folklore. Leeside legends all.
Seanie was a darling of the terraces. Seanie didn’t score that many points. His eyes were focussed on the onion sack, like John Fitzgibbon coming on after him. Seanie had an awesome savage eye for goals and lots of ‘em. Thirty in thirty six senior championship matches with Cork.
His father James was a teacher in Ballynoe school in the fifties. His sister Mary rose up the ranks on the camogie fields. Son Tomás and excellent hurler with Erin’s Own and Cork transferred codes playing scrum hale with both Munster and Ireland. Playing days over, he made huge contributions as a selector with both Imokilly and Cork.
Late season action on the pitch
Round 3 group 5 East Cork junior football league cup
St Catherine’s 2-09 Ballinacurra 0-09
It’s been three months since that defeat to Kilbrin in the county junior B championship under the lights at Mallow. Eleven weeks previously to that again since playing their only previous encounter in this competition against Glanmire at Sallybrook as a collective unit, the Saints returned to competitive activity with a well-earned six point victory. Effectively unfolding as a semi-final when this round 3 group 5 East Cork junior football league cup tie was played following a toss of a coin at a cold albeit dry and sunny Ballynoe on Sunday morning last.
All the while Ballinacurra were playing matches. They have a divisional junior C title under their belt with a recent final victory over near neighbours Aghada and it was showing. At one stage they lead by a three point margin and were still ahead on a 0-04 to 0-03 half-time scoreline.
But it all changed when six minutes into the second half Eoin Condon, thankfully now fully recovered from a late opening half injury, supplied the key pass in picking out team captain Eoin Wallace to force in the lead goal.
Padraig O’Connor in the right place duly added a second before a further point was tagged on. It was 2-06 to 0-07 for the home team at the time of the second water break.
There was the assured handling of Eoin Davis between the posts. Kieran Neville, Shane O’Brien and Eoghan O’Riordan were on top defensively with Daniel Mangan and Liam O’Connor now adding their name to the list of scorers a final place had been secured on an end scoreline of 2-09 to 0-09 against a Ballinacurra team for whom James Nagle, Michael Furlong and Daniel O’Connell played well.
Scorers - E Wallace (1-02), P O’Connor (1-01), E Condon (0-04), D Mangan and L O’Connor (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team - E Davis, K Neville, S O’Brien, D Galvin, A Neville, E O’Riordan, B Davis, T O’Donnell, J Neville, P O’Connor, E Wallace (team captain), J Hayes, D Mangan, L O’Connor, E Condon. Sub: E Sheehan for J Hayes (56’). Referee Jim Hennessy, (Dungourney).
St Catherines v Mitchelstown - 2001
After the loss to Garnish incurred at Kilmichael on the afternoon of Saturday, August 21 Catherines were eliminated from the competition following a narrow two point loss to Kilbrin in the second round of the county junior B football championship under the lights at spacious Carrigoon on Friday evening, September 3. At the outset that had been the appointed venue. Done and dusted. No questions asked. Sure why would there?
But as the week progressed we heard of moving it to Grange, again no questions. Less travelling. Just outside Fermoy, much closer to home. But in the morning of the match with secretary Eleanor now more than having her fill of emails, phone calls and club texts it was back to Mallow again. There have been a few challenge games over the years and Catherines without a problem would have fulfilled the fixture in Grange. By way of preparation for an impending county fixture Catherines received an invitation to play Mitchelstown in the junior football tournament final for the Dave Walsh Cup. East Cork B champions v a team in the Avondhu junior A decider who would be up against either Charleville or Doneraile in the final. Tournament match fixed for Grange on Saturday evening, October 6 2001 at 4.30pm.
Mitchelstown coached by Tipperary player Brian Burke were very sharp with Dave Moher, Joe O’Brien and Keith McGrath prominent surged into a 0-07 to 0-02 lead to the end of the opening quarter and ahead with the half time scoreline standing at 1-10 to 0-03.
St Catherines would accept that Brendan Hickey and Shane Kearney goals, coming as they did at opposite ends of the second half were purely scores of a consolation nature. Mitchelstown winning on an end scoreline of 1-15 to 2-04. Granddaughters of Dave Walsh and Grange stalwart Sam Barry made the presentation to goal scorer and captain Anthony O’Brien.
Both juvenile and parent club annual general meetings are pencilled in for this week. So that signals and end to the occasional reminiscing. Who knows? Anything could happen in there. Seen it before baby!
St Catherine’s team in Grange 2001
Martin O’Keeffe, Ed Galvin, Aidan Hogan, Mike Walsh, Jim Lane, Shane Fitzgerald, Noel O’Neill, Damien Farrell, Padraig Noonan, Shane Kearney, Brian Cotter, Michael Hegarty, Brendan Hickey, Ed Sheehan and Paul Higgins. Subs introduced were Mike Fitzgerald, Bill O’Keeffe, Donal O’Leary, Billy Carr and Gordon Bryan. Referee: Dave Roche (Grange).
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.

Busy week at administrative level

Lotto jackpot is €17,000

St Catherines weekly lotto draw now has an accumulated jackpot of €17,000. Results of the most recent draw from Monday night last November 29th. Numbers drawn being 1, 20, 26 and 27 and there was no winner of the €16,800 jackpot.
Consolation winners on the night being; Mary and James Burke, Ballynoe, Nuala Tobin, Rathdrum, Ballynoe, Dick Hegarty, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, Conor Kearney, online and Mark Walsh, online.
There is a draw on Monday night, December 6th.
Meeting updates
Look we are all aware of those dreaded figures and the seriousness of the ongoing situation. A news bulletin now is almost a chore to watch. So it’s all virtually a day to day process. We promised you a further update so following a recent meeting of the club executive for now what’s in place is the annual general meeting of the camogie club. Fixed for Ballynoe Hall tonight Thursday, December 2nd at 8pm. Then St Catherines juvenile GAA Club AGM is fixed for Ballynoe Community Hall on Thursday night, December 9th. Thats down for 8pm. Parent club annual general meeting will be in Conna Hall on Friday night, December 10th. Timed for 8.30pm. While Lisa O’Mahony has been confirmed as club representative to Conna Community Council.
Harty Cup
After an impressive display against Blackwater Community School in the previous round, St Colman’s made a disappointing exit losing their Harty Cup second round tie when played in Fermoy on Wednesday afternoon, November 24th last. It finished up at St Colman’s 1-16 St Joseph’s, Tulla 2-16 (after extra time). Catherines panelists were Kyle Wallace (captain), Fionn O’Connell, Gearoid O’Brien, Harry Draper, Sean O’Donoghue, Oisin Fitzgerald and Kian O’Donoghue. Last eight are Thurles CBS, CBC Cork, Ard Scoil Rís, De La Salle, Nenagh CBS, Midleton CBS, Cashel Community School and Tulla. Competition resumes in the new year.
County junior B football championship semi-final 2010
St Catherines began their 2021 county junior B football championbship campaign on the afternoon of Saturday, August 21st at 2pm. Opposition would be Garnish. Clad in that most traditional of green and gold colours we were in the throes of what the big ball could throw at us at the time and a week not starting well when losing to Glendale in the divisional junior B final at Rathcormac on the previous Sunday evening. This is a totally separate competition. Now we travel to historic Kilmichael adorned with two pitches and ample parking space. It was a huge national hurling weekend with the rebels doubly involved. That brings its own complications. You can imagine what happened. Limited with numbers the saints would pose out on an end scoreline of 2-13 to 1-05. There isn’t much or indeed any pub involved in our lives right now but fate decided we were heading to the last chance saloon and a meeting with Kilbrin in the second round at Carigoon under the lights on Friday evening, September 3rd. Over and out (1-06 to 1-04) as indeed is how it materialised in the previous meeting with the team who wear blue and white. So for the purposes of this meeting of St Catherines and Kilbrin in the semi-final of the county junior B football championship it was played in Ballyhooly.
Kilbrin making what was for them the ideal and perfect start. Midfielder Adi Nash gosling a penalty kick in the first minute. As the lead extended itself to 1-06 to 0-02 to the end of the opening quarter and beyond. Catherines were coming more into it. There were points from Billy Carr and Laurence O’Connor in turn before Padraig O’Connor flicked a Damien Fabrell free to the net on twenty six minutes.
However another body blow arrived when Liam Daly added a second opposition goal and a Kilbrin lead on a 2-06 to 1-04 half time scoreline.Excellent eye catching points from Tim O’Connor and William Egan were exchanged early on the change of ends and an Ed Kenneally goal from a subliminal finish arrived too late to rescue the saints. It finished up 2-10 to 2-08 in favour of Kilbrin.
How many remember playing Mitchelstown in a junior football tournament in Grange just outside Fermoy in 2001? We glance back to that when next we’re with you. There are two big meetings upcoming so these reflective reports will have to cease again.
St Catherines line out v Kilbrin 2010
Colm Molloy, Noel Kielthy, John Casey, Stephen O’Brien, James Casey, Ed Kenneally, John Mulcahy, Allan Carr, Damien Farrell, Billy Carr, Padraig O’Connor, Tim O’Connor, Liam O’Connor, Laurence O’Connor (team captain) and Paul Higgins.
Subs used were: Patrick Roche, Shane Cotter and Paul O’Donovan.
Referee: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll).
National master fixtures calendar
Again its a repeat of the outset of this report. But infrastructure must be in place. There has to be a plan as the masters fixtures calendar revealed last week shows the national football league will start on the final week of January.
National hurling league to commence the following weekend, February 5th and 6th with the respective finals pencilled in for early April. Two weeks on from that will see the start of the various senior championships. As you know both Munster and Leinster will revert to hurling round robin. Provincial football championship draws going out live last Saturday afternoon. Cork getting Kerry would be the biggest appeal down south. Newly crowned All-Ireland champions Tyrone face Fermanagh in a pre-qualifier up north. Winners will meet Derry in the subsequent quarter final of the Ulster senior football championship. Galway play London or Leitrim in the west. Looking odds on would be a last four pairing with reigning provincial title holders Mayo in the ensuing semi-final of the Connacht championship. Dublin lay Offaly or Wexford in Leinster. All-Ireland qualifiers could be starting mid-May. Provincial finals on weekending May 28th/29th while Saturday, June 4th is the date for the Leinster senior hurling final. Next day pencilled in for its Munster equivalent. Sunday, July 17th now reserved as All-Ireland hurling final day. If there is to be a replay it will be Saturday, July 30th. All-Ireland football final date is July 23rd/24th with a replay down for Saturday, August 6th.
All to come of course. Coming back into the world we reside in today and for the second successive year there was disappointment for Castlelyons. Losing to Courcey Rovers (1-19 to 1-18), when this year’s premier intermediate hurling championship final was played at Cork GAA headquarters on Saturday evening last. Defeat maybe but another result supplying an indelible pointer to the strength of East Cork hurling. Imokilly based clubs played in five adult club county hurling finals.
Rounding off we saw St Finbarrs regaining the county senior football championship. Success for Mallow in the senior A final. Outside of the county and one would have to take a bow to loughmore on their recent achievements. While what we saw was a clear statement of intent from Ballygunner.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Brief look at what junior and juvenile leagues might throw up



It was a mundane sort of week. So we take a brief look at teams in St Catherine’s league groups, both adult and juvenile. Rebels Bounty re-emerges this weekend. There are more lotto results. Though remaining that bit behind. So off you go and read on!!!
Junior leagues
We’re getting used to that newly launched title with St Catherine’s commencing their premier junior hurling league with a visit from St Finbarr’s (2) on weekending March 25th/26th/27th. First trek of the campaign on the road will be to Na Piarsaigh (2). Other home game will be against Barryroe, Aghabullogue and Midleton (2). Balanced by subsequent away league fixtures in Douglas (2) and Dungourney.
St Catherine’s are pitted in group C of the premier junior hurling championship along with Glen Rovers (2), Tracton and Russell Rovers. Team manager is Shane Kearney.
Second choice hurling team will play in the divisional junior B hurling championship under the auspices of the East Cork Board. Other teams involved are Aghada, Youghal, Sarsfields, Bride Rovers, Midleton, Lisgoold, Castlelyons, Killeagh, Erin’s Own, Castlemartyr and Cloyne. Also based in division two of the junior hurling league together with Aghada, Youghal, Bride Rovers, Killeagh, Carrigtwohill, Erin’s Own and Fr O’Neill’s.
A third team has entered the East Cork Junior C hurling championship along with Russell Rovers, Cobh, Bride Rovers, Midleton, Carrig na bhFear, Fr O’Neill’s, Carrigtwohill, Castlelyons, Erin’s Own, Dungourney and Cloyne. Teams in division four junior hurling league will be Bride Rovers, St Catherine’s, Russell Rovers, Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Fr O’Neill’s, Cloyne, Dungourney and Cobh. Junior B and C hurling manager is Ed Galvin.
Juvenile leagues
Dudley ignored us and while it wasn’t as fierce as was expected Eunice did make an impression. Leading to the cancellation of the proposed division one under seventeen football league tie scheduled for Midleton on Sunday morning last. Pitch unplayable. However this particular age group should still be kickstarting the new season into play. Venue for the final competitive fixture of the year now over. Now the last shall be first as Newtownshandrum play host to the Saints in the premier two under seventeen hurling league on Sunday morning coming February 27th. It’s down for 11am. There will be subsequent section two visits on the road to Inniscarra and Mallow. Home games will be against Bishopstown and Bride Rovers.
Midleton game aside which now will have to be picked up further visits for the footballers whose league is under the jurisdiction of Rebel Óg East will take this particular squad of players to St Colmcilles and Killeagh. Visitors to Ballynoe will be Carrigtwohill, Erin’s Own and Glenville. Under seventeen football/hurling manager is Pat Fitzgerald.
Based in section one and St Catherine’s will begin their Rebel Óg East Under fifteen football league campaign in Lisgoold in the morning of Sunday, March 6th. Their first division two match at home will be against Carrigtwohill on Wednesday evening, April 6th 6.30pm new time. Other league matches down for Ballynoe will be against Castlelyons and Glenville. While we must also travel to Killavullen and Fr O’Neill’s. How bad!!!
Though graded premier two teams manager Brian Sheehan tell us that Rebel Óg North will organise the under fifteen hurling league. Starting off in Kilworth on Thursday evening March 7th at 4pm. Hopefuly the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Fermoy will be over by then!!
Also in the group are Shandrum and Donoughmore. Both home. While there are also visits to Grenagh, Mallow and Fermoy. Maths not great!!!
Both under thirteen teams under the managership of Paul Higgins will play I section one division two of the Rebel Óg East League. Opening matches in both codes will be against Killeagh at Ballynoe.
Starting with the football at 1pm on Saturday, March 12th. There are two visits to Aughavine to play Fr O’Neill’s. Hurlers also go to Rostellan facing Aghada. Likewise the under thirteen footballers will play in Castlelyons under nineteen fixtures will come from the Cork County board.
Medal presentation
Attention mentors, parents, players and anyone else who would like to attend and on returning from Lisgoold last years title winning (-18, -17, -15 and 13 teams) will be honoured on the pitch in Ballynoe in a special medal presentation ceremony at 2pm on Sunday afternoon, March 6th. St Catherine’s who won last years under twelve hurling blitz for the Willie Ryan trophy in Rostellan will also be there. Hopefully that current unsettled spell of weather will have passed by then.
Juvenile Fixtures
Sunday, February 2nd at Newtownshandrum round one premier two under seventeen huring league v Shandrum at 11am.
Fitzgibbon Cup
Eoin Davis was a panelist on the Fitzgibbon Cup winning University of Limerick hurling team conquerors of NUIG in the final at Carlow on Saturday afternoon last.
Cork league teams
Slowly but surely were going to have to bite the bullet. Demotion from current status allied to a subsequent mauling from a rampant Kerry and one thing is for sure and certain. There won’t be a Cork ball encircling that drum. Some Monday morninga around 8.35am when it comes to football championship draws on morning Ireland. Now the countrys most listened to radio programme. At least that’s what the rating figures are telling us. Galways are football league visitors to Pairc Uí Chaoimh at 5pm on Saturday evening coming February 26th. Next trip after that on the division two road will be to Navan. It’s as if that mountain is getting higher, darker, steeper. Tailteamm Cup for teams rated sixteen to thirty two here we come and do you know what, it might be no bad thing at all.
While we should be able to assess their chances more clearly after Sunday, February 27th. Cork play Limerick in a round three fixture of division one A in the national hurling league.
Rebels Bounty
A massive success in the first year of its new title and relaunched for the new year just pre-Christmas and Rebels Bounty 2022 re-enters a waiting and expectant schedule this week. January and February draws will take place.
Tickets are priced at €100 or you can go monthly for €10 which entitles you to two free draws annually. There are 30 prizes on offer each month with first prizes varying from €20,000 to €25,000 with a hugely attractive first prize of €100,000 awaiting the winner of the December draw. That’s Christmas sorted, here’s hoping!
Lotto results
There was a slight glitch with the system, nothing that Kevin Galvin or Tom Morrisson couldln’t fix and while not calling it off, a postponement led to a deferral of last week’s lotto draw from traditional Monday slot to Tuesday night, 25th February.
Numbers drawn were 6, 14, 20 and 21 and the €19,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were G Warren, c/o PH, Conna; Josephine Hurley, Castleview, Conna; Dawn, Sara and Tristan Clancy, Kilclare, Conna; Emma Byrne, online and Ann Marie Hayes, Garryanne, Aghern. More results next week. Not it really only affects those involved but all lotto draws not go back to 9.30pm.
Racing success
Isn’t Richie Condon some man to pull off handicap hurdle success at decent, even long prices. Repeating that achievement at what for him is now nearby Gowran Park when Enchanted Magic, previously unraced, squeezed home in the first race of a seven race card at 20/1 on Saturday afternoon last.
Springing to national prominence following the dual success of Heaven Help Us at both Leopardstown and Cheltenham through February and March of last year, before a decent stint followed Stateside which included winning the American Grand National.
Now back on Irish soil following worrying and lengthy injuries, Richie’s main aim now I’d say would be to get back the ride on the Paul Hennessy Hot Pot. Just right now Danny Mullins can do no wrong. That seven pound claim could be beneficial yet.
Up to Sunday morning last his near neighbour from home, Jonathon Burke, on 52 winners was in a highly respectable 14th place on the British National Hunt jockeys table.
Lest people forget Richie Condon and Jonathon Burke were two thirds of the half forward line on a Catherines county winning U14 hurling team from 2009. Also on it were Shane O’Brien and Eoin Condon, a team managed by Paul Galvin, coached and trained by William Kearney.
Fit Up Theatre Festival
What was a condensed stay concluded on Saturday night with the second and final performance from the Fit Up Theatre Festival. Although one found one’s self getting mildly confused with the roll over of characters Irene Kelleher’s performance was still unique. Imagine being up there on stage for 60 minutes plus and exchanging views with no one but yourself. If you fumble with lines or words the entire momentum of the piece gets broken, even shattered. Not that that was ever going to happen.
Memo to Geoff Gould – please include Ballynoe Hall as a venue for any future plans your might be entertaining.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
T~A Building ~ Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club; Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Tournament games must be played for

So just where are we now? Well in a condensed season taking in mid June until now accommodating pre competitive competitions league and championship over four age group and two codes great credit must go to all clubs in completing their underage programme of games. Now of course various cups for tournament games are put up. There is a reason going with this and every effort should be made that they could and should be honoured. Indeed the under fourteen hurling tournament final for the Albert Griffin cup in Ballynoe on Saturday evening last probably brought the curtain down on the juvenile season. Further up the ranks and a couple of games in group face of the East Cork junior football league cup are still outstanding. Maybe its a little out of sync but latest roll over in the rebels bounty sequence of draws will take place on Friday nigh coming November 19th. So we give you all the details of the latest weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, November 15th. Then we move on.
Numbers drawn were 6, 17, 24 and 25 and the jackpot of €16,400 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were John Morrison c/o H.O.C., Conna, G Warren, Ballybride, Gonna, Pat Hurley c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna; Ann Buckley, Rathdrum, Ballynoe and Kieran Morrison, Conna.
With a jackpot now standing at €16,600 there will be a draw on Monday night, November 22nd.
2021 Albert Griffen Cup final
Wouldn’t have competed in a competitive nature for this particular age group all season relying on what the under thirteen and fifteen had to offer. But in their second decider inside a week lost out in the under fourteen hurling tournament final for the Albert Griffen cup played in dull, overcast albeit dry conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday evening last. Having taken charge of an earlier under fifteen football trial in which rebel óg east Cork defeated Waterford (6-11 to 2-11) Jim Hennessy was double jobbing. Also the referee for what followed.
Catherines made a lively start with Kyle O’Donoghue and Gearoid Sheehan goals forthcoming to ten minutes. Sterling defensive play from Liam Moore, Sam Aherne, Fionn McCready and Conor Murray to which Alan Cotter added a magnificent reflex stop all equally as important in building up a lead of 2-07 to 0-01 and again at 2-11 to 2-04 to the end of the second of what were three twenty minute halves.
But Carrigtwohill were getting stronger as the contest advanced and with Paddy Bennett, Cathal Seymour, Daniel McCarthy and Tom Walsh prominent ground out the win on an end scoreline of 5-09 to 2-12. Brian Sheehan, chairman St Catherines Juvenile gas Club said the few words before Phil O’Brien made the presentation to John Crowley, captain of the winning Carrigtwohill team. It was ironic in a sense as the previous Saturday Catherines were winners of the under fourteen hurling tournament played in Carriogtwohill collecting the Tim O’Shea Cup in the process. Swings and roundabouts!
He was a shoe and boot maker and a hurley and a sliotar repair man. Still remembered if you’re of a certain vintage of being a postman in Ballynoe. he was a lover of and passionate St Catherines follower and a loyal and volatile Cork supporter. One of fourteen vice presidents of the club when passing to his eternal reward on the morning of Sunday, March 13th 2005. We were in Watergrasshill for a junior hurling challenge when the news filtered through. A minutes silence was organised in his memory. Was that year moved on the family put up a perpetual cup, Ensuring his name will live on forever. St Catherines defeated Kilworth in that first under fourteen hurling tournament final played in Ballynoe on Sunday morning October 23rd. At games conclusion then juvenile chairman Richard Hegarty singled out Albert’s contribution over the years with the Griffin family continuing their gaelic duties with St Catherines and other clubs. Keeping the tradition alive. Richard also touching on the friendly alliance between the St Catherines and Kilworth club’s built up over the years,
Then juvenile club treasurer Phil O’Briej, daughter of the deceased presented the magnificent cup to her own son Stephen, captain for the day. Also present were Albert’s wife Rita and her sister Nan (O’Connor), mother of the legendary musician Mo and grandmother of Rory who had played at left half forward. Included on the Kilworth team that morning were Kieran Lane, Noel McNamara and Will Condon. Team captain was Liam Whelan.
Catherines team from 2005 Albert Griffen cup final
Ed Aherne, Conor Lane, Denis Lane, Richard O’Dea, Patrick Roche, Stephen O’Brien, Paul England, Conor Hegarty, Brian Mulcahy, John Hurley, Kevin Walsh (RIP), Rory O’Connor, Stephen Mills, Seamus Wade and Colm Ahern. Also Paddy Lee and William Walsh.
Match referee: Mike Walsh (St Catherines Club).
Scorers in last Saturday’s final
G Sheehan (0-03 frees)(1-03), K O’Donoghue (1-02), J Temple (0-03 frees)(0-05), B McKee and T Clancy (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Alan Cotter, Shane O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Liam Moore, Jake Pratt, Fionn McCready, Sam Aherne, Tristan Clancy, Julian Pietrpaolo, Kyle O’Donoghue, John Temple, Cillian Hickey, Billy McKee, Gearoid Sheehan and Shay Wallace.
Also: Callum O’Driscoll, Sean Walsh and Jaydn O’Connor. Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Fixture
Don’t have anything concrete. But St Catherines must play Ballinacurra in group five of the East Cork junior football league cup competition. Glenville await the winners in the eventual final.
Harty Cup
It’s back and St Colman’s started with the right result. Recording a hugely impressive victory over Blackwater Community School when beginning their Harty Cup campaign in Lismore early on Friday afternoon last. Full back and captain is Kyle Wallace on a team including a fair sprinkling of Catherines players. Fionn O’Connell, Gearoid O’Brien and Harry Draper also making the starting fifteen. Included on the panel would be under sixteen players Kian O’Donoghue, Oísin Fitzgerald and Seán O’Donoghue who sampled the action through the fourth quarter on a team that also has all Ireland minor winners Ben Nyhan and Adam Walsh in their starting line up. Next up shortly will be St Joseph’s of Tulla. While it won’t get any easier for Blackwater who now face Midleton CBS who in Padraig O’Sullivan, Diarmuid Healy, Timothy Will and Jack Leahy among others have some of the most talented underage players around. Anyone following St Catherines juvenile teams over the years would be well aware of that.
Tragedy in Kilkenny
Look you couldn’t deny but that great, traditional rivalries simply enhance this great sport. Sometimes, thankfully not often something inexplicable happens which just defies explanation. Last week their was the freakish accident taking the young life of thirteen year old Harry Byrne from the scenic village of Gowran in St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny. Ar dheis Dé go rabid a h-ainm dhílis.
How going to and from a game outs thinking cap on
You are aware of the current medical climate that previous as you go to and from a match, alone with ones thoughts. There has been numerous occasions post lockdown when maybe a certain meeting can trigger off memory of a previous encounter against your immediate opposition, Let’s elaborate on the point we’re trying to make.
Only three days would pass between a semi-final victory over Carrigtwohillm which to this day one believes to have been better and a tougher game than the subsequent final. That’s just a deep-rooted view. But as that late Conna publican Paddy Roche one declared “I likes a man with an opinion: now one would have the strictest confidence in Garry Hartnett, Ed Galvin, Pat Cleary, Kieran O’Brien, Rory Galvin and Pat Fitzgerald was close to them all year. Both hurling and football though thick and thin. But heading to Ballinacurra on the afternoon of Saturday, September 3rd for the division one rebel óg east minor (under eighteen) hurling championship final and everyone involved with the team would only be too well aware of what can be a savage motivating factor. That is the power of revenge, even the date was the same. St Cartherines had won the corresponding under sixteen final when captained by Mark Geary at Copper Alley Grounds in Youghal on September 3rd 2019. How ironic is that!!! He clearly had blossomed in the interim. Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford and Galway couldn’t curtail him. Now Kiltha Óg would feature Munster minor hurler of the year Jack Leahy in their forward line. Thankfully it all worked out well on the day. As we go back to that sixteen decider as Harry Draper from placed balls pointed all the saints first half scores in establishing a half time lead on a 0-08 to 0-04 scoreline against who were again the pre-match favourites. Tom Hartnett added ti the tally quickly on the change of ends. As the opposition through points from Ciaran Sice and Niall granny duly upped the ante. But were stopped in their tracks with the games only goal right at the end of the third quarter finished off by Sean O’Donoghue to which Cathal Dineen added the score of the match pointing from out near the sideline. Catherines winners on a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-12.
2019 under sixteen winning hurling team
Evan Philpott, Eoghan O’Riordan Gearoid O’Brienm Nathan Sheehan, Mark Geary (team captain), Darragh Galvin, Fionn O’Connell, Conor England, Kyle Wallace, Harry Draper, William Leamy, Cathal Dineen, Denis Temple, Tom Hartnett, Sean O’Donoghue. Subs used were Stephen Cotter and Ben O’Connor, referee was Youghal man Eoin Coleman.
Next week why would an under thirteen hurling semi-final in Cobh in 2018 linger for a long time in the memory afterwards?
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulch Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Lotto jackpot is €17,000


St Catherines weekly lotto draw now has an accumulated jackpot of €17,000. Results of the most recent draw from Monday night last November 29th. Numbers drawn being 1, 20, 26 and 27 and there was no winner of the €16,800 jackpot.
Consolation winners on the night being; Mary and James Burke, Ballynoe, Nuala Tobin, Rathdrum, Ballynoe, Dick Hegarty, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, Conor Kearney, online and Mark Walsh, online.
There is a draw on Monday night, December 6th.
Meeting updates
Look we are all aware of those dreaded figures and the seriousness of the ongoing situation. A news bulletin now is almost a chore to watch. So it’s all virtually a day to day process. We promised you a further update so following a recent meeting of the club executive for now what’s in place is the annual general meeting of the camogie club. Fixed for Ballynoe Hall tonight Thursday, December 2nd at 8pm. Then St Catherines juvenile GAA Club AGM is fixed for Ballynoe Community Hall on Thursday night, December 9th. Thats down for 8pm. Parent club annual general meeting will be in Conna Hall on Friday night, December 10th. Timed for 8.30pm. While Lisa O’Mahony has been confirmed as club representative to Conna Community Council.
Harty Cup
After an impressive display against Blackwater Community School in the previous round, St Colman’s made a disappointing exit losing their Harty Cup second round tie when played in Fermoy on Wednesday afternoon, November 24th last. It finished up at St Colman’s 1-16 St Joseph’s, Tulla 2-16 (after extra time). Catherines panelists were Kyle Wallace (captain), Fionn O’Connell, Gearoid O’Brien, Harry Draper, Sean O’Donoghue, Oisin Fitzgerald and Kian O’Donoghue. Last eight are Thurles CBS, CBC Cork, Ard Scoil Rís, De La Salle, Nenagh CBS, Midleton CBS, Cashel Community School and Tulla. Competition resumes in the new year.
County junior B football championship semi-final 2010
St Catherines began their 2021 county junior B football championbship campaign on the afternoon of Saturday, August 21st at 2pm. Opposition would be Garnish. Clad in that most traditional of green and gold colours we were in the throes of what the big ball could throw at us at the time and a week not starting well when losing to Glendale in the divisional junior B final at Rathcormac on the previous Sunday evening. This is a totally separate competition. Now we travel to historic Kilmichael adorned with two pitches and ample parking space. It was a huge national hurling weekend with the rebels doubly involved. That brings its own complications. You can imagine what happened. Limited with numbers the saints would pose out on an end scoreline of 2-13 to 1-05. There isn’t much or indeed any pub involved in our lives right now but fate decided we were heading to the last chance saloon and a meeting with Kilbrin in the second round at Carigoon under the lights on Friday evening, September 3rd. Over and out (1-06 to 1-04) as indeed is how it materialised in the previous meeting with the team who wear blue and white. So for the purposes of this meeting of St Catherines and Kilbrin in the semi-final of the county junior B football championship it was played in Ballyhooly.
Kilbrin making what was for them the ideal and perfect start. Midfielder Adi Nash gosling a penalty kick in the first minute. As the lead extended itself to 1-06 to 0-02 to the end of the opening quarter and beyond. Catherines were coming more into it. There were points from Billy Carr and Laurence O’Connor in turn before Padraig O’Connor flicked a Damien Fabrell free to the net on twenty six minutes.
However another body blow arrived when Liam Daly added a second opposition goal and a Kilbrin lead on a 2-06 to 1-04 half time scoreline.Excellent eye catching points from Tim O’Connor and William Egan were exchanged early on the change of ends and an Ed Kenneally goal from a subliminal finish arrived too late to rescue the saints. It finished up 2-10 to 2-08 in favour of Kilbrin.
How many remember playing Mitchelstown in a junior football tournament in Grange just outside Fermoy in 2001? We glance back to that when next we’re with you. There are two big meetings upcoming so these reflective reports will have to cease again.
St Catherines line out v Kilbrin 2010
Colm Molloy, Noel Kielthy, John Casey, Stephen O’Brien, James Casey, Ed Kenneally, John Mulcahy, Allan Carr, Damien Farrell, Billy Carr, Padraig O’Connor, Tim O’Connor, Liam O’Connor, Laurence O’Connor (team captain) and Paul Higgins.
Subs used were: Patrick Roche, Shane Cotter and Paul O’Donovan.
Referee: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll).
National master fixtures calendar
Again its a repeat of the outset of this report. But infrastructure must be in place. There has to be a plan as the masters fixtures calendar revealed last week shows the national football league will start on the final week of January.
National hurling league to commence the following weekend, February 5th and 6th with the respective finals pencilled in for early April. Two weeks on from that will see the start of the various senior championships. As you know both Munster and Leinster will revert to hurling round robin. Provincial football championship draws going out live last Saturday afternoon. Cork getting Kerry would be the biggest appeal down south. Newly crowned All-Ireland champions Tyrone face Fermanagh in a pre-qualifier up north. Winners will meet Derry in the subsequent quarter final of the Ulster senior football championship. Galway play London or Leitrim in the west. Looking odds on would be a last four pairing with reigning provincial title holders Mayo in the ensuing semi-final of the Connacht championship. Dublin lay Offaly or Wexford in Leinster. All-Ireland qualifiers could be starting mid-May. Provincial finals on weekending May 28th/29th while Saturday, June 4th is the date for the Leinster senior hurling final. Next day pencilled in for its Munster equivalent. Sunday, July 17th now reserved as All-Ireland hurling final day. If there is to be a replay it will be Saturday, July 30th. All-Ireland football final date is July 23rd/24th with a replay down for Saturday, August 6th.
All to come of course. Coming back into the world we reside in today and for the second successive year there was disappointment for Castlelyons. Losing to Courcey Rovers (1-19 to 1-18), when this year’s premier intermediate hurling championship final was played at Cork GAA headquarters on Saturday evening last. Defeat maybe but another result supplying an indelible pointer to the strength of East Cork hurling. Imokilly based clubs played in five adult club county hurling finals.
Rounding off we saw St Finbarrs regaining the county senior football championship. Success for Mallow in the senior A final. Outside of the county and one would have to take a bow to loughmore on their recent achievements. While what we saw was a clear statement of intent from Ballygunner.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Season winding down

Slowly, grudgingly it closes in, but you must accept the inevitable. It’s a season grinding to a halt and last Sunday’s junior C loss to Bride Rovers signalled a conclusion to what hurling had to offer. Whats left? Still hanging around are one or possibly two games from group five in the East Cork junior football league cup. Any success post lockdown for the club came from the juveniles. Claiming another trophy for the cabinet with the winning of the four team under fourteen hurling blitz at Carrigtwohill on Saturday evening last. One other underage tournament might be played. Reports too follow. But first results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, November 8th.
Numbers drawn were 4, 18, 28 and 30 and there was no winner of the €16,200 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being John Barrett, Ballynoe; Adam and Jessica O’Brien, Carrigmore, Conna, St Catherines Camogie Club; Suzanne Murphy, online and Eimear D c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna.
There will be a draw on Monday night, November 15th with a jackpot now standing at €16,400.
Match report
Round two group two East Cork Oil sponsored East Cork junior C hurling championship
St Catherines 1-10 Bride Rovers 1-18
An early beginning on the morning of Sunday, September 26th being grateful to a positive start with the saints surviving a formidable Kiltha Óg recovery before claiming the division one rebel óg east under fifteen hurling championship final. Board chairperson Áine O’Leary presenting the winning trophy to successful captain Diarmuid O’Donovan. Conditions worsened returning from Ballinacurra and Pat Hartigan for the quarter-final of the county junior B football championship. The quarter final of the county junior B football championship. Yet in a real topsy turvy kind of a day incredibly it had dried up again in returning to Ballynoe for the pairing of St Catherines and Bride Rovers in the group stages of the East Cork junior C hurling championship.
An interval deficit for the saints whittled down to a minimum one point margin seven minutes into the second half when Bride Rovers forward David Burke picked up a worrying back injury. Clearly in distress and despite the best attention of Eleanor Galvin, John O’Meara and Michelle Kearney referee James Daly was under no illusions. Calling a halt to proceedings. A premature end to what already had been a long day. Some players from that game subsequently played junior B and the backdrop this rearranged fixture would further change when the same two teams reassembled for a round two group two tie in the divisional junior C hurling championship again at Ballynoe on Sunday last at mid-day.
Compared to very recent visits to Kildorrery and Newtownshandrum conditions were idyllic for this refixture. Leon O’Flynn and John Mulcahy exchanged points as did the ageless Michael Hegarty and Jerome O’Driscoll as the opposition with more of the play were enjoying an interval advantage on a 0-12 to 0-05 scoreline.
But were pegged back momentarily when the reliable Evan Philpott goaded a free seven minutes into the second half. Craig O’Callaghan though was able to keep the scoreboard ticking over and James Barry finished off the crucial and match winning goal on fifty six minutes. At games conclusion aforementioned David Burke thanked everyone for previous services rendered. Before team captain Seamus Kearney thanked the mentors and all backroom staff for their unfailing help.
Scorers: E Philpott (1-05 frees), J Mucalhy and M Hegarty (0-02 each) and N O’Brien (0-01).
St Catherines team: Ed Aherne, Dave Wallace, James Casey, Ger Leahy, Brian Twomey, Seamus Kearney (team captain), Maurice Dineen, Luke Beecher, John Mulcahy, Shane Walsh, Noel O’Brien, Evan Philpott, William McAuliffe, Adam O’Brien and Michael Hegarty. Also: Jim Lane.
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Juvenile news
Under fourteen hurling tournament
Not involved with this particular age group all year as players were being catered for at thirteen and fifteen level as success duly arrived for the saints. Three wins in turn recorded over Erins Own (2-13 to 0-05), Cobh (4-05 to 2-02) and host venue Carrigtwohill (2-05 to 0-05) meant outright success from the under fourteen hurling tournament for the Tim O’Shea cup when played on Saturday afternoon last. All matches played were of thirty minutes duration. Fifteen minutes a side and winning captain on the day was Shay Wallace. Tournament referees were Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg) and Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Full players of players
Alan Cotter, Shane O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Sam Aherne, Jake Pratt, James Kenneally, Julian Pietropaolo, Fionn McCreedy, Tristan Clancy, Kyle O’Donoghue, John Temple, Cillian Hickey, Billy McKee, Gearoid Sheehan, Shay Wallace (captain), Liam Moore, Jaydn O’Connor, Cathal Barry, Liam Kilmartin and Callum O’Driscoll.
Selectorial changes to inter county teams and provinces revert to round robin senior hurling championship
It was a week that saw quite a few selectorial changes introduced with various Cork inter county teams.
Carrigtwohill based St Vincents man is now confirmed as Keith Ricken takes over from Ronan McCarthy in the role of county senior football manager. A ten that will be coached by Castlehaven’s John O’Leary with other ex inter county players Micheál Ó Cronin and James Loughrey included as mentors. As is Ray Keane, brother of Peter Keane ex kingdom manager. While two new selectors Pat Mulcahy and ex inter county minor manager Noel Furlong are now included on the senior hurling setup. There is the return of Gary Keegan as performance coach. Stephen Casey is new strength and conditioning coach.
Bobbie O’Dwyer from the Urban club, deep down in the west of this great county will now be under twenty football manager. To be ably assisted by Nemo Rangers duo, Billy Morgan and James Masters. With Donal O’Mahony taking charge of the equivalent hurling squad along with Tom Kenny and ex Imokilly dynamo Fergal ‘Rasper’ Condon. To be honest not really sure but assuming that Michael O’Brien to be Cork minor football manager. While following a mesmeric reign as county senior camogie manager in which time four All Ireland senior titles were claimed and now Paudie Murray will reincarnate himself as minor hurling manager with a backroom team that will include his brother Kevin, who is also very highly regarded in training and coaching circles.
Just touching on a few issues kind of casually looking from the outside in. Things that come into the head. Donal Mulcahy brother of new inter county senior selector Pat, was on the line with his club in that recent under sixteen premier two under sixteen hurling championship tie against the saints. As were Robert Troy and Jamie Coughlan.
While Oliver O’Sullivan is also a selector with the county under twenty football squad. St Catherines encountered his club garnish this year. Their first round county, junior B football championship tie played at famed Kilmichael on a Saturday afternoon in mid-August. They only recently made their exit from the competition when losing out to Randal Óg at county semi-final stage. Ironically like Newtownshandrum wearing their traditional green and gold colours.
Now Kieran Kingston and his newly revamped backroom team must prepare their charges as Munster and indeed Leinster revert to the round robin provincial senior hurling championship. Home games for the rebels against Limerick and Clare. They will be on the road to face both Waterford and Tipperary. Those games could easily commence mid to late April with the All-Ireland final itself pencilled in for mid July.
This years all star football and hurling teams will be revealed on December 9th/10th. Before that the all star camogie teams with St Catherines and county play Laura Hayes receiving a nomination is to be announced on the night of November 26th.
Racing success
I was flicking through the racing results from Thurles on Thursday evening last and delighted to see twelve year old all All The Chimneys trained by Ballynoe native Leonard Flynn a 20/1 winner of a two and a quarter mile handicap chase. You always feel a sense of achievement when a local boy does good. Always associated Leonard with the Moneygall/Cloughjordan area. Not sure where he is based now.
Leonard scored a vital goal when the saints defeated Dungourney in the 1999 East Cork minor B hurling championship final at Castlelyons.
Incidentally under fifteen player Shane Cotter recently spent a never to be forgotten week at Jackdaws Castle where he was allowed to get up close to a number of John Joe’s stable stars.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulchahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Latest Rebels` Bounty and weekly lotto details

Rebel’s Bounty
Well it’s over and done with now, with the latest Rebel’s Bounty Draw from Thursday night last revealing a first prize of €20,000 heading for Clonakilty, and no success from the October instalment coming to St Catherines Club. On we go with the next draw due in a few short weeks. As you are probably aware, in and around Christmas carries a first prize of €25,000 with a bumper prize of €100,000 also being given away in the December draw. Mouth-watering!
Latest Weekly Lotto Results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, November 1st. Numbers drawn being 2, 21, 24 and 28 and the €16,000 jackpot wasn’t won.
Consolation winners were: Pat Clancy (Monagown, Gonnam), Katie, Olivia, James and Eoin Hegarty (Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Pascak Passaquay, online), Dawn, Sara and Tristen Clancy (Kilclare, Conna) and James Aherne, (West Street, Tallow).
There will be a draw on Monday night, November 8th jackpot €16,200.
Juvenile Dominated Weekend
After those details we take to the pitch and it was a weekend dominated by underage activities. In our living rooms we’ve seen deciders settled like this, the excitement it brings raising a notch each time.
Last Saturday afternoon, St Catherines lost out to Mitchelstown on penalties. Sixty minutes plus a further twenty had failed to separate two evenly matched teams. Catherines losing 4-3 in the shoot-out, at the conclusion to the Division Two Rebel Og North Under Fifteen football championship final.
With a number of this squad then heading for Newtownshandrum on the Sunday for County Premier Two Under Sixteen hurling championship. Let’s just say conditions weren’t the best in deciding a contest very much in the balance right up to the final five minutes. Still it takes two to tango!
Bride Rovers are going great in the County senior A hurling championship. They play Urhan in the County junior A football championship this time around. Also this upcoming weekend meeting St Catherines in a rearranged group match in the East Cork junior C hurling championship. Ok brief match reports to follow so read on.
Fixture
Sunday, November 7th at Ballynoe round two group two junior C hurling championship v Bride Rovers at 12.00pm, rearranged.
Juvenile Notes
Division Two Rebel Og North Under Fifteen Football Championship Final
St Catherines 5-08 (5-05) Mitchelstown 4-11 (5-08)
After Twenty Minutes Extra Time Mitchelstown Win 4-3 On Penalties
Talk about excitement and do you know what? It’s hard to know where would you start with the final of the Division Two Rebel Og North Under Fifteen football championship, when played in sunny conditions at Fermoy early on Saturday afternoon last. A plethora of significant early scores. Shane Cotter on target as early as sixty seconds for the Saints. Likewise with English for the opposition, who were marginally shading it on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-06 to 3-01.
Talk about making an immediate impression, Jack Hickey one of three substitutes introduced to block goals in the first minute of the changeover. Impact immediately minimalised, as Conor Walsh completes a hattrick of ‘Town goals in reply and Mitchelstown maintain a five point advantage at 4-07 to 4-02.
To the second water break and onto the fifty minute mark. It was always dangerous and ever threatening John Temple reigniting the Saints challenge, with a fifth goal and allied to a trio of Diarmuid O’Connell pointed frees, would see this most exciting of juvenile deciders go to extra time on a score-line of 5-05 to 4-08.
Ciaran Pietropaolo found the range for the saints, successful in the regular group game at the opponents venue just seven weeks previous, but alas on this occasion two evenly matched teams not for separating in what was the most sporting of juvenile finals. Harrison Conway was the goal scoring hero in the match deciding penalty kick session. As board treasurer Patsy O’Mahony presented the winning cup to successful Mitchelstown captain Eoin Brenock.
Disappointment for the Saints. Sure they wouldn’t be human otherwise. But they will bounce back safe in the knowledge they have a Division One hurling title duly collected in the East.
Scorers: J Temple (2-01), C Pietropaolo (1-02), D O’Connell (0-05 frees), S Cotter and J Hickey (1-0 each).
St Catherines team: Jake Bryan, Cian Dunning, Evan O’Driscoll, Conor Murray, Timmy Barry, Ciaran Leahy, Cian McCarthy (team captain), Conor Hayes, Dylan Murphy, Shane Cotter, Diarmuid O’Connell, Cillian Hickey, John Temple, Ciaran Pietropaolo and Gearoid Sheehan. Subs: Jake Pratt, Adam Bryan and Jack Hickey for Conor Murray, Cillian Hickey and Gearoid Sheehan (all second half). Fionn McCready for Jack Hickey (77’). Also: Sam Aherne, Shay Wallace and Gearoid O’Callaghan McCarthy.
Referee: Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).

Rebels` Bounty draw tonight - lotto jackpot now €16,000


Tonight, Thursday 28th sees the latest instalment when the October roll over of the Rebels Bounty series of draws goes ahead. Here’s hoping!
Most Recent Lotto Results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw held on bank holiday Monday night last, October 25th. Numbers drawn being 3, 11, 16 and 26 and the jackpot of €15,800 wasn’t won.
Consolation winners on the night were: Sean Cronin, Ballydorgan, Kate, Olivia, James and Eoin Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Mce, Hartnett Tallow, Dave O’Regan, Cullinagh, Ballynoe and Billy Neville, Ballynoe.
Next lotto draw on Monday night, November 1st now has an accumulated jackpot of €16,000.
Weekend Reprise
Moving on from those details, so what actually happened on the field of play? For the third time Carrigtwohill defeated the Saints in a competitive fixture this season. Eliminating St Catherines from the action, following their divisional junior B hurling championship semi-final when played at Copper Alley Grounds in Youghal early on Sunday afternoon last.
Two more juvenile divisional titles were claimed, proving too strong and pacey for Charleville in the Division one Rebel Og North Under Seventeen hurling championship final, played on what was a miserable Saturday evening in Kildorrery. A championship double for this squad of players. Adding to the Division three football title claimed in the east from a final played in Whitechurch on the previous Sunday morning.
Also there was compensation for the Saints. Beaten by Aghada in the Division one Rebel Og East Under Thirteen hurling league final at Ballinacurra on the morning of Saturday, October 16th. But the Saints would return to the winners circle, with an emphatic success over Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels in the Division Three Rebel Og North Under Thirteen football league final, when played in Castletownroche early on Sunday morning last. Brief match report to follow. Now read on.
Action On The Field Of Play
Semi-Final East Cork Oil Sponsored East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship
Carrigtwohill 5-11 St Catherines 1-11
No questions can be asked now. There was sizeable league cup defeat, played in that excruciating heat prevailing on the evening of Sunday, July 25th. And a four point loss from a round two group three fixture in the earlier stages of this competition, when played in Dungourney in the middle of last month. Carrigtwohill would confirm their superiority in the semi-final of the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Billed all week for Killeagh, but late in the day it was relocated to Copper Alley Grounds in Youghal and played at 2pm on Sunday afternoon last.
Mark Geary and Owen O’Neill were hurling their hearts out for the Saints, but a duo of goals on either side of the water break from the always dangerous Luke Kelly O’Reagan, would have Carrigtwohill ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 2-04 to 0-08. Ed Kenneally picking out Conor Kearney to finish off the pick of the first half scores for the Saints.
It was 3-06 to 0-09 to thirty nine minutes, but sixty seconds later the Saints were able to grasp a lifeline.
Ronan Clancy goaling a penalty. Cathal Dineen, who initially won the free and Niall O’Regan were also on target and a still seemingly competitive championship outing now had it at 3-09 to 1-10 to forty seven minutes Adrian Browne and Peadar Downey had late goals. There would be no comeback from that.
Carrigtwohill will now play either Aghada or Bride Rovers in this year’s East Cork junior B hurling championship final.
Scorers: R Clancy (1-00 penalty)(0-08 frees)(1-08), C Kearney, C Dineen and N O’Regan (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Eoin Shehan, Stephen O’Brien, Ed Kenneally, Darragh Galvin, Shane O’Regan, Kierna Neville, Mark Geary, James Hayes, Owen O’Neill, Conor England, Conor Kearney, Ronan Clancy (team captain), William Leamy, Niall O’Regan and Cathal Dineen.
Subs: Peter Ryan for Darragh Galvin (29’) and Tom Hartnett for Conor England (47’).
Referee: James Hennessy (Dungourney).
Another Weekend Of Intense Juvenile Activity
Division One Rebel Og North Under Seventeen Hurling Championship Final
St Catherines 2-17 Charleville 1-07
A halcyon seven days for this squad of players, as the Saints again proved their worth when proving much too strong in the Division One Rebel Og North Under Seventeen hurling championship final, on Saturday evening last. Adding to the Division Three Rebel Og East football championship, won in Whitechurch the previous weekend.
St Catherines won in Whitechurch the previous weekend. St Catherines this time around playing in their first choice strip and with the conditions in their favour, started in a positive manner. But they would see all their good early work undone, when somewhat against the run of play, DJ Collins raced through and finished off an opportunistically taken goal and Charleville were back in the ball game at 1-01 to 0-04 at the initial water break, on sixteen minutes as the floodlights were sensibly turned on.
Team captain Kyle Wallace was leading the line well and any indiscretions were duly punished, when the Saints were able to take their first vital grip on proceedings. Sean O’Donoghue as he so well can, skilfully making the required space for himself, before crashing in a well taken goal to make it 1-08 to 1-03 on twenty six minutes. There was the outstanding defending of Oisín Fitzgerald and Fionn O’Connell. At the other end Ciaran Leamy was causing problems. Gearoid O’Brien, Kian O’Donoghue and Darragh Morrison had points on the board, with the Saints ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-11 to 1-04.
That all important second goal, was finished off by Cathal Sheehan on forty minutes and with the weather if anything getting worse, as we had been forewarned about, Catherines were very much in the driving seat. Like he did in the group match at the opponents venue back in early July, Diarmuid O’Connell again had to be focused between the posts. Brave and alert with a reassuring third quarter block, full forward Stephen Cotter added on a snappy point against a Charleville team, very reliant on David Forde for scores from placed balls. Time ran out and that was it. Mighty stuff, with Peter Waton, Rebel Og making the presentation to Kyle Wallace.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-08 frees)(0-09), S O’Donoghue (1-02), C Sheehan (1-00), G O’Brien (0-03), D Morrison, S Cotter and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Diarmuid O’Connell, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Oisin Fitzgerald, Nathan Sheehan, Cathal McAuliffe, Fionn O’Connell, Ben O’Connor, Darragh Morrison, Gearóid O’Brien, Cathal Sheehan, Kyle Wallace (team captain), Kian O’Donoghue, Sean O’Donoghue, Stephen Cotter and Ciaran Leamy. Subs: Dylan “Chips” Murphy for Ciaran Leamy (46’), Cian McCarthy for Ciaran Pietropaolo (50’), Conor Hayes for Cathal Sheehan (54’), Timmy Barry for Kian O’Donoghue (59’) and Evan O’Driscoll for Ben O’Connor (60’).
Referee: Davy Farrell Snr. (Mitchelstown).
Division Three Rebel Og North Under Thirteen Football League Final
St Catherines 5-15 Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels 1-09
Compensation of sorts for the Saints, losing out in the Division One Rebel Og East hurling league final at Ballincurra eight days previous, but on this occasion were very much the dominant force. Proving too strong for Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels in the Division Three Rebel Og North Under Thirteen football league final, when played at 12.00 midday on Sunday last, in Castletownroche.
Laying the foundation with an influential opening half display, building up a sizeable interval advantage on a scoreline of 4-09 to 0-03. Keeping the momentum going and with twenty players tasting the actiin, the Saints were the clear and comprehensive victors at the finish. Catherine Nash made the presentation to team captain James Kenneally. It saw a fifth divisional title coming to St Catherines in what has been a condensed season.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (3-02), A Cotter (0-04 frees)(0-07), J Pietropaolo (1-00 penalty)(1-03), E O’Mahony (1-00), T Clancy (0-02) and C Barry (0-01).
St Catherines team: Jayden O’Connor, Ronan Hickey, Shane O’Donoghue, Callum O’Driscoll, Sean Walsh, James Kenneally (team captain), Liam Moore, Julian Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, Billy McKee, Tristan Clancy, Cathal Barry, Eoghan O’Mahony, Kyle O’Donoghue and Shay McCarthy. Also: Liam Kilmartin, Cathal Higgins, James O’Connor, Tadg Walsh, Tomás Morrison and Billy O’Connor.
Ref: Davy Farrell (Mitchelstown).
Juvenile Fixtures
Saturday, October 30th: Division Two Rebel Og North Under Fifteen football championship final v Mitchelstown at 1.00pm venue is Fermoy. Sunday, October 31st : Round One County Premier Two Under Sixteen hurling championship v Shandrum at 2pm in Newtownshandrum.
Parent Club Fixtures
Nothing definite, but there are still junior C hurling championship and football league cup matches to be played.
Intercounty Championships
It seems like the destination of this year’s respective intercounty championships, has only just been settled and still very much in the memory. Hard to argue with that. Yet two major developments from last weekend like a bolt from the blue, have firmly put the focus on what’s coming around the corner.
A kind of can’t wait moment, we knew that special congress re: those proposed changes to the football structure were coming. A brief reflection when we’re back with you, but surely all that has been usurped, by the sudden appointment of Kilkenny stalwart Henry Shefflin as the new Galway senior hurling manager. Just look at his list of achievements in the game. Three times player of the year, thirteen provincial senior medals, ten All-Ireland’s that followed eleven all-stars. Galway did win out the championship in 2017, but you always feel they underachieve. Surely King Henry will get that out of them.
Closer to home and Orla Cotter remains the most successful exponent of the game at local club level. Four league medals to which can be added to ten Munster and seven All-Ireland senior medals. In early November 2018, Orla Cotter was the recipient of a sixth camogie all-star award. Also nominated in the player of the year category, with the award that year going to Kilkenny centre back Anne Dalton.
Now the torch has been relit, with club and county player Laura Hayes receiving an all-star nomination, for a team that will be revealed towards the end of November. We wish her the very best of luck.
Death of Two More Cultural Icons
It was a week which saw the passing of two more cultural icons with the deaths of poets Máire Mac an Tsaoi and Brendan Kennelly.
Clocks Go Back
Wouldn’t want you missing that match now, so just beware clock’s go back one hour on the week-ending 30th/31st October.
St Catherines GAA Club Sponsors
T~A, Buiding and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Another juvenile title claimed

Well what a weekend that was, and another one coming up I hear you say! Belatedly St Catherines made their entry with a narrow home loss in the divisional junior C hurling championship. What is now a really tight juvenile programme saw another title claimed with the Saints also advancing to the division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship final.
Lotto
Brief match reports coming up as we fill you in with the details of the latest weekly lotto draw held on Monday night last, October 18. Numbers drawn 2, 11, 27 and 32 and the €15600 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were: D Mills, Ballynoe; Andrew Dowling, online; Fiona Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe; Liam Walsh c/o Conna P.O, and Meabh Mulcahy, Bouita, Ballynoe, online. Next lotto draw now with an accumulated €15800 jackpot will take place at 9pm on bank holiday Monday night, October 25.
Club action on the field
Round 3 group 2 East Cork Oil sponsored East Cork junior C hurling championship
St Catherines 2-11 Lisgoold 1-18
With the previous fixture blown up prematurely due to an injury to an opposition player, St Catherines eventually kickstarted their campaign in the divisional junior C hurling championship, under lights at Ballynoe on last Saturday night last.
Making a satisfactory start, with Noel O’Brien on the lead goal on four minutes. Shane Walsh quickly tagged on a point, but parity was restored following a Declan O’Brien goal on eleven minutes. Thereafter a half dominated by the free taking exploits of Patrick Kelly and Evan Philpott with Lisgoold marginally shading it on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-07 to 1-06, and again at 1-10 to 1-07 at thirty five minutes.
Evan Philpott tied it all up again with the equalising goal from a placed ball. Cathal Dinneen and Brendan Flynn were on target for their respective teams, with Lisgoold finishing just that bit stronger. St Catherines must still play Bride Rovers in a soon to be rearranged fixture. Next up is the junior B hurling championship semi-final against Carrigtwohill this coming weekend.
Scorers: E Philpott (1-08 frees) (1-09), N O’Brien (1-06), S Walsh and C Dineen (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, John Casey, James Casey, D Lane, S Kearney (team captain), J Mulcahy, M Dineen, C Dineen, L Beecher, N O’Brien, A O’Brien, E Philpott, W McAuliffe, S Walsh and B Twomey. Subs: M Hearty for N O’Brien (25’), J `Junior` Sheehan for W McAuliffe (40’) and G Leahy for John Casey (48’). Also J Lane. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
A busy juvenile programme of matches starts with the final division 3 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship.
St Catherines 1-10 Whitechurch 1-09
You know the old saying about saving the best wine ‘til last! So it proved as the week advanced, and we became aware following a toss of a coin that this 13 a-side division 3 U17 football championship final was going to Whitechurch on Sunday morning last. A venue that seems to have further elevated itself following each passing visit.
In subliminal late autumn sunshine, referee Chris Broderick throwing in the O’Neills exactly on the scheduled starting time of 11am. What was to unfold was the most exciting of contests. Easily the best of a four match programme attended last weekend. Once again giving strength to the belief, even the theory, that the best games go with an intense - and this year anyway - condensed juvenile programme.
Three times two evenly matched teams were together through the opening exchanges. Including at 0-04, each to twenty one minutes, when an ominous Sean O’Donoghue cross at the face of goal delivery was flashed to the net by an alert Kieran Kelleher. Setting up a half-time lead in favour of the Saints, touch tight Nathan Sheehan defending, all helping with the scoreline standing at 1-05 to 0-05.
Half forward Ben Carroll was providing a thorn in the Saints’ rearguard. A return of 1-03 to which Cian O’Dwyer added a further point saw the opposition now marginally shading it and ahead at 1-08 to 1-07 to the second water break. Up and down the pitch, non-stop action, demanding as a 13 a-side competition can be. Oisín Fitzgerald, Kyle Wallace and substitute Conor Hayes getting in some telling blows, as two teams in changed alternative strips were level for a seventh time over the hour at 1-09 a piece to fifty eight minutes.
Prospects and thoughts of extra time looking large, when impressive substitute fifteen year old Ciaran Pietropaolo stuck a vital point, only after a heroic goal line Fionn O’Connell clearance at the other end was it to prove the winning score. Fitting then as captain of the team that he was the recipient of the winning trophy. Presentation made by John Buckley, secretary Rebel Óg East.
No time to wallow in success. This weekend coming the Saints face Charleville in the division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship final, a decider pencilled in for Kildorrery.
Scorers: K Kelleher (1-01), K Wallace (0-01 free) (0-04), O Fitzgerald (0-01 free) (0-03), C Hayes and C Pietropaolo (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: William O’Driscoll, Darragh Morrison, Nathan Sheehan, Ben O’Connor, Fionn O’Connell (team captain), Cathal McAuliffe, Kian O’Donoghue, Oisín Fitzgerald, Cathal Sheehan, Kyle Wallace, Stephen Cotter, Kieran Kelleher and Sean O’Donoghue. Subs: Ciaran Pietropaolo for Stephen Cotter (second half), Conor Hayes and Gearoid O’Brien for Cathal Sheehan and Kieran Kelleher (both 48’), Jimmy Barry for Ben O’Connor (57’) and Dylan “Chips” Murphy for Cathal McAuliffe (59’). Referee: Chris Broderick (Na Piarsaigh).
Final division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league
St Catherines 3-04 Aghada 2-16
It had been level to the initial weather break and beyond. Following a Tristan Clancy goal, St Catherines were momentarily ahead at 1-04 to 1-03 to seventeen minutes. Adam Lewis quickly replied for the opposition and were into a lead they wouldn’t surrender when this division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league final went ahead at 10.30am in Ballinacurra on Saturday morning last.
Aghada were ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-06 to 1-04. But Catherines made the better start on the changeover. Team captain Kyle O’Donoghue with the vital touch and the deficit was instantly trimmed to two points within sixty seconds of the change of ends. But thereafter a physically more powerful opposition, favoured by the conditions, completely took over. Scoring nine points without reply in an unanswered eighteen minute spell, most of them finished off by the accuracy of Tom Walsh from placed balls. Alan Cotter goaled a free very near the end, but it was a score of a consolation nature.
At the game’s conclusion Michael Mulby, board treasurer and resident of Aghada presenting the winning cup to Richard Keely. While St Catherines are in the division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league final this upcoming weekend.
Scorers: A Cotter (1-02 frees) (1-04), T Clancy and K O’Donoghue (1-00 each). St Catherine’s team: Tadg Walsh, Ronan Hickey, Shane O’Donoghue, Callum O’Driscoll, Billy McKee, James Kenneally, Liam Moore, Alan Cotter, Julian Pietropaolo. Jaydn O’Connor, Kyle O’Donoghue (team captain), Sean Walsh, Cathal Barry, Tristan Clancy and Eoghan O’Mahony. Subs: Liam Kilmartin for Cathal Barry (41’), Shay McCarthy for Eoghan O’Mahony (50), Cathal Higgins for Billy McKee (54’) and Billy O’Connor for Jaydn O’Connor (56’). Also Tomas Morrison. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Semi-final division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship
St Catherines 4-12 Charleville 2-06
St Catherines lead 2-04 to 0-05 at the interval, yet following a full length sprawling Jake Bryan stop, it was Billy Kiely on hand to goal the breaking ball, and the margin was down to two points just five minutes into the second half of the semi-final of the Rebel Óg North U15 football championship, when played in Ballynoe on Saturday evening last.
But in fairness the home based team responded to the challenge. Goals from Shane Cotter and Conor Hayes allied to well taken Ciaran Pietropaolo and Diarmuid O’Connell points further extending the margin. Jack McCarthy and Christian O’Gorman were also prominent for Charleville, but the Saints had that final place secured.
Scorers: S Cotter (2-02), C Pietropaolo (1-04), D O’Connell (0-04 frees) (0-05) and C Hayes (1-01). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, C Murray, T Barry, C Leamy, C McCarthy (team captain), C Hayes, D Murphy, S Cotter, D O’Connell, A Bryan, J Temple, C Pietropaolo and G Sheehan. Subs: C Hickey for G Sheehan (second half), J Pratt for C Murray (43’), J Hickey for A Bryan (45’), S Wallace for S Cotter (47’) and S Aherne for C Dunning (50’). Referee: John O’Brien (Mitchelstown).
Upcoming fixture list – still busy
Saturday, October 23: Division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league final v Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels at Castletownroche, 12 noon. Sunday, October 24 East Cork junior B hurling championship v Carrigtwohill at 2pm. Venue tbc.
Recent sad deaths in the music susiness
One couldn’t let the occasion pass without making reference to sad recent deaths in the Irish traditional music business. He featured in a number of programmes through the seventies and eighties, and most notably “The Pure Drop” and “The Green Linnet” and although he hadn’t been in the best of health, sadly came the departure of gifted and stylish Clare born box player Tony McMahon.
All eyes were on the Budget, but now with the progress of time Tuesday, October 12 might be more remembered as the day legendary uileann piper Paddy Moloney passed on. In 1960, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist started playing in Ceoltoiri Chualann, a tradition group led by composer Sean O’Riada and also included Eamon De Buitlear. Soon came The Chieftains. While in the mid-sixties to early seventies, he was a manager of a company called Claddagh Records.
One of his greatest strengths and skills was his ability to mingle with other musical genres, be it opera, country or rock and rolls, Paddy wouldn’t be overawed and mixed with and was sought out by the best of them. Just look at this for a list of contemporaries he worked with – Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti, Dolly Parton, Ry Cooder, Marianne Faithful, Tom Jones, Nanci Griffith, Sting, Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison and Madonna. Follow that!
Nominated eighteen times, The Chieftains collected six Grammy Awards. They were recipients of Emmys and Genies and won an Oscar for their work on ‘Barry Lyndon’, they were also involved in the soundtrack of ‘Braveheart’. They played for Queen Elizabeth II on her official visit, and after being spotted in Matt Molloy’s pub in Westport were sought out for Joe Biden’s inauguration. However for obvious reasons that didn’t happen and they couldn’t travel.
An organisation labelled the ‘Irish Traditional Musical Archive’ declared few people can lay claim to having the level of impact Paddy Moloney had on the vibrancy of traditional musical throughout the world. As the baton now surely passes to Jackie Daly, Paddy Glackin, Davy Spillane, Martin Hayes, Sharon Shannon and a whole string of other stars. Isn’t that how is should be?
Clocks go back
Just be on the alert for clocks going back one hour, on the week ending October 30/31.

St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Intermediate hurlers go out on score difference

Round 3 Group 3 Co-Op Superstores sponsored Lower Intermediate Hurling Championship
St Catherines 1-11 Ballygarvan 1-16
A week previously the maths worked out. But this time on scoring difference our team made their championship exit following a five point loss to Ballygarvan when this round 3 lower intermediate hurling championship tie was played in sunny conditions at Rathcormac on Saturday afternoon last. All that after making the perfect start. Eoin Condon’s goal bound effort adjudged to have crossed the line for the lead score and first of the game as early as the second minute. Couldn’t have asked for better than that. But Ballygarvan didn’t let it upset them and responded well to such an early and negative setback. Cormac Dowd, both from frees and general play, allied to well taken efforts from Donald O’Sullivan on either side of the initial water break had them ahead at 0-08 to 1-02 to twenty four minutes.
A sweetly struck Matthew Mulcahy delivery skilfully and accurately picked out Brian Mulcahy to point a beauty, reducing the deficit with the margin standing on an interval scoreline of 0-09 to 1-04.
Catherines were enjoying their share of third quarter possession but the only real response was through Eoin Davis from placed balls. A Gary White goal on forty two minutes was a sickener and real killer blow. Conor Hegarty from the sideline and a second Thomas O’Donnell point had it 1-12 to 1-09 to the three quarter mark. But the opposition were on top and further points from Ray O’Halloran and Dan McCarthy followed. Bottom line would be by one point Catherines were out of this year’s lower intermediate hurling championship. On the other side Milford were getting the better of Barryroe and they now join Ballygarvan in the knockout stages.
Scorers: E Davis (0-07 frees), E Condon (1-00), T O’Donnell (0-02), B Mulcahy and C Hegarty (sideline cut) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: Cathal Leahy, Philip Keane, Eoin Wallace, Liam O’Connor, Eoghan O’Riordan, Shane O’Brien (team captain), Matthew Mulcahy, Thomas O’Donnell, Shane Cotter, Brian Mulcahy, Aaron Neville, Rory Galvin, Eoin Davis, Brian Davis, Eoin Condon. Subs: Conor Hegarty for Aaron Neville (second half), Kevin Barry for Brian Davis (44’), James Neville for Philip Keane (51’), Patrick O’Neill for Eoin Condon (60’). Referee: Cathal Egan (Clyda Rovers).
Quarter final East Cork Oil sponsored East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship
St Catherines 0-12 Youghal 1-07
Defeat had been the end result from the group stages of the competition against the same opposition over the last two years. But thankfully on this occasion we were able to rectify matters, turn it around and recorded a hard earned though fully deserved slender two point success from this divisional junior B hurling championship quarter-final when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Sunday evening last.
That said, Youghal were narrowly ahead 0-04 to 0-03 at the interval in a clear, low scoring contest before Barry Ring stretched it out marginally with the game’s only goal just ninety seconds into the second half. But the Saints responded. Eoin Sheehan was brave between the sticks. Doing everything he was asked to do. There were those lengthy clearances from Stephen O’Brien at corner back and fellow defenders Darragh Galvin and Mark Geary were regularly on the ball. With Ronan Clancy very dependable both from frees and general play it was all tied up for the sixth time over the hour at 0-08 to 1-05 to forty three minutes.
Sweetly struck Owen O’Neill and Conor Kearney points helped secure the required result and what was by and large a disappointing weekend and with a third team still to sample action, there is a lot of hurling to be played yet.
Scorers: R Clancy (0-06 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-08), N O’Regan, C England, O O’Neill and C Kearney (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, S O’Brien, E Kenneally, D Galvin, S O’Regan, K Neville, M Geary, J Hayes, O O’Neill, C England, R Clancy, C Kearney, W Leamy, N O’Regan, T Hartnett. Subs: R O’Connell for T Hartnett (48’), H Draper for J Hayes (58’). Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Camogie
Three weeks on from a three point victory over them and a subsequent win over Carbery yet at the second time of asking Seandún proved too strong, overcoming the Saints on a 1-15 to 0-05 scoreline in the quarter-final of the SE Systems county senior camogie championship when played in sunny conditions at Castle Road in Mahon on Sunday evening last.
Juvenile notes - Paddy Sheehan Cup Final
In a broken, fractured yet understandably condensed juvenile playing season we’ve had our early starts. Like that recent division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league semi-final. There were those Féile na Peil eliminators in Kilworth towards the end of August. Starting our life twenty eight summers ago as a four team minor hurling tournament. Then it began to lapse and wasn’t played for at all on a few occasions. Then under Paul Davis as juvenile chairman and Ed Galvin as team manager it resurrected itself through the mid to late noughties as an U12 tournament up to 2019. For obvious reasons it wasn’t played for last year. So to Saturday morning and the last four teams gathered for the 2021 instalment of the Paddy Sheehan Cup. Now played in blitz format with each game of twenty minutes duration, ten minutes a side, as an U11 hurling tournament. St Catherines edging out Castlelyons in the first match played. Getting underway just after 10am. Further victories over Aghada and Killeagh ensued. This setting up a repeat pairing of St Catherines and Castlelyons in the eventual decider. Ahead at 3-04 to 1-02 at the break with Catherines eventually winning out on an end scoreline of 5-05 to 1-03. Kian O’Donoghue taking charge of the group games. Final itself was refereed by Darragh Morrison. Saints’ mentors were Paul Higgins, Mike Walsh and Tom Morrison. Killeagh finished third in the competition and received their medals from Lisa Moore secretary St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club. Chairman Brian Sheehan gave us a brief insight into who Paddy Sheehan was. First ever treasurer of the St Catherines Club in 1946 would be a highlight. Then he presented the medals to the victorious St Catherine’s panel. Then the cup was unleashed on a fourteen strong panel of players opting not to go on any one individual captain.
Ironically there is a direct link between last weekend’s showdown and the first Paddy Sheehan Cup final of Sunday, June 27th, 1993. Apart from the fact both deciders were played on exactly the same pitch in Ballynoe. Conditions might differ!
Martin O’Keeffe played centre back on that winning Catherine’s team. Son Seán was the successful goalkeeper this time around. Sean’s first cousin, Martin’s nephew was a member of the defeated Castlelyons squad of players. His dad Dessie was a selector on a county winning Catherines U16 hurling panel from 2006 along with Richard Hegarty, Pat O’Brien and ‘Junior’ Sheehan. Also Tomás Morrison had a first cousin playing with Killeagh. You see the GAA family can be varied and wide!
2021 Paddy Sheehan Cup panel: Sean O’Keeffe, Cillian McCarthy, Billy O’Connor, Aodhan Burke, Shane O’Riordan, Tadgh Walsh, Cathal Higgins, Tomás Morrison, Eoghan Dillon, Jack Cunneen, Jaimie Mulkerrins, Sean Moore, David Temple and Ronan O’Donoghue.
1993 Paddy Sheehan Cup panel (minor): Michael O’Brien, Brendan Noonan, Michael Dorgan, Richard Cotter, Paul O’Connell, Martin O’Keeffe, Richie Hegarty, Ger Lynch, Jim Lane, Dessie Lucey, Dave O’Connell (captain), Robert O’Connell, Pat Morrison, Kieran Morrison, Michael Hegarty. Also Kevin O’Connell, Johnny Sheehan, Donal Lynch, James Caples and Ian O’Connell.
Next on a still busy juvenile fixture list
Saturday, October 16 final division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league v Aghada at 12 noon venue tbc. Saturday, October 16 at Ballynoe semi-final division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship v Charleville at 3.30pm. Please take note the U17 footballers are in a final v Whitechurch. It might, just might be on this weekend as well. There are more finals down for week ending October 23rd/24th.
Most recent lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, October 11. Numbers drawn being 1, 12, 17 and 18 and there was no winner of the €15,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners were: Rebecca Kenny, Aglish, Co Waterford; Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe; D-N-E-N c/o Kals, Conna; William Barry, Shanakill, Curraglass and Shane Fitzgerald, Garrycahera, Ballynoe. All of which means next lotto draw on Monday night, October 18 at 9pm will now have a jackpot standing at €15,600.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

No luck this time in Rebels’ Bounty

Well it’s come and gone with the first prize of €20,000 heading to Mitchelstown. There were a few smaller cash prizes coming to East Cork clubs. Sadly no return in St Catherines this time around, but everything moves along so quickly with the October Rebels’ Bounty draw due in a few short weeks.
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, October 4 – numbers 8, 17, 21 and 27. No winner of €15,200 jackpot. Consolation prize winners were Patricia Moroney, Carrigaline; Oliver Twomey, Fisherman’s Rest, Conna; Liam Murphy, Castlebrook, Conna; Ciara Finn, online and Teresa Buckley, c/o English’s, Conna. There is a draw on Monday night, October 11. Take note now at 9pm and the jackpot is standing at €15,400.
The Riordans!
We see where Down Under and Colin O’Riordan has extended his contract with Aussie Rules outfit Sydney Swans for another twelve month period. He will now be part of the Australian Football League 2022 campaign.
Originally signing a rookie contract with the club in 2015 before making an impressive debut three years later. Of course he is from a staunch GAA background, winning All-Ireland minor medals in 2011 and 2012. He was only a 15 year old when winning a football title in 2011. Twelve months later he was on the successful Tipperary minor hurling panel. JK Brackens up in Templemore would have been his club, even though his people would have originated in Fethard and Colin captained Tipp in that controversial U21 All-Ireland football final in 2015 that Tipperary lost by one point.
Included on that young team were Padraig Hamsey, Kieran McGeary and Conor Meyler. He was Man of the Match in last year’s Munster senior football final against Cork when Tipperary wore those special commemorative green and white Grangemockler jerseys from 100 years before and in memory of the historic Bloody Sunday celebrations.
His brothers Kevin and Alan have also played for Tipp. Colin’s grandfather would have been a second cousin of Cáit O’Riordan, now residing in Ballynoe. Son Eoghan is currently enjoying a rewarding year at club level. He was captain of the St Catherine’s team that recently won division one of the Rebel Óg East minor hurling championship.
Only one week later making his debut as a right halfback against Milford in the lower intermediate hurling championship. It must be in the genes! You see, you can’t beat breeding!
Sad death in Conna
Conna recently experienced the very sad and sudden death of Piotr Wrobel, a native of Brzeg in Poland, who would have been known in Fermoy as well having been working in the garage in the industrial estate, based virtually straight across from where Fermoy Print are based. Deepest sympathy to fiancée Viola, well known from Tom’s Corner Shop in Conna village and daughter Natalia.
Camogie
Success over Seandun the last day was followed by another win over a divisional team, this time St Catherines defeated Carbery on a 2-12 to 0-5 score in what was a fourth round clash in the SE Systems county senior camogie championship when played at noon on Sunday last at Castle Road, Mahon.
Fixtures
Saturday, October 9 – round 6 division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship in Kildorrery at 12 noon; round three group three lower intermediate hurling championship v Ballygarvan in Rathcormac at 2pm.
GAA action on the field
Round 3 group 3 East Cork Oil sponsored East Cork Junior B hurling championship
St Catherines 1-14 Castlelyons 2-11
It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to realise little or nothing separates these two evenly matched sides. It finished at 1-15 apiece in the league cup at the opponent’s venue nearly four months ago. This result backs up that theory. Played on a round robin basis with both teams overcoming the challenge of Dungourney and losing out to Carrigtwohill in turn, it’s the Saints who advance on a scoring difference of +14 to the knockout stages at the conclusion of this exciting round 3 group 3 Junior B HC tie when played in largely sunny conditions at Rathcormac on Saturday evening last.
Nothing had been separating the two teams on three occasions in the opening exchanges. Catherines edging narrowly ahead for the first time following a Conor Kearney point on the quarter hour, but took a significant grip on proceedings following a stupendous finish for Conor England’s goal on 21 minutes. Kevin Barry quickly tagged on a point. Eoin Sheehan had made a smart block just before, but he had no chance when Colm McCarthy goaled a penalty on 26 minutes. Castlelyons right back in the mix with the Saints still ahead at half-time, 1-9 to 1-5.
Eight minutes into the second half and the opposition were ahead, Alan O’Regan with the key pass releasing Oscar Hallihan to goal from range. Castlelyons still ahead at 2-10 to 1-10 at the second water break.
Again we saw the value of an accurate and reliable free taker to a team, Ronan Clancy with eight points from placed balls divided equally between both halves. He levelled it up again with the Saints progressing on scoring difference.
Scorers: R Clancy 0-8 frees, C England 1-2, S O’Donnell, N O’Regan, C Kearney, K Barry 0-1. St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, S O’Brien, K Neville, P Ryan, E Wallace, P O’Neill (captain), M Geary, W Leamy, J Hayes, C England, R Clancy, C Kearney, S O’Donnell, N O’Regan, K Barry. Subs: D Galvin for P Ryan (43’), T Hartnett for W Leamy (46’). Ref: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers)
Juvenile notes
Round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship
St Catherines w/o Killavullen scr
U13 reports
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league (rearranged)
St Catherines 4-12 Kinsale 3-9
St Catherines were made to work hard in advancing to the decider following a well-earned six point success over a Kinsale team who battled all the way to the end of this division 1 U13 hurling league semi-final played early in Ballynoe on Saturday morning last. Though ahead at the interval by 2-6 to 1-4, the home side were struggling to settle and were largely wasteful in front of the posts against a Kinsale team more economical with less possession and in David Forde and Cillian Fitzgerald had two of the best players on the pitch.
But it opened up more on the changeover. Eoghan O’Mahony finished off a real poacher’s goal before turning provider, setting up Tristan Clancy for the point that quickly followed. Best forward on the day, Kyle O’Donoghue, goaled a beauty and it was now 4-9 to 2-7 at the second water break against a team who were never going to surrender easily. Indeed they had it down to a three point margin on 52 minutes. Tadhg Walsh and the now returned and fully recovered Billy McKee had to be at their best. Alan Cotter from a duo of late 65s concluded the scoring and confirming the win.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue 3-3, A Cotter 0-8 (0-2 frees, 0-2 65s), E O’Mahony 1-0, T Clancy 0-1. St Catherine’s team: T Walsh, R Hickey, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, B McKee, S Walsh, L Moore, J Pietropaolo, A Cotter, J O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, C Barry, E O’Mahony, T Clancy, L Kilmartin. Subs used: C Higgins for C Barry (51’). Also T Morrison and B O’Connor. Ref: James Daly (Youghal).
Semi-final division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league
St Catherines 5-8 Duarigle Gaels 2-6
Further excitement generated prior to securing victory by a flattering 11 point margin from this division three U13 football league semi-final when played in frequently sunny yet occasionally showery conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last.
St Catherines with Shay McCarthy among the scorers were ahead by 3-6 to 1-6 at the interval. But Duarigle Gaels, a combination of Millstreet and Cullen, were a physically imposing outfit. Staunch Shane O’Donoghue and in particular Ronan Hickey defending required. Colin Healy was very good for the visitors and an Eoin Moynihan goal had the margin at 3-7 to 2-6 ten minutes into the second half. Again Kyle O’Donoghue would prove a three goal hero. Tristan Clancy in a breakaway attack had the Saints in a strong and commanding position. Julian Pietropaolo rounding off the scoring near the finish.
To the players, now use the week to recover from any knocks incurred with more finals on their way down the line. It was exactly a year ago last weekend we went on a nine month sabbatical. Don’t want to go back there again.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue 3-0, T Clancy 1-3, S McCarthy 1-0, A Cotter 0-3 (0-1 free), J Pietropaolo 0-2. St Catherine’s team: Jaydn O’Connor, R Hickey, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, S Walsh, J Kenneally, B McKee, A Cotter, J Pietropaolo, C Barry, T Clancy, L Moore, S McCarthy, K O’Donoghue, E O’Mahony. Subs: T Walsh for E O’Mahony (24’), James O’Connor for J Kenneally (36’), L Kilmartin for C Barry (40’), B O’Connor for S McCarthy (46’), E O’Mahony for K O’Donoghue (57’). Also T Morrison and C Higgins. Referee: Cathal Egan (Clyda Rovers).
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Second juvenile title of season claimed

Another weekend of condensed activity had an early start with the claiming of a second juvenile title of the season. Again overcoming the commendable challenge of Kiltha Óg in the division one Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship final when played in ferociously windy conditions at Ballinacurra on Sunday morning last.
Araglin are now in the hunt for the double. Having defeated Freemount in the equivalent hurling decider and with the weather further declining proved much too strong for Ballinacurra (5-10 to 1-02) when the quarter-final of the Bon Secours county junior C football championship went ahead that afternoon in Ballynoe. Referee was Mike Walsh from the St Catherines club. Many thanks to Jason Kenneally, Ballinacurra and Araglin manager, Denny Twomey for the timely release of the lineouts re the team sheets.
Unfortunately the East Cork junior C hurling championship tie under the lights in Ballynoe later on Sunday evening last saw referee James Daly call a halt to proceedings following an injury picked up by Bride Rovers player David Burke just seven minutes into the second half. Health is wealth. All that really matters now is for the wellbeing of the injured player. With the year moving on this particular tie will have to be refixed. Lisgoold are also in this group. Just to conclude on the matter we thank Michelle Kearney, John O’Leary and Eleanor Glavin for their help with the injured player on Sunday night.
Rebels’ Bounty
It’s Thursday 29th and tonight will see the September rollover in the Rebels’ Bounty draw.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, September 27 numbers drawn being, 1, 20, 26 and 29 and the €15,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were: Patricia Leahy, Knockmourne, Conna (online), Kathleen Flynn, Saleen; Bridget Mangan, Conna; Noel Kielthy, Glentrasna, Ballynoe and Eileen Collins O’Donovan, Kilossera, Ballynoe (online). There will a draw on Monday night, October 4. Jackpot now standing at €15,200.
Final division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship was weekend juvenile highlight
St Catherines 2-10 Kiltha Óg 1-11
It was akin to that legendary Bill Murphy film ‘Groundhog Day’ from the early nineties. Same opposition, same venue and most important of all for Saints’ followers same result as that recent minor final as St Catherines and Kiltha Óg reconvened for the division one Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship decider at 10.30am on Sunday morning last. First of three finals at Ballinacurra on the day. There was always the impending threat of rain. Thankfully although it didn’t look likely the weather held up although a strong wind was prevalent. Favouring the Saints who made a significant and powerful start. Dylan ‘Chips’ Murphy with the key pass releasing Diarmuid O’Connell who with a clinical finish clung the opening goal and games first score on four minutes. It was O’Connell’s pass that picked out John Temple to add a priceless second just before the initial water break, Kiltha pointing a late free with the Saints ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-08 to 0-01.
Kiltha were sure to come back. There were points from Fionn Daly and team captain Colin Murphy and although Jakes Bryan would come perilously close to it. Cillian O’Callaghan goaled a penalty on forty three minutes with margin at 2-09 to 1-05 to the three quarter mark.
Evan O’Driscoll was key at the back and with the difference now reduced to a two point margin, Ciaran Pietropaolo pointing from a placed ball all contributed to a hard earned 2-10 to 1-11 success for the Saints. Áine O’Leary, board chairperson made the presentation, successful St Catherines captain Diarmuid O’Donovan the recipient.
Scorers – J Temple (1-05), D O’Connell (1-01), S Cotter and C Pietropaolo (0-01 65’)(0-01 free)(0-02 each). St Catherine’s team: Jake Bryan, Cian Dunning, Evan O’Driscoll, Conor Murray, Diarmuid O’Donovan (team captain), Ciaran Pietropaolo, Cian McCarthy, Conor Hayes, Ciaran Leamy, Timmy Barry, Dylan Murphy, Diarmuid O’Connell, John Temple, Shane Cotter and Gearoid Sheehan. Subs: Adam Bryan for Gearoid Sheehan (37’), Jake Pratt for Conor Murray (54’). Also; Fionn McCready, Cillian Hickey, Shay Wallace, Sam Aherne, Jack Hickey, Alan Cotter and Gearoid O’Callaghan McCarthy. Referee: Cathal McAllister (Aghada).
Round 4 division 3 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship
St Catherines 2-15 Castlelyons 1-02
With good and positive results forthcoming from previous clashes against Ballycastle Gaels, Brian Dillons and Whitechurch, St Catherines kept their winning run going with a well-earned victory over Castlelyons from this round 4 division 3 U17 football championship tie when played in gloomy conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Racing out the blocks and were five point without reply ahead to nine minutes. By now what was noticeable were the lengthy Aaron Fenton kick outs with Olan Lenehan the player most benefiting in the Castlelyons’ colours. Just as Kian O’Donoghue latched onto the breaking ball sending an unstoppable effort to the roof of the net on twenty six minutes. Setting up a lead for the Saints on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-09 to 1-02. Ben O’Connor, Stephen Cotter, Sean O’Donoghue and Kyle Wallace were also prominent before Oisín Fitzgerald rounded off another man of the match performance with the second Saints’ goal virtually right at the death.
Scorers: O Fitzgerald (0-04 frees)(1-08), K O’Donoghue (1-00), S O’Donoghue (0-03), S Cotter (0-02) B O’Connor and K Wallace (0-01 each). St Catherines team: 13-a-side competition: W O’Driscoll, N Sheehan, D Morrison, B O’Connor, F O’Connell (team captain), C McAuliffe, K O’Donoghue, K Kelleher. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Willie Ryan Blitz
He was club secretary for over thirty years until his untimely death in 1981. Totally committed to the GAA and to Aghada. He was chairman of the East Cork juvenile board for a good many years. Also serving as a vice chairman of the county juvenile board and as a GPC member of the divisional adult board. Yet all the time home soil remained his first love. In a tribute from the East Cork hurling final programme of 1990 which involved Aghada and near neighbours Midleton it was declared that whenever the club is mentioned well then Willie Ryan’s name must be to the fore. We will not see his like again.
Such was the backdrop provided when U13 boss Dino Pietropaolo with the assistance of Paul Higgins, U11 manager brought their charges to Rostellan for the annual Willie Ryan U12 hurling blitz on Saturday morning last. Couldn’t have asked for a better start. Overcoming the host venue (2-04 to 2-00) in the very first match. Going on to record further victories over Cobh (2-08 to 0-01) and Killeagh (2-07 to 0-03) before getting the better of Aghada again in the subsequent final. Finishing up on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-03. A decider refereed by James Daly (Youghal). Full panel of players in Rostellan: Sean O’Keeffe, Cillian McCarthy, Ronan Hickey, Shane McCarthy, Billy O’Connor, Sean Walsh, Aodhán Burke, Tadgh Walsh, Alan Cotter (joint captain), Eoin Dillon, Cathal Higgins, Kenneth O’Connell, Sean Moore, Eoghan O’Mahony (joint captain), Jamie Mulkerrins, Shane O’Riordan and David Temple.
What’s next on the agenda
A mouth-watering pairing of St Catherines and Castlelyons is in the offing to determine who progresses with Carrigtwohill from group three of the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Also outstanding is the Lisgoold fixture from the divisional junior C hurling championship. Rearranged for Saturday morning, October 2 is the semi-final in division 1 of the Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league. Throw in v Kinsale is down for 11am in Ballynoe. Also upcoming is the Duarigle Gaels fixture in division three of the Rebel Óg North U13 football league.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Lotto jackpot is €15,000

Well what are the highlights after the action on the fields last weekend? There was second hard earned success in the lower intermediate hurling championship. While Carrigtwohill confirmed a league cup victory from eight weeks previously, this time with a four point win over the Saints in round two of the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Match reports to follow.
Coming up shortly will be the latest instalment in the Rebels’ Bounty sequence of draws. But before that will be the next weekly lotto draw with a jackpot now standing at €15,000. Results from Monday night, September 20, numbers drawn were: 10, 20, 21 and 23 and the jackpot of €14,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were: Paddy Condon, Glengoura (online), Michael Twomey (online), Aodhán Burke, Ballynoe, Michael Lane, Shanakill, Curraglass and Noelle Egan, Conna.
So next draw with an accumulated €15,000 jackpot goes ahead on Monday night, September 27.
Round 2 group 3 Co-Op Superstores lower intermediate hurling championship
St Catherines 3-12 Barryroe 1-16
In keeping with the intermittent showers falling and the Saints were again making heavy weather of it like last week, eking out a narrow two point success from this round 2 lower intermediate hurling championship tie when played at the well prepared Eire Óg GAA grounds in Ovens. Ballincollig-based official Liam Barry throwing in the sliotar exactly on time for a 2pm start on Sunday last.
It’s ten weeks on from collecting his second All-Ireland medal as a goalkeeper yet it’s as a forward Eoin Davis is making a distinct impression this far in this competition. Daniel Mangan was involved in its creation before Davis crashed in the first and lead goal for the Saints at 1-01 to 0-02 to eight minutes. Rory Galvin pointed a beauty just on the quarter hour before Brian Mulcahy, careering through from the left and flush with the end line, was on target when adding the second Saints’ goal on twenty five minutes. Solid defending with Philip Keane and Eoghan O’Riordan much to the fore. It all adds up and it was 2-07 to 0-05 for the Saints on the half whistle. Both teams now a man down.
Davis delightfully finished off his second and third Saints’ goals thus establishing a 3-09 to 0-08 lead to forty minutes. His freetaking was uncanny, nothing missed from any conceivable angle all afternoon with the lead standing at 3-10 to 0-11 to the second water break.
But like the Milford match from seven days previously and with Adam McSweeney doing a savage job with the frees for them, Shane Cotter provided momentary respite when pointing for the Saints on fifty six minutes but Barryroe weren’t finished. Brought up from the back and his intention obvious and clear cut but goalkeeper Billy O’Donovan on target from a similar effort in the last championship meeting between the teams twenty five months ago in Ballincollig on this occasion was denied, albeit for a point. Then scrambling the sliotar over the line into time added on.
That said, the Saints would be relieved to hear the sound of the full-time whistle. The third and final game in the group v Ballygarvan is fixed for Rathcormac on the afternoon of Saturday, October 9.
Scorers: E Davis (0-08 frees)(2-09), B Mulcahy, D Mangan, R Galvin and S Cotter (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: C Leahy, P Keane, E Condon, J Neville, E O’Riordan, S O’Brien (team captain), M Mulcahy, A Neville, S Cotter, C Hegarty, B Mulcahy, E Davis, D Mangan, R Galvin and B Davis. Subs: T O’Donnell for J Neville (26’ – blood), T O’Donnell for E Condon (46’), Rd Galvin for B Davis (51’).
Referee: Liam Barry (Ballincollig).
Round 2 group 3 East Cork oil sponsored East Cork junior B hurling championship
Carrigtwohill 1-14 St Catherines 0-13
Availing of a Jamie McCarthy delivery it was full forward and team captain Peadar Downey with the key score and only goal of the contest as early as the sixth minute of this round 2 junior B hurling championship tie when played in the rain in Dungourney on Saturday evening last. Kevin Barry pointing twice for the Saints trailing on a 1-07 to 0-04 half-time scoreline. With the status quo more or less maintained at 1-13 to 0-08 to the second water break and beyond.
Catherines were now enjoying their most rewarding period of play and finished strongly through the fourth and final quarter. Back to back Niall O’Regan points scoring four all told on the change of ends to which impressive substitute William Leamy added to from the tightest of angles and had it down to a four point contest to fifty four minutes. Which is how it finished. Final game in group 3 of the divisional against Castlelyons and the scenario is very straight forward – it’s now a must win championship match. While scheduled to start soon will be the junior C hurling championship.
Scorers: R Clancy (0-06 frees), N O’Regan, K Barry (0-02) and W Leamy (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, S O’Brien, L O’Connor, P Ryan, S O’Regan, P O’Neill (team captain), D Galvin, C Kearney, J Hayes, C England, R Clancy, D O’Donnell, H Draper, N O’Regan, K Barry. Subs: W Leamy for S O’Donnell (33’), M Geary for P O’Neill (38’), T Hartnett for H Draper (45’) and P O’Connor for C Kearney (59’).
Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Camogie
Well done to the ladies on a first round victory of 1-14 to 2-08 in the SE Systems county senior camogie championship against Seandun and played at Castle Road, Mahon following a 3.15pm throw in on Saturday afternoon last.
Juvenile section of the notes
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league St Catherines v Kinsale, match deferred until further notice.
Round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship
St Catherines 5-23 Kanturk/Banteer 1-13
Opposition Kanturk/Banteer were giving as good as they were getting and largely through the prominent play of county minor panellist Rory Sheehan had momentarily forced themselves ahead at 1-05 to 0-07 through eighteen minutes of this division 1 U17 hurling championship tie played under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, September 15 last.
However, the response was emphatic. Shane Cotter setting up older brother Stephen to crash in a well taken goal and in the twinkling of an eye the Saints had turned it right around and were enjoying a six point lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-12 to 1-06. Continuing their monopoly from there on in against sporting opposition who hurled right to the end.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-08 frees) (0-02 65’) (1-10), S O’Donoghue (0-01 free) (1-06), Stephen Cotter (2-01), K O’Donoghue (1-02), D Morrison (0-02), Shane Cotter and F O’Connell (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: D O’Connell, E O’Driscoll, O Fitzgerald, C MacCarthy, D O’Donovan, F O’Connell, C McAuliffe, B O’Connor, D Morrison, C Sheehan, K Wallace (team captain), K O’Donoghue, Shane Cotter, Stephen Cotter and S O’Donoghue. Subs: C Leamy for Shane Cotter (47’), T Barry for C McCarthy (49’), D Murphy for K Wallace (50’), C Hayes for B O’Connor (52’) and A Bryan for D Morrison (59’).
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Note that round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship - St Catherines w/o St Colmcille’s scr.
Closer look at U6 training and matches
Every Saturday morning since early May and St Catherines have had a huge attendance at U6 girls and boys training. There are over sixty girls and boys in the group and they are having great fun practising their camogie, hurling and football skills each week. Contact and team manager, Paddy Ryan a proud Limerick man tells us that real progress was shown over the summer months and they also have had the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills in a number of competitive matches against local clubs including Castlelyons, Dungourney, Bride Rovers and Killeagh.
Their most recent match was against Youghal GAA in Ballynoe. This was a mixed match in both football and camogie/hurling with over forty five players taking part. St Catherines GAA would like to thank the coaches for their time and also the parents for their great attendance each week. Keep up the good work!
Next on a still busy fixture list
Friday, September 24 at Ballynoe round 4 division 3 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship v Castlelyons at 6.30pm. Sunday, September 26 at Ballinacurra final division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship v Castlelyons at 6.30pm. Sunday, September 26 at Ballinacurra final division one Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship v Kiltha Óg at 11.00am. Sunday, September 26 at Ballynoe quarter-final Bon Secours sponsored county junior C football championship Araglin v Ballinacurra at 2pm. Wednesday, September 29 round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship in Kilavullen at 6.15pm.
Commiserations
Deepest sympathy to Oliver and Matt Twomey, Conna on the recent death of their sister Betty O’Gorman, Lismore. Commiserations also go to Mary and Jimmy Mangan, Curraheen, Conna on the recent passing of Mary’s father Denis O’Brien of Tallow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na nainmeacha dílis.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Lotto jackpot is €15,000


Well what are the highlights after the action on the fields last weekend? There was second hard earned success in the lower intermediate hurling championship. While Carrigtwohill confirmed a league cup victory from eight weeks previously, this time with a four point win over the Saints in round two of the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Match reports to follow.
Coming up shortly will be the latest instalment in the Rebels’ Bounty sequence of draws. But before that will be the next weekly lotto draw with a jackpot now standing at €15,000. Results from Monday night, September 20, numbers drawn were: 10, 20, 21 and 23 and the jackpot of €14,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were: Paddy Condon, Glengoura (online), Michael Twomey (online), Aodhán Burke, Ballynoe, Michael Lane, Shanakill, Curraglass and Noelle Egan, Conna.
So next draw with an accumulated €15,000 jackpot goes ahead on Monday night, September 27.
Round 2 group 3 Co-Op Superstores lower intermediate hurling championship
St Catherines 3-12 Barryroe 1-16
In keeping with the intermittent showers falling and the Saints were again making heavy weather of it like last week, eking out a narrow two point success from this round 2 lower intermediate hurling championship tie when played at the well prepared Eire Óg GAA grounds in Ovens. Ballincollig-based official Liam Barry throwing in the sliotar exactly on time for a 2pm start on Sunday last.
It’s ten weeks on from collecting his second All-Ireland medal as a goalkeeper yet it’s as a forward Eoin Davis is making a distinct impression this far in this competition. Daniel Mangan was involved in its creation before Davis crashed in the first and lead goal for the Saints at 1-01 to 0-02 to eight minutes. Rory Galvin pointed a beauty just on the quarter hour before Brian Mulcahy, careering through from the left and flush with the end line, was on target when adding the second Saints’ goal on twenty five minutes. Solid defending with Philip Keane and Eoghan O’Riordan much to the fore. It all adds up and it was 2-07 to 0-05 for the Saints on the half whistle. Both teams now a man down.
Davis delightfully finished off his second and third Saints’ goals thus establishing a 3-09 to 0-08 lead to forty minutes. His freetaking was uncanny, nothing missed from any conceivable angle all afternoon with the lead standing at 3-10 to 0-11 to the second water break.
But like the Milford match from seven days previously and with Adam McSweeney doing a savage job with the frees for them, Shane Cotter provided momentary respite when pointing for the Saints on fifty six minutes but Barryroe weren’t finished. Brought up from the back and his intention obvious and clear cut but goalkeeper Billy O’Donovan on target from a similar effort in the last championship meeting between the teams twenty five months ago in Ballincollig on this occasion was denied, albeit for a point. Then scrambling the sliotar over the line into time added on.
That said, the Saints would be relieved to hear the sound of the full-time whistle. The third and final game in the group v Ballygarvan is fixed for Rathcormac on the afternoon of Saturday, October 9.
Scorers: E Davis (0-08 frees)(2-09), B Mulcahy, D Mangan, R Galvin and S Cotter (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: C Leahy, P Keane, E Condon, J Neville, E O’Riordan, S O’Brien (team captain), M Mulcahy, A Neville, S Cotter, C Hegarty, B Mulcahy, E Davis, D Mangan, R Galvin and B Davis. Subs: T O’Donnell for J Neville (26’ – blood), T O’Donnell for E Condon (46’), Rd Galvin for B Davis (51’).
Referee: Liam Barry (Ballincollig).
Round 2 group 3 East Cork oil sponsored East Cork junior B hurling championship
Carrigtwohill 1-14 St Catherines 0-13
Availing of a Jamie McCarthy delivery it was full forward and team captain Peadar Downey with the key score and only goal of the contest as early as the sixth minute of this round 2 junior B hurling championship tie when played in the rain in Dungourney on Saturday evening last. Kevin Barry pointing twice for the Saints trailing on a 1-07 to 0-04 half-time scoreline. With the status quo more or less maintained at 1-13 to 0-08 to the second water break and beyond.
Catherines were now enjoying their most rewarding period of play and finished strongly through the fourth and final quarter. Back to back Niall O’Regan points scoring four all told on the change of ends to which impressive substitute William Leamy added to from the tightest of angles and had it down to a four point contest to fifty four minutes. Which is how it finished. Final game in group 3 of the divisional against Castlelyons and the scenario is very straight forward – it’s now a must win championship match. While scheduled to start soon will be the junior C hurling championship.
Scorers: R Clancy (0-06 frees), N O’Regan, K Barry (0-02) and W Leamy (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, S O’Brien, L O’Connor, P Ryan, S O’Regan, P O’Neill (team captain), D Galvin, C Kearney, J Hayes, C England, R Clancy, D O’Donnell, H Draper, N O’Regan, K Barry. Subs: W Leamy for S O’Donnell (33’), M Geary for P O’Neill (38’), T Hartnett for H Draper (45’) and P O’Connor for C Kearney (59’).
Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Camogie
Well done to the ladies on a first round victory of 1-14 to 2-08 in the SE Systems county senior camogie championship against Seandun and played at Castle Road, Mahon following a 3.15pm throw in on Saturday afternoon last.
Juvenile section of the notes
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league St Catherines v Kinsale, match deferred until further notice.
Round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship
St Catherines 5-23 Kanturk/Banteer 1-13
Opposition Kanturk/Banteer were giving as good as they were getting and largely through the prominent play of county minor panellist Rory Sheehan had momentarily forced themselves ahead at 1-05 to 0-07 through eighteen minutes of this division 1 U17 hurling championship tie played under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, September 15 last.
However, the response was emphatic. Shane Cotter setting up older brother Stephen to crash in a well taken goal and in the twinkling of an eye the Saints had turned it right around and were enjoying a six point lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-12 to 1-06. Continuing their monopoly from there on in against sporting opposition who hurled right to the end.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-08 frees) (0-02 65’) (1-10), S O’Donoghue (0-01 free) (1-06), Stephen Cotter (2-01), K O’Donoghue (1-02), D Morrison (0-02), Shane Cotter and F O’Connell (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: D O’Connell, E O’Driscoll, O Fitzgerald, C MacCarthy, D O’Donovan, F O’Connell, C McAuliffe, B O’Connor, D Morrison, C Sheehan, K Wallace (team captain), K O’Donoghue, Shane Cotter, Stephen Cotter and S O’Donoghue. Subs: C Leamy for Shane Cotter (47’), T Barry for C McCarthy (49’), D Murphy for K Wallace (50’), C Hayes for B O’Connor (52’) and A Bryan for D Morrison (59’).
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Note that round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship - St Catherines w/o St Colmcille’s scr.
Closer look at U6 training and matches
Every Saturday morning since early May and St Catherines have had a huge attendance at U6 girls and boys training. There are over sixty girls and boys in the group and they are having great fun practising their camogie, hurling and football skills each week. Contact and team manager, Paddy Ryan a proud Limerick man tells us that real progress was shown over the summer months and they also have had the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills in a number of competitive matches against local clubs including Castlelyons, Dungourney, Bride Rovers and Killeagh.
Their most recent match was against Youghal GAA in Ballynoe. This was a mixed match in both football and camogie/hurling with over forty five players taking part. St Catherines GAA would like to thank the coaches for their time and also the parents for their great attendance each week. Keep up the good work!
Next on a still busy fixture list
Friday, September 24 at Ballynoe round 4 division 3 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship v Castlelyons at 6.30pm. Sunday, September 26 at Ballinacurra final division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship v Castlelyons at 6.30pm. Sunday, September 26 at Ballinacurra final division one Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship v Kiltha Óg at 11.00am. Sunday, September 26 at Ballynoe quarter-final Bon Secours sponsored county junior C football championship Araglin v Ballinacurra at 2pm. Wednesday, September 29 round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship in Kilavullen at 6.15pm.
Commiserations
Deepest sympathy to Oliver and Matt Twomey, Conna on the recent death of their sister Betty O’Gorman, Lismore. Commiserations also go to Mary and Jimmy Mangan, Curraheen, Conna on the recent passing of Mary’s father Denis O’Brien of Tallow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na nainmeacha dílis.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Salute the minor hurlers



A weekend of fluctuating fortunes, defeat to Kilbrin leading to elimination from the county junior B football championship. Contrast that with two savage, awesome games culminating in success in division one of the minor (U18) hurling championship under the auspices of Rebel Óg East. Ok…read on!
Bon Secours County junior B football championship second round
Kilbrin 1-06 St Catherines 1-04
Disappointment for the Saints when losing out by the narrowest margin when this county junior ‘B’ football championship second round clash was settled for and played under the lights at Mallow on Friday night last. Throw in was 8pm. Nothing much separating two evenly matches teams as allow scoring contest progressed. Ed Kenneally among the scores with the teams still in deadlock and together for a third time with the scoreline standing at 0-03 each to the interval.
Catherines securing the first significant opening of the contest when Rory Galvin who pointed three times from placed balls over the hour this time saw a ’45’ not controlled in the danger area and Padraig O’Connor crashed the breaking ball to the net just three minutes into the second half.
Paudie O’Callaghan was accurate with the frees and Kilbrin who also overcame the Saints in their last championship meeting at semi-final stage in Ballyhooly eleven years ago then produced the match winning move with Niall Field crashing home the vital goal on fifty one minutes. Try as they might Catherines couldn’t breach the opposition rearguard thereafter. Thanking Pat Clancy, Laurence O’Connor, Dave Wallace and Kevin Ryan for their work with the footballers in a difficult year.
Scorers: P O’Connor (1-00), R Galvin (0-03 frees) and E Kenneally (0-01). Kilbrin scorers; N Field (1-010), P O’Callaghan (0-03 frees), C King and W Heffernan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Eoin Davis, Shane O’Regan, Brian Davis, Kieran Neville, Philip Keane, Liam O’Connor, James Neville, Rory Galvin, Aaron Neville, Thomas O’Donnell, Ed Kenneally, James Hayes, Stephen O’Donnell, Padraig O’Connor, Eoin Condon. Subs: Shane Kearney for Stephen O’Donnell (34’), James Casey for Shane O’Regan (57’). Referee: Andrew Dorgan (Watergrasshill).
St Catherines v Milford 1995
Here we are on the cusp of the hurling championships just three days shy now of the first team facing Milford in group three of the lower intermediate hurling championship. Previous high profile clashes include the county junior hurling final from forty years ago. There was an occasionally tempestuous meeting in a second round intermediate match at Ballyhooly in June of 2013. But something kept tapping away at the back of the brain of playing Milford on a vicious cold day, sleet and snow adoring those mountains, in a knockout competition in the mid-nineties. How many remember it?
Suddenly there it was St Catherines v Milford - quarter-final Liam Breathnach cup Sunday, November 26th 1995 in Mitchelstown. Apart from a ten minute spell towards the end of the opening half this was a gem played in a constant downpour. Brian Cotter was alert to the breaking ball when bagging the only goal of the contest on twenty eight minutes and a lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-02 to 0-04. Christy Clancy did his best in keeping the scoring clock ticking over. But a late Mike O’Brien free converted right at the death confirmed a Milford win on a an end scoreline of 0-08 to 1-0, are we ever to beat them? We will know shortly now, best of luck to all concerned.
St Catherines team that day: Ian O’Connell, Barrie O’Regan, Pat Fitzgerald, Ed Galvin, Richie Hegarty, Martin O’Keeffe, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Johnny Sheehan, David O’Connell, Paul O’Connell, Brian Cotter, Christy Clancy, Paul Higgins, Donal O’Leary and Eddie Geaney. Sub used was James Spillane. Match referee was Danny Relihan of Castletownroche.
Juvenile notes start with final division 1 Rebel Óg East minor (U18) hurling championship
Kiltha Óg 1-14 St Catherines 2-16
History was repeated in this division 1 Rebel Óg East minor hurling championship final. On Wednesday evening, September 4th, 2019 at Copper Alley grounds in Youghal and under the captaincy of Mark Geary, Catherines squeezed out the impending threat of Kiltha Óg in a then divisional U16 final. Again overcoming the fancied Castlemartyr/Dungourney combination at a dull yet well attended Ballinacurra at 2pm on Saturday afternoon last.
There wasn’t a single line that the Saints weren’t at lEast holding their own. Oisín Fitzgerald and Fionn O’Connell were outstanding in the corners. Behind them and we couldn’t call him a rookie because he was in there last year but replacement goalkeeper Darragh Morrison was coolness personified between the posts. Further boosted with a point blank stop as early as the third minute. They are delightful, skilful players. You would watch them all day. But you feel selecting William Leahy in the middle of the pitch which gave him more room was a good move. Gearoid O’Brien was always a threat. Up front Sean O’Donoghue was a constant threat, winning a plethora of frees before picking out man of the match Kyle Wallace to crash home the games and the Saints first goal on twenty nine minutes. A contest between two evenly matched teams together on five occasions would now see the Saints marginally ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-08 to 0-07.
Cathal Dinneen’s goal on thirty seven minutes a savage psychological boost. A fancied Kiltha, impressive conquerors of Timmy Will and Cobh, in the semi-final were very reliant on county star, Jack Leahy, both from frees and general play for scores. Yet when captain Michael O’Dwyer crashed home a goal it was down to a four point match at 2-14 to 1-13 to fifty two minutes. Each and every player in a Catherines jersey were heroic with Conor England splitting the posts right at the death. Fitting tribute to the players involved and to mentors Gary Hartnett, Ed Galvin, Pat Geary, Kieran O’Brien, Pat Fitzgerald and Rory Galvin cruelly denied by a Daire O’Leary inspired Watergrasshill under the lights at Carrigtwohill fifty one weeks ago.
Afterwards, board chairperson Áine O’Leary made the presentation to fullback and successful Catherine’s captain, Eoghan O’Riordan.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-07 frees) (1-10), C Dineen (1-00), G O’Brien (0-02 frees) (0-03), S O’Donoghue (0-02) and C England (0-01). St Catherine’s team: Darragh Morrison, Oisín Fitzgerald, Eoghan O’Riordan (captain), Fionn O’Connell, Ben O’Connor, Darragh Galvin, Mark Geary, Gearoid O’Brien, William Leahy, Tom Hartnett, Conor England, Harry Draper, Cathal Dineen, Kyle Wallace and Sean O’Donoghue. Subs: Kian O’Donoghue for Harry Draper (second half), Stephen Cotter for Cathal Dineen (52’). Referee: Cathal McAllister (Aghada).
Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East minor (U18) hurling championship
St Catherines 1-16 Carrigtwohill 1-14
What a game with the Saints exacting revenge from the penultimate round of the football a week previous with a hard earned albeit deserved success over Carrigtwohill when this division 1 minor hurling championship semi-final was played in dull and overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, September 1 last. A timely Sean O’Donoghue hand pass enabling Kyle Wallace to crash home the Saints goal on ten minutes. Four unanswered second quarter points from Mark Geary, Conor England, Darragh Galvin and Gearoid O’Brien making it 1-10 to 0-09 for the home based team by half-time.
A spine tingling contest turned on its head once more. Carrigtwohill back in front for the first time since the fifteenth minute following an Alex Kidney goal just pre the second water break. But Herculean saints defending from Oisín Fitzgerald, Fionn O’Connell and Ben O’Connor in turn endorsed by two humungous long range frees from team captain Eoghan O’Riordan escorted the Saints over the line in a contest where neither outfit finished with a full quota of players.
Scorers: K Wallace (0-02 frees) (1-05), G O’Brien (0-04 frees), S O’Donoghue and E O’Riordan (frees) (0-02 each), M Geary, C England and D Galvin (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, D Galvin, O Fitzgerald, E O’Connell, B O’Connor, E O’Riordan (team captain), D Morrison, G O’Brien, M Geary, W Leahy, K Wallace, C England, C Dineen, T Hartnett and S O’Donoghue. Subs: K O’Donoghue for C England (38’), H Draper for M Geary (43’) and S Cotter for C Dinnen (54’). Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league
Aghada 2-06 St Catherines 3-09
With the aforementioned junior B football championship match on in Carrigoon it was to the heartland of East Cork as the Saints maintained their winning sequence with a well-earned victory from this division 1 U13hurling league tie when played in Rostellan also on Friday evening last. Four players contributed up front while James Kenneally was influential at centre back. Behind him Tag Walsh was masterful between the posts. Making at lEast four timely saves.
Scorers: T Clancy (1-00 free) (2-02), A Cotter (0-05 frees) (0-06), J Pietropaolo (1-00) and K O’Donoghue (0-01). St Catherine’s team: T Walsh, R Hickey, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, B McKee, J Kenneally, L Moore, A Cotter, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, S Walsh, J O’Connor, C Barry, T Clancy and E O’Mahony. Also: S McCarthy and L Kilmartin. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship
St Colmcilles 0-04 St Catherines 2-19
No, no, no, not what it looks like! Major implication of this result from Carrig na bhFear on Saturday morning last would be a final place secured for St Catherines in division 1 of the U15 hurling championship. St Colmcilles had problems, doing well to field a team in the first place.
Scorers: D O’Connell (1-05), S Cotter (0-01 free) (0-06), G Sheehan (1-00), J Temple (0-03), C Pietropaolo (0-02), T Barry, D O’Donovan and S Wallace (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, C Murray, C McCarthy, C Pietropaolo, C Leahy, D O’Donovan (captain), C Hayes, T Barry, S Cotter, D O’Connell, J Temple, D Murphy, G Sheehan. Also: A Cotter, S Wallace, A Bryan, C Hickey, S Aherne, J Pratt and J Hickey. Referee: George Murphy (Whitechurch).
Next, onto an intensely busy fixture list: Saturday, September 11 round 5 division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship in Mitchelstown at 12 midday also at Ballynoe. Round 3 division 3 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship v Whitechurch at 12 noon (fixture provisional). Sunday, September 12 at Mitchelstown round 1 group 3 lower intermediate hurling championship v Milford at 2pm. Sunday, September 12 at Youghal, round 1 group 3 East Cork junior B hurling championship v Dungourney at 6.30pm. Wednesday, September 15 at Ballynoe round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg North U17 hurling championship v Kanturk/Banteer at 6.30pm.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to Billy and Batty O’Connell on the death of their sister Caroline Reed in the UK. Also to the Rumley and Paul families on the sad death of Anthony Rumley. He was always a great and popular character around Conna village over the years. Ar dheis Dé go rabid na nanamacha dílse.
Best wishes
Eoin Davis, Gearoid O’Brien and Kyle Wallace reached the holy grail on the hurling fields through a summer in the initial stages of now petering out. We now wish Laura Hayes the very best of luck in the Cork v Galway All-Ireland senior camogie final this upcoming weekend.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, September 6. Numbers drawn were 6, 10, 13 and 17. There was no winner of the €14,400 jackpot. Consolation winners being Rose Buckner (online), R Straub c/o PH, Richard Hegarty, Garrycaheragh, Ballynoe, Jeremiah and Elaine O’Donovan, Kilrossera, Ballynoe and Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe. There is a draw on Monday night, September 13. Jackpot now standing at €14,600.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~! Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Big weekend


We’re describing it as an expectant week, you know what we’re referring to. So without further ado the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, August 16. Then we move on. Numbers drawn were 1, 17, 19 and 25. There was no winner of the €13,800 jackpot. While the consolation winners were: Áine, Emma and Laura Twomey, Ballynantin, Ballynoe; Kaye Moroney, Conna; Nuala O’Connell, Boulta, Ballynoe; Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona, Ballynoe and Vince Morrison, Conna. So now the next draw on Monday night, August 23 has a jackpot standing at €14,000.
Big weekend
Such is the turnover of games in the intercounty programme with the various age groups and involving two codes and incredible as it might seem there is every conceivable chance that one could be overlooked or indeed forgotten. That Covid delayed All-Ireland U20 hurling final v Galway should be played by now. Minor matches v Tyrone and Galway again are imminent. All playing supporting roles to what is looming in the background all the time. This weekend’s all Munster pairing of Cork and Limerick in the All-Ireland senior final itself hurling’s biggest day. Third meeting between two high profile teams in what again understandably has been a condensed season. Limerick routing the previously unbeaten Rebels in a round four league encounter at LIT stadium in early June. A Shane Kingston goal saw Cork make a positive start in the semi-final of the provincial championship played at Thurles on Saturday evening, July 3. Then not availing of a penalty opportunity were punished in the extreme and goals from Diarmuid O’Donovan and Kyle Hayes late in the first half were setting up a sizeable interval advantage and laying the platform for a second win for the Shannon siders. Hopefully what must have been a difficult ticket situation is sorted by now. Limerick will be favourites for this All-Ireland. Surely they have earned that. Cork are improving with each and every outing. Though lacking the killer instinct are visibly on an upward curve. Limerick will have to play to the peak of their potential if Liam McCarthy is again going back Shannon side. If they do you feel victory is within their grasp. But if the pacy Rebels continue to raise their game well then anything is possible. Delighted that Peter Casey’s suspension is no more and here’s hoping to a high scoring classic.
Club action on the pitch
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors sponsored East Cork Junior B Football Championship final
Glenville 1-08 St Catherines 1-05
In the end, victory for Glenville from this divisional junior B football championship final when played at Rathcormac on Sunday evening last. Catherines making a positive start with James Hayes sending team captain Eoin Wallace on a defence splitting run ending with the game’s first goal on nineteen minutes and helping to establish a lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-02 to 0-03.
Minus their full quantity of players yet Josh Cooke from two pointed frees tied it all up for a second time before a PJ Dennehy goal had Glenville into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish on the three quarter mark. Just introduced substitute Shane O’Regan pointed with his first touch. Whittling the deficit to the minimum one point (1-05 to 1-04) to 48 minutes. But a late Colm O’Keeffe point had the opposition in a strong place before a late pointed Rory Galvin free his third of the match would make for an exciting finale.
At evening’s conclusion Board Chairman Donal O’Keeffe presented the Michael Boig Coleman Cup to centre back and winning Glenville captain Bob McKenna. Now in a totally separate competition and for B grade teams only St Catherines set off on the county trail this weekend. Playing Garnish in a first round tie of the county junior B football championship at St Mary’s GAA grounds at Enniskeane on the main Bandon/Dunmanway road on Saturday afternoon next.
Scorers: E Wallace (1-00), R Galvin (0-03 frees), P O’Connor and S O’Regan (0-01 each). Glenville scorers: PJ Dennehy (1-03), J Cooke (0-02 frees), S O’Regan, C O’Keeffe and E Delahunt (45’) (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Davis, K Neville, S O’Brien, E O’Riordan, M Mulcahy, L O’Connor, A Neville, P O’Connor, R Galvin, T O’Donnell, E Kenneally, J Neville, P Keane, E Wallace (team captain), J Hayes. Subs: S O’Regan for J Hayes (46’), S O’Donnell for T O’Donnell (58’). Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers).
Juvenile reports
Round 2 division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league
St Catherines v Bride Rovers
Two clubs who could have been meeting up twenty-four hours previously. That didn’t materialise as the Saints, following previous wins over Fermoy and Erins Own can now be deemed winners in their section in division 2 of the Rebel Óg East minor (U18) football championship. While St Catherines would prove too strong for Bride Rovers when this round 2 division 3 U13 football league tie went ahead in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. Its back to Passage this weekend in the division 1 hurling league while the next football match will be at home to Kildorrery in over a week’s time.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (0-01 free) (4-02), T Clancy (1-00 pen) (0-01 45’) (1-03), A Cotter (1-02), E O’Mahony (1-00), L Moore (0-02), S Walsh, C Barry and J Pietropaolo (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J O’Connor, C O’Driscoll, S O’Donoghue, L Kilmartin, S Walsh, J Kenneally, R Hickey, A Cotter, J Pietropaolo, C Barry, T Clancy, L Moore, E O’Mahony, K O’Donoghue, S McCarthy. Also T Walsh and J O’Connor. Referee: John Aherne (Kilara Óg).
Round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg North U15 football championship
Ballycastle Gaels v St Catherines
While St Catherines were much too strong in overcoming Ballycastle Gaels in a must win round 3 division 2 U15 football championship tie played in overcast Ballyhooly on Saturday last at 12 midday. This weekend will be the opening games in the Féile na Gael with the Féile football (Peil na nÓg) pencilled in for the weekend after that.
Scorers: C Pietropaolo (2-07), D O’Connell (0-01 free) (1-06), J Temple (1-02), G Sheehan, D Murphy, J Hickey and C Hickey (1-00 each), C Hayes and C Leamy (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: C Leamy, J Pratt, E O’Driscoll, C Murray, T Barry, D O’Donovan, C Dunning, C Hayes, C McCarthy (team captain), S Cotter, D O’Connell, D Murphy, J Temple, C Pietropaolo, G Sheehan. Subs: F McCready for D O’Donovan (15’), S Wallace, S Aherne, C Hickey and J Hickey for C Dunning, J Pratt, S Cotter and J Temple (all second half). Referee: David Twomey (Shanballymore).
Coming up on your fixture list
Friday, August 20 round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league in Passage at 7pm. Saturday, August 21 at Carrig na bhFear Féile na nGael qualifiers at 10am. Saturday, August 21 at St Mary’s GAA Club Enniskeane for B teams only county junior B football championship first round v Garnish at 2pm. Sunday, August 22 All-Ireland hurling final at Croke Park.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Rebels bounty weekly lotto results update



Understandably last time around priority being given to all those All-Ireland semi-finals and finals. This week we give top billing to matters finance because as the saying goes money makes the mare go! Unfortunately no return this time around coming to the club from the Rebels’ Bounty draw held on Thursday evening last, August 26. Major prize of €25,000 going to St Mary’s GAA Club of Enniskeane/Ballineen. That was to have been the venue for the Garnish match in the county junior B football championship relocated to Kilmichael afterwards. Oh here’s to the boys!
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, August 30. Numbers drawn were 1, 14, 17 and 32. There was no winner of the €14,200 jackpot. Consolation winners being Joe Neville, West St, Tallow, Chloe Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe, Fiona Cotter, Ballynoe, Mary Tobin, Knockanore and Coragh Cotter, Ballynoe. We’re back on Monday night, September 6 when the jackpot will be €14,400.
Adult club fixture
Friday, September 3 at IBC quarter-final county junior B football championship v Kilbrin at 7pm.
Underage double header in Ballynoe
St Catherines 3-09 Carrigtwohill 6-07
By open admission a wonderful advertisement for both code and grade before Carrigtwohill emerged victorious on a mildly flattering eight point margin from this division 2 Rebel Óg East minor football championship semi-final played in wonderful conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 25 last. A trio of first quarter goals set the opposition on their way against a rallying home based team who saw a late Oisín Fitzgerald first half point trim the interval deficit on a 3-04 to 1-07 scoreline.
Another body blow of a setback inflicted within seconds on the turnover. Daniel Murnane goaling direct from a free kick. But there would be no white flag. Exchanges coming thick and fast in a welter of excitement frequently at break neck pace. A Tom Hartnett free finds substitute Kian O’Donoghue who duly crashes the ball to the net. Before three minutes later the same player is fouled. Kyle Wallace crashed home his second penalty goal. With the teams now together for the first time since the eight minute on a 4-05 to 3-08 scoreline to thirty nine minutes. Goals post second water break from Sean Brennan and Adam Rooney sealed the deal.
Carrigtwohill were confirming a win from the pre-season tournament on their own pitch mid-June and were down to play Passage or Erin’s Own in the championship final on Sunday evening last. While only last evening (Wednesday, September 1) St Catherines and Carrigtwohill were to meet again in the Rebel Óg East division 1 minor hurling championship semi-final. Cobh v Kiltha Óg are on the other side. Final fixed for Sunday, September 5 players off All-Ireland winning Cork minor hurling team will feature in these matches.
Scorers: K Wallace (2-00 penalties), (0-01 free) (2-02), T Hartnett (0-04 frees)(0-05), K O’Donoghue (1-00), O Fitzgerald and C England (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: William O’Driscoll, Ben O’Connor, Mark Geary (team captain), Nathan Sheehan, Gearóid O’Brien, Eoghan O’Riordan, Darragh Galvin, William Leahy, Kyle Wallace, Sean O’Donoghue, Conor England, Tom Hartnett and Harry Draper.
Subs: Kian O’Donoghue for Harry Draper (18’), Darragh Morrison for Nathan Sheehan (28’), Cathal Dineen for Oisin Fitzgerald (56’), William McAuliffe for Tom Hartnett (58’), Cathal Sheehan for Sean O’Donoghue (58’). Also on panel: Kieran Kelleher, Stephen Cotter and Cathal McAuliffe. Referee: Eoin Colman (Youghal).
Round 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league
St Catherines 3-09 Kildorrery 2-02
Upstairs and running concurrent with that aforementioned minor football championship match was this fast forwarded round 3 U13 football league tie. Billed for the Thursday but changed as the week moved on. Also played in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 25 last.
Half time advantage to the home based team with the score standing at 0-07 to 0-01. All the heavy duty scoring coming on the changeover. Tristan Clancy on the double with the third goal finished off by Tadgh Walsh.
Now the Saints will also strive to maintain their unbeaten tag in division one of the U13 hurling league. Completing the group stages of the competition this weekend with a visit to Rostellan, home of Aghada GAA Club.
Scorers: T Clancy (2-01), T Walsh (1-0), T Morrison, L Moore and J Pietropaolo (0-02 each), A Cotter and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each). St Catherines team: Jayden O’Connor, James O’Connor, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, J Kenneally, R Hickey, A Cotter, J Pietropaolo, C Higgins, T Clancy, L Moore, T Morrison, E O’Mahony and T Walsh. Also: B O’Connor. Referee: Mike Walsh (home club).
Tension, huge crowd involvement leading to a welter of excitement is what provided the backdrop to the division two county Féile na Peil final played on Mayfield’s first choice pitch in excellent conditions on Sunday evening last. In fairness early John Temple and Shane Cotter scores eased the Saints into a four point lead. But converting a penalty goal turned it around and St Colm’s Kealkil who had earlier overcome the host venue had parity restored at 1-01 a piece at the end of what are fifteen minute halves for finals. They secured all the major scores on the turnover in a decider refereed by Cathal Egan of Clyde Rovers. Final score was St Colms 3-05 St Catherines 1-02. Rebel Óg treasurer Eoghan O’Connor made the presentation to man of the match and winning St Colm’s captain, Kian Kelleher.
Earlier on an outside pitch well known to us all and early goals from Dylan “Chips” Murphy and Conor Hayes set the Saints on their way against Kilbrittain in the semi-final refereed by Alec Gibbons of Nemo Rangers. A late Adam Bryan foal confirming a comprehensive enough win for the Saints on an end scoreline of 5-02 to 2-03.
Scorers v St Colm’s: J Temple (1-00), S Cotter and D O’Connell (free) (0-01 each). Scorers v Kilbrittain: D Murphy, C Hayes, C Pietropaolo, J Temple and A Bryan (1-00 each), S Cotter and D O’Connell (free)(0-01 each).
Feile na Peil eliminators
Met a few familiar rather than old faces for the Feile na Peil qualifiers, Kilara Óg official John Aherne throwing in the ball for an early start at a resplendent Kilworth venue just after 10am on Saturday morning last. Catherines proving too strong for Ballycastle Gaels (3-05 to 0-00).
Moving right along and to the other pitch confirming form with Kilara Óg in the second outing. Contests are of twenty four minutes duration. Twelve minutes a side. Cillian Hickey took his goal well. Nicely tucked away there were also well taken points from Gearóid Sheehan and Jack Hickey in securing a 6-05 to 2-00 success over the Kilworth/Araglin combination. 6-05 to 2-00 success over the Kilworth/Araglin combination. Referee for this one was John O’Brien (Mitchelstown) with Fermoy surrendering their previously unbeaten tag in closely fought decided played in terrific conditions. Ciarán Pietropaolo and Diarmuid O’Connell shared the scoring honours allied to some touch tight Evan O’Driscoll defending in unearthing a 2-05 to 0-03 success. It was kind of one of those mornings you’d be hoping would never end.
Scorers v Ballycastle Gaels: C Pietropaolo (2-01), C Hayes (1-02) and D O’Connell (0-01 free)(0-02). Scorers v Kilara Óg: C Pietropaolo (2-00), J Temple (1-01), S Cotter, C Hayes and C Hickey (1-00 each), D O’Connell (0-02 frees), G Sheehan and J Hickey (0-01 each). Scorers v Fermoy: C Pietropaolo and D O’Connell (1-02 each) and S Cotter (0-01).
Full Féile na Peil panel
Cian McCarthy (captain), Jake Bryan, Adam Bryan, Evan O’Driscoll, Fionn McCready, Timmy Barry, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Ciaran Leahy, Conor Hayes, Shane Cotter, Diarmuid O’Connell, Dylan “Chips” Murphy, Cillian Hickey, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Jack Hickey, Jake Pratt, Gearoid Sheehan, John Temple, Shay Wallace, Sam Aherne, Cian Dunning and Cathal Murray.
Next on your juvenile fixture list
Friday, September 3 at Rostellan round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league v Aghada at 7pm. Saturday, September 4 at Carrig na bhFear round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship v St Colmcille’s at 12.00 midday. Monday, September 6 at Ballynoe round 5 division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 hurling championship cv Kiltha Óg at 6.30pm. Wednesday, September 8 round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U17 football championship in Brian Dillons at 6.30pm.
Primary Go Game from bygone era
Flicking through a match programme from the past where Cork proved too strong for a then troubled Limerick in a Munster senior hurling championship semi-final from 2010. Only Eoin Cadogan and Patrick Horgan from then would adorn a Rebel lineout today. Barry Hennessy and Nicky Quaid were on the substitutes panel. Shane O’Regan from Ballynoe National School was Cork goalkeeper that day in the primary go game. Also on it was current inter-county senior Darragh Fitzgibbon. While members of the Limerick team included Peter Casey, Paddy O’Loughlin and Kyle Hayes. Wonder whatever became of them?

Two out of three ain`t bad

Records now over the coming years will show a sixteen point win for the Shannonsiders when the destination of the Liam McCarthy Cup for 2021 was decided. But those stats don’t really tell the truth. No great pleasure in saying it but the harsh reality is that light years existed between the treaty stone and the rebels on this occasion. Another body blow to the system is that Limerick’s half-time ally of 3-18 would have been good enough to win at least one hundred of the last All-Ireland senior hurling finals played. That mountain just gets higher and higher as Patrick Horgan continues his quest for what you feel would be a deserved Celtic Cross. No doubt now for the players, mentors, management staff and all ravenous rebel supporters there is pain intertwined with disappointment and shock. But that will ease. Time is a great healer. First expression of hope is that it’s been a massive two months for the rebels. Particularly at underage hurling levels.
On the third Monday of October last year began the U20 hurling championship. Crowned provincial champions just two days in advance of Christmas. But it would take seven months before Dublin were brought down in the All-Ireland final. You should know the reasons why. Now only five weeks later and it would have been sooner only for Covid that title has been retained and without three of the best young players in the county. You see Alan Connolly and Shane Barrett are senior tied which rules out any U20 championship involvement. Daire O’Leary from Watergrasshill not available either due injury. Thus a few other players were stepping up to the plate and certainly didn’t let the team down.
Then on Saturday evening last again at Thurles and one of the best minor hurling teams ever to depart Cork deservedly attained a first All-Ireland title in twenty years for hurling-mad Cork. Delighted to see Kyle Wallace sample the action on the hallowed turf of Tom Semple’s field. Gearoid O’Brien continuously named on what is labelled the extension panel. So in the words of that Meatloaf classic – “Two out of three ain’t bad.” Though in fairness claiming last year’s U20 title really means three All-Ireland titles claimed in a relatively short space of time. A couple of underage Munster football titles also coming to Cork. What other counties would give to win that treasured one All-Ireland.
Of course people now want - almost demand - that these young players instantaneously grow up and reignite a successful senior set up once more. But it doesn’t happen like that. Players need time to mature. Just be patient, convinced we’re in a good place and rebel red will rise again. Sooner rather than later!
There’s no doubt Limerick are the best team in the land. One of the best of this or any decade. Now definitely up there with the savage Kilkenny team of the noughties. Indeed if a referee’s call had gone another way they could well have been claiming a four in a row after this latest final and Tipperary might never have won the 2019 All-Ireland. We will just never know now. Over to the clubs shortly and get ready for the usual spate of manager retirements over the winter months. Sure a few are gone already!
Club action on the pitch
County junior B football championship round one
Garnish 2-13 St Catherines 1-05
It was moved as the week advanced. This county junior B football championship tie though billed for Enniskeane relocated and played in Kilmichael at the 2pm appointed time on Saturday afternoon last. Early goals from Darren Deery and Brian Terry O’Sullivan setting up a 2-05 to 0-03 interval advantage for the opposition. Adding on four unanswered points quickly on the change of ends. Before Eoin Wallace cutely picked out Eoin Condon for a well taken Saints’ goal on forty minutes. Two Rory Galvin pointed frees helped narrow the gap that bit more. But the opposition had the last three scores of the hour and were deserving winners at the finish. Now depending on the qualifiers later in the season for progress to be made.
Scorers: E Condon (1-01) and R Galvin (0-03 frees)(0-04). St Catherines team: E Davis, S Cogan, S O’Brien, D Galvin, K Ryan, J Neville, O O’Neill, R Galvin, A Neville, T O’Donnell, P O’Connor, H Draper, P Keane, E Wallace (team captain) S O’Regan. Subs: E Condon for P O’Connor (3’), C Leahy for K Ryan (33’), Lance O’Connor for E Condon (50’) and P O’Connor for S O’Regan (54’). Referee: Con Murphy (Kilmeen/Kilbree).
Challenge matches
The initial part of St Catherines competitive hurling season is at an end, losing to Kilbrittain (0-015 to 0-13) at league cup semi-final stage when played at Ballynoe in excruciating heat that prevailed around the end of July. Later that same evening a loss to Carrigtwohill following defeat previously to Cobh and also dropping a point to Castlelyons in the very first match of the competition probably means three points from four matches played wouldn’t be enough to procure advancement from the corresponding competition at junior level and organised by the divisional board. Rarely can challenge games be playing such a significant role.
Losing in Carrigaline (2-23 to 2-10) in a challenge match for the intermediates early in the afternoon of Sunday, August 8 making a poor start in an intermediate hurling challenge played at the excellent Cloughduv venue on Tuesday evening, August 17 last. Maybe the margin between the teams had been too great as the Saints did finish strongly. Goals from Brian Davis and Brian Mulcahy allied to some sweetly struck points courtesy of Shane Cotter, Kieran Neville and in particular Conor Hegarty trimmed the deficit at the end on a scoreline of 1-19 to 3-09. Referee was Jim McEvoy of Blarney. Needless to say a few more lined up as preparation now continues in earnest for group three of the lower intermediate hurling championship. Campaign starting v Milford at Mitchelstown on the afternoon of Sunday, September 12. Throw in will be 4pm Ballygarvan and Barryroe are also involved.
Castlelyons, Carrigtwohill and Dungourney will be in with the Saints in group three of the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Bride Rovers, Lisgoold and the Saints are in a three team group two of the junior C hurling championship. Ballyduff were altogether too strong for what had been billed as a junior B hurling challenge also involving third choice players when played in Ballynoe on Monday evening, August 16 last. Referee was Brian Murphy of Carrigtwohill. In a divisional board printout September 11 or 12 is the date for starting out the East Cork junior B hurling championship. Another round a week later also starting the C championship and more than likely a round two fixture in the lower intermediate hurling championship as well that weekend. We’re going to be weighed under with sliothars!
Juvenile column starts with round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg east minor (U18) hurling championship
Aghada 1-19 St Catherines 3-20
Not as emphatic suggested by that end scoreline with the Saints eventually recording a seven point success when this round three division one minor hurling championship tie went ahead at Rostellan on Wednesday evening, August 18 last. Seven players were on the register, that would eventually rise to ten, in a high scoring encounter with the Saints ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-14 to 1-09.
A margin trimmed to a two point advantage when Sean O’Donoghue reignited an apparently flagging Saints challenge with his second of two of the cheekiest goals you will see just six minutes into the second half. It’s now 2-15 to 1-13 to thirty six minutes. That four or five point margin remaining until substitute Stephen cotter with a delightful finish crashed home that insurance third goal on the fifty six minute mark. Both minor teams advancing with the business end of the football and hurling championships for deciding by early September. Quickly followed by a resumption in activities for the U17 age group.
Scorers: G O’Brien (0-07 frees)(0-09), S O’Donoghue (2-01), S Cotter (1-00), T Hartnett (0-3), C England (0-02), H Draper, B O’Connor, W Leamy, M Geary and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each). St Catherines team: E Philpott, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, B O’Connor, E O’Riordan (team captain), M Geary, G O’Brien, D Galvin, W Leamy, C England, H Draper, C Dineen, T Hartnett, S O’Donoghue. Subs: K O’Donoghue for H Draper (40’), D Morrison for C Dineen (45’), S Cotter for T Hartnett (51’), C Sheehan for W Leamy (54’), C McAuliffe for B O’Connor (58’). Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East
U13 hurling league
Passage 7-06 St Catherines 6-20
Two teams who served up an enthralling encounter in the phase one pre-season tournament. This round 2 division 1 U13 hurling league tie no less exciting. With the clubs’ first choice venue up rooted on a drainage scheme a hurling league tie played on an outside pitch in Passage on Friday evening last. Twice in the opening exchanges would see two evenly matched teams together in the scoring charts, With the home team shading it with the half-time scoreline standing at 4-03 to 2-08.
Catherines eventually wearing down a tenacious opposition challenge greatly inspired by the outstanding Sean Coughlan and would grind out a deserved victory with a much greater spread of scorers and not as reliant on any one man. Some of the goals crashed home by Tristan Clancy were astounding Eoghan O’Mahony bagged a vital goal while there was a proficient Cathal Barry point early in the fourth quarter with the Saints chasing for that winning post. Alan Cotter is a player laced with sublime skill and silken touches and his first half point off a sideline cut was a joy to behold. Well done lads and keep listening to your coaches.
Scorers: T Clancy (3-03), A Cotter (0-09 frees)(0-01 sideline cut)(0-11), J Pietropaolo (2-01), K O’Donoghue (0-04), E O’Mahony (1-00) and C Barry (0-01). St Catherines team: T Walsh, R Hickey, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, S Walsh, J Kenneally, L Moore, A Cotter, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, T Clancy, J O’Connor, L Kilmartin, E O’Mahony, C Barry. Also: T Morrison, C Higgins and B O’Connor. Referee: Michael Harrington (Carrigaline).
Féile na nGael qualifiers
Losses to St Colmcilles (5-05 to 0-05) and to Ballygiblin (3-08 to 3-05) meant elimination at preliminary stage from the Féile nan Gael qualifiers played in Carrig na bhFear on Saturday morning last. St Colmcilles went on to win the competition played with an 0-11 to 0-04 victory over Kiltha Óg in the final.
Ballycastle Gaels, Fermoy and Kilara Óg will be opponents for the Saints in the Féile na Peil going ahead at Kilworth this forthcoming Saturday morning.
Juvenile fixtures
Tonight (Thursday), August 26 at Ballynoe round 3 division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league v Kildorrery at 7.30pm. Saturday, August 28 at Kilworth Féile na Peil qualifiers at 10.00am. Monday, August 30 at Ballynoe U15 football championship v Killavullen at 7.30pm. Wednesday, September 1 semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg East minor (U18) hurling championship opposition, time and venue awaiting clarification. Final on Sunday, September 5.
Introduction
Last Friday evening in Passage was introduced to Colm Kelly who was PRO of the New York GAA minor board for a nine year period. Native of Tarbert he would be a brother of Lisa Moore, rebels bounty winner for March and secretary of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club. We hope he enjoyed his brief stay in our parish and he is due to return stateside again this week or next. Bon voyage!
Rebels’ Bounty
Mention of which it’s Thursday the 26th and tonight will see the August instalment of the Rebels’ Bounty draw.
Lotto results
We depart with the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, August 23r Numbers drawn being 9, 10, 11 and 14 and the €14,000 jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners were Kit Ahern, Conna, P/R Hartigan c/o PH, Conna, James Cullinane, Castlemartyr, Mairtín Ó Caoimh, online and Alan Tobin c/o Michael Lane. We’re back on Monday night, August 30 and the jackpot is now standing at €14,200.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

It`s a Cork-Limerick senior hurling final

First into the ring were outstanding champions Limerick and again rejuvenated Waterford in a repeat pairing of last year’s decider. So after wins over Laois, Galway and Tipperary, building up momentum all the time, could the Déise rise up for a fourth successive week against a team who we hadn’t seen since the Munster final when they produced a performance for the ages. For one and only time it was level as a contest at 0-04 each to about seventeen or eighteen minutes, but by God did we get our answer after that. From a league final of just over two years ago to a provincial and subsequent All-Ireland final last December and on to the first of this year’s semi-final on Saturday evening last and the answer is clear cut - Limerick know how to beat Waterford. They deservedly booked a final place again with the result looking inevitable long before the sound of the full-time whistle, But again the question of discipline will rear its head, receiving another straight red card this time around.
Sport was again dominating another action packed weekend with many of the stories grabbing front-page headlines. Like South Africa winning that all-important third test in Cape Town, it was running concurrent with what we were witnessing at home. Then early the following morning, Kellie Harrington from inner city Dublin wins Ireland its second gold and fourth medal overall at the Olympics in Tokyo. Good enough games for the Irish. But performances on the track continue to be embarrassingly short of the mark.
That first hurling match to a large extent petered out and was in total contrast to what was witnessed on Sunday which was in the balance right to the end. Cork surrendering a six point lead which led to twenty minutes of extra time, ten minutes a side. Jack O’Connor, who in fairness wouldn’t look out of place on the athletics track in Japan such is the pace of the man with the key goal. But what a return too for the rebels with their use of the bench. Alan Cadogan and Declan Dalton too straight away up to the pace of the game. Both responding immediately to their respective introductions. Contributing vital scores. Cadogan coming close a good few times to bulging the net. But the real shining light was Shane Kingston. Seven glorious, magnificent points. Each one better than its predecessor. He subsequently picked up the man of the match accolade.
Things will settle down now. There must be a few injuries to be assessed. That’s what really tests your substitute panel.
It’s going to be an unusual decider. Limerick playing all Munster opposition along the way if that much sought after Liam McCarthy cup is to go back Shannonside. We’ve had all Munster All-Ireland senior hurling champions finals previously. Clare were in two and that immediately springs to mind. Against Tipperary in ’97 and the Rebels both draw and replay in their last final appearance from eight years ago, Of course last December as well.
In many ways this final could suit Cork, they won’t have to wear the burden of favouritism and while they’re clearly up against the finest team in a while, Cork will be bursting to have another go at the reigning champions. Only losing their way late on in the Munster semi-final - can they do it? Be thinking about it!
Club match reports
Round 3 group 1 Michael O’Connor Motor Factors sponsored East Cork junior B football championship
St Catherines 1-18 Midleton 1-01
St Catherines were altogether too strong for a disappointing Midleton team in this round 3 of the competition played in Killeagh on Thursday evening last and in so doing now play Glenville in the final of the East Cork junior B football championship this weekend.
Scorers: J Hayes (1-02), R Galvin (0-05 frees), E Wallace and E Kenneally (0-03 each), P Keane (0-02), L O’Connor, K Neville and D Mangan (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, S O’Regan, S O’Brien, D Galvin, M Mulcahy, L O’Connor, A Neville, D Mangan, E Galvin, J Hayes, E Kenneally, J Neville, P Keane, P O’Connor, E Wallace (team captain). Subs: J Casey, K Neville, T Hartnett and S O’Donnell for S O’Regan, D Galvin, J Hayes and A Neville (all second half), S Cogan for D Mangan (47’). Referee: Paudi Kearney (Glenbower Rovers).
Our juvenile section begins with report on round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East (minor) U18 hurling championship
Bride Rovers 1-12 St Catherines 2-10
Being without the services of the inter county players probably upset the balance and layout, scores were difficult to come by and at the end of low scoring opening half hour it was the visitors marginally shading it at 1-05 to 0-05 when this round 2 division 1 minor hurling championship tie went ahead at a chilly and overcast Rathcormac on Wednesday evening, August 4 last.
That said, Bride Rovers were having the better of it on the turnover. Edmond Cashman levelled up matters for the third time over the hour. Josh Ahern and Adam Hayes also finding the range. Mark Geary responding for the Saints before Denis Cashman surged up field finished with a well taken goal. Outscoring the Saints at 1-07 to 0-03 through the third quarter and beyond. Tenacious defending from Fionn O’Connell, Nathan Sheehan and captain Eoghan O’Riordan prevented it from being any more. It was 1-12 to 1-08 to 53 minutes.
A brace of Gearóid O’Brien pointed frees kept the scoreboard ticking over and with clearly only one thing on his mind Sean O’Donoghue pounced for his second and the Saints’ this time match winning goal late on. It’s getting a bit late for a 7.30pm throw in with light fading rapidly as the weeks go by.
Scorers: G O’Brien (0-06 frees) (0-01 65’) (0-08), S O’Donoghue (2-00), M Geary and E O’Riordan (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, F O’Connell, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, B O’Connor, E O’Riordan (captain), M Geary, G O’Brien, D Galvin, C England, W Leahy, T Hartnett, H Draper, C Dineen and S O’Donoghue. Subs: K O’Donoghue for C Dineen (second half), D Morrison for W Leamy (48’). Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).
Round 1 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 HL
St Catherines 2-13 Youghal 1-02
Preliminaries are over. It’s down now to the nitty-gritty of the division 1 U13 hurling league campaign. Round 1 encounter against a Youghal team visibly improving as the contest progressed. Catherines grateful to the dependable and whole hearted defending of Shane O’Donoghue, James Kenneally and Liam Moore in the round 1 encounter played in Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Bride Rovers are visitors in the football this week.
Scorers: A Cotter (0-04 frees) (0-07), J Pietropaolo (0-01 free) (1-01), C Higgins (1-00), K O’Donoghue (0-03), T Clancy (0-02). St Catherine’s team: T Walsh, R Hickey, S O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, S Walsh, J Kenneally, L Moore, J Pietropaolo, A Cotter, K O’Donoghue, T Clancy, C Barry, L Kilmartin, J O’Connor, E O’Mahony. Also: C Higgins, R O’Donoghue and T Morrison (all players used). Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada).
Round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U15 HC
Lisgoold 0-06 St Catherines 1-12
Proudly bedecked in their traditional blue and gold so we call to Wood’s shop, contribute to the economy of the village and for the day that was in it wish the natives all the best. Afterwards was no stroll in the park either and not as easy as the end scoreline might suggest following this round 3 division 1 U15 hurling championship tie played in Lisgoold on Saturday last at 12.00pm. High noon it was 0-05 to 0-04 for the visitors to twenty minutes. By now Jake Bryan was keeping the Saints ahead. A full length sprawling save against a Lisgoold team for whom their keeper Daniel Hallahan was very alert as well as was midfielder James O’Leary. Stretching it out it became 0-11 to 0-04 at the break.
A Fionn McCready third quarter goal was probably the decisive score. Shane Cotter and Ciaran Pietropaolo adding to the tally for a now wind assisted Saints outfit.
This weekend we go to Ballyhooly in what is a must win game in the football championship. While the weekend after that the group stages of Féile na nGael will be on in Carrig na bhFear.
Scorers: S Cotter (0-05 frees) (0-11), F McCready (1-01), J Temple (0-04), C Pietropaolo (0-03) and D Murphy (0-02). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, A Bryan, E O’Driscoll, S Ahern, C Leahy, C Pietropaolo, C Dunning, C Hayes, T Barry, D Murphy, S Cotter, D O’Connell, S Wallace, J Temple and C Hickey. Subs all used were: C Murray, G Sheehan, D O’Donovan, J Pratt, F McCready, J Hickey, A Cotter. Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Latest lotto results
All the details of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, August 9. Numbers drawn were 4, 16, 19 and 27 and the jackpot of €13,600 wasn’t won. Consolation winners being: Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Anne Lane, Curraheen, Conna, Patricia Moroney, Carrigaline, Pat O’Brien, Ballynoe and Leanne O’Malley (phone number supplied). All of which means the next draw on Monday night, August 16 has a jackpot standing at €13,800.
Commiserations
Many plaudits were issued on the recent sad departure of Owenie McAuliffe of Glanworth. To which we add he was just a lovely kind-hearted man with a warm smile on his face. He was the kind of man you would love meeting and feel all the better for it. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Congratulations
On a happier note and also grabbing the headlines last week were the sporting achievements of Brian Toomey who is the postman here with us in Ballynoe. Brian won gold and bronze medals at the recent European karate championships in Slovenia.
Upcoming fixture list
Tonight (Thursday), August 12 at Ballynoe, round 2 division 3 Rebel Óg North U13 football league v Bride Rovers at 7.30pm. Saturday, August 14 at Ballyhooly round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg north U15 football championship v Ballycastle Gaels at 12.00 midday. Sunday, August 15 East Cork junior B football championship final v Glenville, Time and venue TBC could be 6.30pm. Wednesday, August 18 at Rostellan round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East minor (U18) hurling championship v Aghada at 7.30pm.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Action in divisional and Rebel Og leagues

Lotto Jackpot €12’400
Before honing in on action from the divisional and the Rebel Óg leagues we give you the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from last Monday night, June 21st. Numbers drawn being 4,8,15 and 29 and a jackpot then standing at €12,200 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night being James Moroney Jnr., Cooladurragh, Conna, Catherine McCready, Castleview, Conna, John Paul Flynn (Phone No), Dympna Moroney, Conna and Kit Ahern, Conna. With a now accumulated €12,400 Jackpot, the next draw will go ahead on Monday night, June 28th.
Round One Group Four East Cork Hurling League Cup Castlelyons 1-15 St. Catherine’s 1-15
It was the home team making the better start. An early Dara Spillane goal to which Richard Morrison and Ronan Fenton among others added points and they were 1-6 to 0-2 just on the completion of the initial water break. Richard Galvin pointed both scores for the visitors. But the complexion of this round one group Four East Cork League Cup Hurling Competition would change following a slightly fortuitous Owen O’Neill goal on twenty minutes when played in Castlelyons on Monday evening, June 14th last. The home team was still good and ahead at 1-9 to 1-7 at the break and again at 1-12 to 1-9 early on the change of ends. Use of the bench and that vital bit of tinkering that you do had a vital impact on the Saints challenge. Stephen O’Donnell with his second point then turned provider. Setting up minor Tom Hartnett with the lead score for the Saints for the only time over the hour at 1-14 to 1-13 to fifty six minutes. Colm McCarthy from placed balls was accurate for the opposition. Before Harry Draper with his fourth point tied it all up again from a late free. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Team; C. Leary, P. Ryan, L. O’Connor, J. Casey, D. Galvin, S. O’Regan, P. Tobin, T. Hartnett, J. Hayes, S. O’Donnell, Rd., Galvin, A Neville, H. Draper, S. Kearney and O. O’Neill. Subs: E. Condon and J. Mulcahy for A. Neville and S. Kearney (Both second half), S. Walsh for D. Galvin (58). Scorers O. O’Neill (1-2), H Draper (0-3 frees), (0-4) Rd. Galvin (0-3), S O’Donnell and T. Hartnett (0-2 each), A Neville and J. Hayes (0-1 each).
Round One Group Five East Cork Junior Football League Cup Glanmire 0-8 St. Catherine’s 1-8
Daniel Mangan supplied the key pass picking out Eoin Wallace for the games only and match winning goal on twenty seven minutes of this group Five East Cork Junior Football League cup tie at an overcast Sallybrook on Sunday evening last. It was 1-04 to 0-02 for the visitors at the interval who held on for a three point win on an end score line of 1-08 to 0-08. Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na Bhfear).
Team; S. Cogan, S. O’Regan, J. Casey, K. Neville, A. Neville, L. O’Connor, M. Mulcahy, D. Mangan, R. Galvin, T. O’Donnell, P. O’Connor, J. Hayes, E. Wallace, P. Keane and S. O’Donnell. Subs; P. Ryan for P. O’Connor (43’), H. Draper for S. O’Donnell (53’), S. McCarthy for J. Casey (56’) and S. O’Donnell for T. O’Donnell (60+2). Scores - E Wallace (1-1), D, Mangan (0-2 frees) (0-4), S. O’Donnell (0-2) and R. Galvin (0-01).
Round One Division Two Rebel Og East Minor Football Pre-Season Game Carrigtwohill 3-8 St Catherine’s 1-7
In a contest seeing the home team making the more definite start, it was use of the bench, a few reshuffles and general tinkering thow would benefit the visitors enormously. A Harry Draper goal quickly on the change of ends backed up by a brace of Kian O’Donoghue points with Darragh Morrison and Tom Hartnett also figuring on the scoresheet saw the Saints rewarded with a halcyon third quarter, turning an interval 1-4 to 0-2 deficit right around to lead 1-6 to 1-4 on 40 minutes. Thereafter Carrigtwohill regained their mojo and with Liam Screvin, Cian O’Riordan, Sean Brennan and Cillian Barry to the fore, wound up winners on the above scoreline of this round one division two Rebel Og East minor football pre-season game, played in Carrigtwohill on Wednesday evening, June 16th last. Starting now is the U17 championship with both codes played on a round robin basis. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erin’s Own).
Team; W O’Driscoll, C Bryan, F O’Connell, N Sheehan, B O’Connor, D Galvin, G O’Brien, O Fitzgerald, M Geary, H Draper, T Hartnett, W Leamy, S O’Donoghue, K O’Donoghue, C Dinneen. Subs; C McAuliffe, W McAuliffe, D Morrison for C Bryan, C Dinneen, W Leamy (all second half), S Cotter for H Draper (38’), C Sheehan for D Galvin (40’), K Kelleher for G O’Brien (46’) and G Leahy for M Geary (56’). Scorers: T Hartnett (0-4 frees), H Draper (1-0), K O’Donoghue 0-2), D Morrison (0-1).
Round One Phase One Group Five Rebel Og East U13 Football League Mayfield 3-3 St Catherine’s 10-10
Catherine’s were always the dominant force in this round one phase one group five Rebel Og East U13 football league tie played at Lotabeg on Friday evening last. In a 13-a-side competition, all 18 players present received ample game time. Referee: B Coniry (Crosshaven).
Team; Jayden O’Connor, C O’Driscoll, S O’Donoghue, B McKee, J Kenneally, S Walsh, T Clancy, J Pietropaolo, A Cotter, K O’Donoghue, R Hickey, C Barry and James O’Connor; Subs; L Moore and E O’Mahony for S O’Donoghue and T Clancy (both 17’), S McCarthy and L Kilmartin for S Walsh and A Cotter (both second half), T Walsh for C Barry (46’). Scorers: J Pietropaolo (0-1 free, 3-2), A Cotter (2-2), C Barry (2-0), K O’Donoghue (1-2), R Hickey (1-1), James O’Connor (1-0), S Walsh (0-2) and T Clancy (0-1).
Round One Section Two Division Two Rebel Og North U15 Football Pre-Season Game Fermoy 0-2 St Catherine’s 3-5
Evan O’Driscoll and Timmy Barry were very reliable. Later there was an eye-catching block double block down involving Conor Murray and Shay Wallace, further frustrating the home team’s scoring aspirations as both sets of defences dominated this opening division two Rebel Og North U15 football pre-season game played at midday in Fermoy on Saturday last. Cian McCarthy regularly on the ball around the middle, but the scores wouldn’t come. Then all of a sudden like a bus come along three second half goals in a glorious four minute spell through Shane Cotter, Ciaran Pietropaolo and John Temple, securing the win. Referee: Davy Farrell (Mitchelstown).
Team; J Bryan, J Pratt, E O’Driscoll, C Murray, C Leamy, T Barry, F McCready, C McCarthy, C Pietropaolo, S Cotter, D Murphy, D O’Connell, A Bryan, J Hickey and G Sheehan. Also C Dunning, J Temple, S Wallace, S Aherne and C Hickey. Scorers; J Temple (1-2), S Cotter and C Pietropaolo (1-1 each) and T Barry (0-1).
Fixture List
Friday, June 25th at Ballynoe, round two group three Rebel Og East U13 hurling league v Blackrock at 7pm. Saturday, June 26th at Ballynoe, round two division one U15 hurling pre-season v Blackrock at 2pm. Saturday, June 26th round two group 6B Red FM hurling league cup v Na Piarsaigh (away) at 7.30pm. Wednesday, June 30th at Ballynoe, round one round robin Rebel Og North U17 hurling championship v Mallow at 7pm.
New Cup For Munster Hurling Winners
It will be an honour bestowed on Clare and Waterford. Bit like being given the Olympic torch to light up the arena this weekend they will set in motion the most eagerly awaited provincial senior hurling championship for many a day. Deep down all five competing counties harbour the desire to claim a prize as coveted as the All-Ireland itself. There is no other competition comparable throughout the land. Either in interest or in competitive aspect. Closest would be the Ulster football championship. We would all be aware of his legendary status in the game both as a player and team trainer. But as chairman Liam Linehan informed the state on the morning of the draws on April 19th that he represented Limerick on the provincial council from 1950 to 1981.
It was publicised a few weeks before that and now its confirmed that for the first time this year’s winners of the Munster senior hurling championship will received the Mick Mackey Cup. It seems a good fit. Last cup was introduced in 1990, which in turn was replacing the 1928 version. After one of the most captivating deciders in memory chairman Michael Maher presented that ’90 cup to Kieran McGuckian year of the two captains with the unavailable Tomás Mulcahy back on board for the All-Ireland series and receiving of Liam later that memorable year.
Denis Walsh was full back on that Cork team. Another club connection would see Cathal Casey introduced as substitute with about ten minutes to go. Abiding memories include the radiant subliminal skills of Tony O’Sullivan later named hurler of the year and of course the 2-07 scoring contribution of Mark Foley. That was also the year of what may have been misconstrued pre match comments from Babs Keating. All bar 0-1 of Cork’s total of 4-15 that day came from play. Denis Walsh is photographed trying to chase down Aidan Ryan and Nicky English on the cover of a glossy 56-page colourful souvenir match programme priced at £1.00. Tickets for Ardán Uí Cuinneáin cost £8. That puts it all in perspective!
Now for a question not answered in 31 years. Though listed on the programme as no.21 why was Conor O’Donovan not introduced to a fully stretched Tipperary defensive rearguard? Match referee was John Moore of Waterford.
1990 Munster final teams
Cork: Ger Cunningham, John Considine, Denis Walsh, Sean O’Gormam, Sean McCarthy, Jim Cashman, Kieran McGuckian (captain), Pat Buckley, Brendan O’Sullivan, David Quirke, Mark Foley, Tony O’Sullivan, Ger Fitzgerald, Kevin Hennessy and John Fitzgibbon. Subs; Anthony O’Sullivan and Cathal Casey.
Tipperary; Ken Hogan, John Madden, Noel Sheehy, Bobby Ryan, Conal Bonner, John Kennedy (captain), Paul Delaney, Declan Carr, Joe Hayes, Michael Cleary, Declan Ryan, Conor Stakelum, Pat Fox, John Leahy, Nicholas English. Subs; Dinny Ryan and Colm Bonner.
So that’s the mentors and social niceties put to bed and out of the way as the quest for the Mick Mackey cup and the 2021 Munster hurling championship begins. By the way there is still no name for the equivalent football cup
St. Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
St. Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors are T ~ A, Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. St. Catherine’s juvenile sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Lotto jackpot is €12,000

In continuing the countdown to the new adult playing season we present you with the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw which was held on bank holiday Monday night last, June 7. Numbers drawn were 3, 5, 7 and 23 and the jackpot of €11,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night being Lizzie O’Leary c/o HOC, O’Farrell children, Lacken, Conor Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Christina McCarthy, Tallow and John Sheehan, Ballybride Lower, Conna. So the next draw on Monday night, June 14 has a jackpot of €12,000.
Hurling to start in earnest
Juvenile campaign was scheduled to commence when facing Watergrasshill in what was labelled a pre-season game in division one of the Rebel Óg East U18 hurling league at Ballynoe last evening (Wednesday, June 9). But you feel the whole scenario will see the bar raise another level when crossing camáns with Argideen Rangers in game one of the group 6B in the Red FM hurling league cup at Timoleague on this forthcoming Sunday morning. Two teams a sizeable distance apart who have met on quite a few occasions in recent times though nothing would be as controversial as two matches in the county junior B football championship in 2001. Both draw and replay played at Kilbarry, home of Delaney’s GAA Club on the northside of Cork City. It was they who inflicted the Saints’ sole defeat in the regular group stages of the 2018 intermediate hurling league. Winning their round three division four encounter in bitterly cold conditions at Ballynoe on the night before St Patrick’s Day. Final score was 0-13 to 0-08.
They would meet again in the final played in Nemo Rangers on October 5th and this time revenge was exacted on an end scoreline of 0-22 to 2-11. Now coming up to just short of two years ago two evenly matched teams met again in what was round nine in division four of a revamped intermediate hurling league that year. Argideen Rangers are perilously close to Courtmacsherry and Barryroe and merge with those clubs in minor and play as Ibane Gaels. Other clubs very near them would be Courcey Rovers and Kilbrittain. That last match in Timoleague finished a draw at 2-14 to 3-11. Incidentally the next league cup match in two weeks’ time will be in Na Piarsaigh. Sole home fixture will see the visit of Dripsey which is down for the second week of July. It would be hoped to play this competition right through the summer months. Group winners would have home advantage for a semi-final should they advance that far. Finals will be at neutral venues. It’s a sponsored competition bearing a prize fund, hoping to start championship on the final weekend of August.
Also coming through from the divisional board and similar in structure is the East Cork league cup competition. Groups three four and five are for junior B championship teams. Best of the three top teams goes into the final. Second and third placed top teams play a semi-final. St Catherines will be in group four together with Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill and Cobh. But first match will be in Castlelyons on Monday night (see fixtures). This is your upcoming fixture list: Friday, June 11 round one phase Rebel Óg East U13 hurling league v Passage (away) at 7pm. Saturday, June 12 at Ballynoe U15 hurling pre-season game v St Colmcilles at 12 noon. Sunday, June 13 at Timoleague round one group 6b Red FM hurling league cup v Argideen Rangers at 12 noon. Monday, June 14 round one group four East Cork hurling league cup v Castlelyons (away) at 7.30pm. Wednesday, June 16 round one division two Rebel Óg East minor football pre-season game v Carrigtwohill (away) at 7pm. Fixtures correct when submitting report. More next week.
National hurling league
Last Saturday evening’s Cork/Limerick clash on the Ennis Road bore as much reference to shadow boxing as being a round four encounter in division one A of the national hurling league. This would become apparent from as early as Friday morning when the lineouts began to emerge. Reigning holders Limerick fully deserved a well-earned victory with the result having an inevitable feel to it even as early as the initial water break. A competitive hurling match shouldn’t be like that. Apart from the colours of the respective jerseys this outing won’t have any bearing on what will unfold in just over three weeks’ time when Cork and Limerick come together again in the semi-final of the Munster hurling championship fixed for Thurles on the evening of Saturday, July 3. Throw in will be 7pm incidentally although that match will be broadcast live it won’t be on terrestrial television.
Elsewhere Antrim and Wexford played out an exciting draw up in Corrigan Park. While the banner county claimed another reassuring win away to Dublin. On the Sunday Kilkenny at Nowlan Park were always in control against gallant Laois. While Tipperary had their expected easy win over vanquished Westmeath which is the group Cork are in. How long must this go on for? Well at least until this weekend anyway. Galway won a high scoring league match against Waterford in Salthill and will be a searching test for the Rebels when they come to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon next. Incidentally just take note that this weekend’s series of matches - which are the concluding rounds of regular competition - all take place simultaneously. So it’s 3pm on Saturday for group one B. Sunday’s games in one A all up and running at 1.45pm. Just in case there are many major betting coups!
Membership due
Secretary Eleanor’s club text was an aptly timed reminder that membership is now due. By all accounts response from players and mentors is positive. But as for the rest of us it’s time to get a move on if we’re to stare straight between the eyes at Pat Hartigan. Non-playing adult membership is €60.
Condolences
We express our deepest sympathy to the Pietropaolo, Cotter and Sheehan families on the sad death of Dino’s mother in Australia.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. St Catherines Juvenile Club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Juvenile leagues commence next Wednesday evening


Bit like the old record charts we craved weekly, though not so much anymore and this time around the impending resumption of underage league activity moves up to the top of the pile. Starting with minor hurling league on Wednesday evening next. U13 and U15 hurling leagues quickly follow on. No local success in the May Rebels’ Bounty Draw. Latest lotto results and further easing of restrictions, all of which means that for the first time in eight months the word fixtures appears on these pages.
May Rebels’ Bounty results
As we stated at the outset there was no local success forthcoming from the May Rebels’ Bounty Draw held on Thursday evening last. A fair sprinkling of cash came to the east and north of the county with the first prize of €20,000 heading for Midleton. Next rebels bounty draw takes place at the end of June.
Latest lotto results
Results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, May 31. Numbers drawn being 1, 6, 14 and 19 and the jackpot of €11,600 wasn’t won. The consolation winners were: Michael Hegarty, Garrycaheragh, Ballynoe; Lizzie O’Leary, c/o H.O.C., Phylis Twomey, c/o Michael Lane, Shanakill, Mike Dee, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Mandy Norman, Castlebrook, Conna. Being a bank holiday makes no difference and the next draw with a jackpot of €11,800 will go ahead on Monday night, June 7.
Further easing of restrictions
Realistically you wouldn’t be confused, on one hand health minister Stephen Donnelly tells us “it’s unclear” if the government’s target of vaccinating or offering a dose to 80% of adults by the end of the month will be met. Earlier last week you had a Tramore based GP telling us that a new nationwide outbreak of Covid-19 will strike in August and September based mainly around young people. Micheál Martin in another address to the nation regarding a further easing of restrictions on Friday evening last telling us that the nation was embracing the national vaccination programme, that the take up was extraordinary and the strategy is working. All measures announced were approved by cabinet.
So now we have hotels open and pubs serving outdoors initially from Monday, June 7 as well as gyms and cinemas. June and July will see the staging of pilot sporting and cultural events whereby attendance will be permissible. These will include a Leinster rugby match and a Cork City league of Ireland game. Other pilot events where limited crowd attendance might be allowed would be the Irish derby at the Curragh and the Leinster senior hurling final.
Dining and pubs serving indoors with clear and obvious limitations permissible from Monday, July 5. Two weeks later on Monday, July 19 – a return of foreign travel. Highlighting that at all times in unveiling the roadway for the coming months that the government’s main aim is to protect life and health and resultingly we must remain vigilant. This is the most significant series of revelations so far. Should work wonders for people’s mental health as the Taoiseach also went on about August and a possible further lifting. That’ll do for now!
Dates go on juvenile leagues
Back on these pages on Thursday, May 6 appeared the league groupings for St Catherine’s juvenile teams. Now the whole scenario goes up a notch. We’re like any child or adult approaching Christmas, giddy with excitement being on the cusp of a new underage season. Scheduled to start with what is called a pre-season game in division one of the Rebel Óg east minor hurling league v Watergrasshill in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening next, June 9. While St Catherines play group three phase one U13 hurling league in Passage on Friday evening, June 11 and St Colmcilles in their opening fixture of the U15 hurling league pre-season game on Saturday, June 12. Fixtures are forthcoming up to and including Friday, July 9. Presumably championship draws to be imminent. Starting out and wishing all the best to Dino Pietropaolo with the U13s. While juvenile club chairman Brian Sheehan is also managing the U15s. As is Garry Hartnett at U17 and minor level. Covid officers with the U13s being Sandra Dillon and Shane Moore. It’s Imelda O’Connell with the 15s and further up the scale its Ed Flavin with the U17s and minors. Now they don’t play competitive matches as such but Aisling Collins will be Covid officer at U6 level. It’s Marie Coakley at U8 and 9 and Angela O’Donoghue and Fiona Higgins with the U11s. You must have your priorities right. Safety first!
Though no names yet for U7 or 10. Don’t know if any of that Rebels’ Bounty money is in circulation yet in also wishing newly appointed secretary of the juvenile club Lisa Moore the very best for what is the most eagerly awaited of new playing seasons. In the best of clichés “let the games begin”!
National leagues
Victory courtesy of that late John O’Rourke point just wouldn’t be enough to maintain a rebel push for promotion, losing out on scoring difference and now play Westmeath at home in a relegation semi-final to maintain their place in division two south of the national football league. Ironically there can’t be a final in this group because of fixtures overlapping with championship draws. Up with the big boys it’s a similar story with a Dublin/Tyrone pairing the only avenue open to a division one national football league final again because of championship draws. No need to be tearing your hair out as all that was explained right back at the outset.
For a team going unbeaten right throughout last year’s campaign, in the process winning everything there is to win, league, Munster and All-Ireland all in the mix, it’s ironic that Limerick haven’t tasted success yet in the three matches they would have played in group A of the national hurling league. A draw with Tipperary only point collected thus far and that coming in the very first game played. Other talking point so far would be Cork’s fourteen goal return from matches played. This weekend the Rebels set out on the first of two major clashes with the Shannonsiders over the next month. League match in Páirc na nGael on Saturday evening coming, June 5 at 7.15pm. It’s live on RTE 3 television. Cork and Limerick meet in their Munster championship semi-final at Thurles on Saturday evening, July 3. All other hurling fixtures from division one should surface on some channel this weekend. Both Cork teams continue to do well in divisions one and two of the Littlewoods camogie league. Where by all accounts the Cork/Dublin match in division one of the Lidl ladies national league was a classic.
Fixtures
Saturday, June 3 at LIT Stadium round four division one A national hurling league Limerick v Cork at 7.15pm (live on RTE 2). Wednesday, June 9 at Ballynoe round one Rebel Óg east U18 hurling pre-season game v Watergrasshill at 7.30pm.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile Club.

May Rebels` Bounty Draw will take place tonight


Thirty names including a top €20,000 prize will feature as the Rebels’ Bounty draw for the month is scheduled to take place tonight Thursday, May 27.
All your latest lotto details
Closer to home and presenting you with the details of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, May 24. Numbers drawn being 9,16, 19 and 26 and the jackpot of €11,400 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were – Sean Cronin, Ballydorgan; Peter Ryan, Ballyknock, Ballynoe, Oisín, Sophia and Simone Fitzgerald, Ballinscurlogue, Ballynoe, C~G Warren, Ballybride, Conna and A and E Long c/o PH, Conna. There is a draw with a jackpot now standing at €11,600 on Monday night, May 31.
East Cork Board fixtures plan
With the East Cork Board fixtures plan running concurrent with its county equivalent all would appear in readiness for an early to mid-June start. There will be a hurling league cup competition with groups three, four and five consisting of B grade teams only. Each group made up of five teams with the best of the three top teams going straight into the final. Other two play A semi-final. Group three consists of Dungourney, Cloyne, Youghal, Aghada and Russell Rovers. While St Catherines are based in group four together with Bride Rovers, Castlelyons, Carrigtwohill and Cobh. Teams are based in group five are Killeagh, Midleton, Erin’s Own, Sarsfields and Castlemartyr.
Final look at round robin hurling championship opposition
Having had that reprise of previous clashes against both Milford and Ballygarvan over the past fortnight and this week we conclude our period of reflection on past championship matches with this year’s opposition. Looking back to what were three encounters over a six year period with Barryroe seeded four in group three of this year’s lower intermediate hurling championship.
Seanie O’Farrell was the central player on view in the first ever tussle between the teams in an intermediate hurling championship quarter final on Friday evening, September 13 2013. Crashing home a well taken goal on twenty two minutes and the Saints who pointed the opening three scores of the match and would eventually ease into a four point lead but halved just before the interval. St Catherines still ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-06 to 0-07.
He scored an outrageous point from the most difficult of angles just fifteen seconds into the turnover. Then supplied the key pass to Matthew Mulcahy who coolly added another before Farrell again struck for a priceless second goal and a lead of 2-08 to 0-08 to thirty three minutes. It was 2-11 to 0-12 by fifty minutes and a late John O’Donovan goal from a placed ball for the opposition made for an edgy finish before the Saints sealed a last four place on an end scoreline of 2-13 to 1-14.
Not easy though
St Catherines and Barryroe were back again in Páirc Uí Rinn ten months later for a third round meeting played on Friday evening, July 4,2014. Initially falling behind but back to back Shane Cotter points featured in an unbroken sequence of scoring as the Saints surged into a 0-05 to 0-03 lead after nineteen minutes.
Before the opposition assumed control to lead narrowly on a half-time scoreline of 0-07 to 0-06. They wouldn’t look back with the score at 0-09 to 0-06 to thirty nine minutes and again at 0-11 to 0-8 to the end of the third quarter. It was 0-13 to 0-10 to fifty three minutes and although the Saints had to endure the closing quarter a man down had whittled the deficit down to a point at 0-13 to 0-12 to fifty eight minutes. Again it was John O’Donovan with a late pointed free that this time had Barryroe over the end line and winners on a score finishing up at 0-14 to 0-12. That was the year of eventual relegation.
St Catherines dished out a fair old beating to Barryroe in the division three opening intermediate league fixture when played in Ballynoe in February of 2019. Ironically crossing paths in the second round of intermediate championship six months later when played this time in Ballincollig on the evening of Friday, August 2. Would it be a result to come back and haunt them? Two thus far evenly matched teams still together at 0-04 each to the fifteen minute mark. Goals from Patrick Roche and Rory Galvin just over sixty seconds apart to the twenty third minute and clear daylight appeared between the teams as the score pitched at 2-06 to 0-04 moved on to 2-08 to 0-06 by half-time with Roche again crashing his second and third Saints goal early on the change of ends. Thus stretching out the Saints advantage still further now standing at 3-10 to 1-07 to forty seven minutes. Running up a tally of 1-04 without reply towards the finish with Brian Mulcahy scoring the fourth goal and games final score very close to the sixty minute mark. St Catherines 4-17 Barryroe 1-11 was how it finished. Going on to another success over Castlemartyr prior to championship exit inflicted by Éire Óg later in the competition of 2019. Very soon now distant memories will give way to a new championship season and it will be a whole new ball game!
Lineout v Barryroe 2013
Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Conor Hegarty, James Neville, Cal Aherne, Shane Fitzgerald, Liam O’Connor, Daniel Mangan, Shane Cotter, (team captain), Eoin Condon, Shane Kearney, Matthew Mulcahy, Brian Mulcahy, Sean O’Farrell and Shane O’Brien. Subs used: Pa Roche, Padraig O’Connor and William Walsh.
2014
Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Ed Kenneally, James Neville, Daniel Mangan, Liam O’Connor, Conor Kearney, William Walsh, Shane Cotter, Padraig O’Connor, Shane Kearney, Brian Mulcahy, Patrick Roche, Sean O’Farrell and Eoin Condon. Subs used: Brian Davis and Cal Aherne.
2019
Eoin Davis, James Neville, Conor Hegarty (team captain), Kieran Neville, Shane O’Regan, Eoin Wallace, Daniel Lonergan, Shane O’Brien, Conor Kearney, Rory Galvin, Brian Mulcahy, Daniel Mangan, Philip Keane, Patrick Roche and Ben O’Brien.
Horse racing success
A nice win for Present Road owned by Seamus Neville of Ballynoe in the first division of the Tipperary races in the mares maiden hurdle on Thursday afternoon last. Returned at 40/1 it’s likely she will now be rested for a while and chasing would be the aim.
National leagues
If the rebels can realise their pre-tournament intention of restoration to the top flight well then they will have to get something away to Clare in division two south of the national football league on this forthcoming Sunday/afternoon. One could think of easier places than Ennis to visit.
A win is expected, secured with Cork again confirming their new found flirtation with goal scoring in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon against lowly Westmeath. No action this weekend. Next match will be against reigning holders Limerick in division one of the national hurling league on Saturday evening, June 5. Also up against the Shannonsiders in their Munster hurling championship semi-final. A month after that both matches spoken about will be on at the LIT stadium on the Ennis Road.
Juveniles leagues
We will scroll down through what the juvenile leagues might hold next week. They are scheduled to start on Wednesday, June 9.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe, St Catherine’s Juvenile sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

St Catherines GAA
Draft master fixtures plan submitted to clubs
St Catherines adult players returned to the training ground on Tuesday night, May 11th last as the county board released a draft of a master fixtures plan to the clubs. Included is provision of a new style league cup competition replacing the old leagues. We continue with our focus on past championship encounters with lower intermediate hurling championship opponents. This week the focis is on Ballygarvan more detailed reports to follow as we present you with the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, May 17th. Numbers drawn were 6, 15, 21 and 32 and the jackpot of €11,200 wasn;t won. While the consolation winners on the night were Ann O’Donovan, Leeside, Tivoli, Cork City; Conor Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe, Mandy Norman, Castlebrook, Conna; Dave O’Regan, Cullinagh, Ballynoe and Seamus Kidney, online. With a jackpopt now standing at €11,400 there will be a draw on Monday night, May 24th.
Hurling is cranked up
Its been slow understandably albeit painfully slow first sign of activity opening out to the buds of life began bearing fruition on the evening of Monday, Apri; 26th with the introduction of outdoor non contact training confined to groups of fifteen and restricted to age eighteen down. Dressing rooms since covid initially strick all of fourteen months ago now remain very much off limits. That’s how it is.
Raising it up a notch and after the release of the underage league groupings over the two codes we had the adult championship draws being made on April 29th on the same night the fourth of the rebels bounty draws went ahead. No doubt there were the usual leaks but a clear cut assured Micheál Martin address to the nation confirmed adult training could start on Monday night, May 10th. By now of course the intercounty scene restored the elite status was back. He’s a different animal althogether.
St Catherines were back on the scene on Tuesday night, May 11th. A sizeable gathering addressed by the club chairman and first team manager among others. Shane Kearney also revealing that Gerry Fitzgerald and James ‘Junior’ Sheehan will jointly look after the second choice team and could be naming a third selector as the season advances. He also told us of a few additions to the backroom team.
St Catherines are ranked top seeds in group three of the lower intermediate hurling championship and are in with Mildford, Ballygarvan and Barryroe. Currently we are running a series of reports on past encounters with these clubs. Concise and factual they don’t and were never intending that they would make for pretty reading! Two teams from each group of four advance to the play offs that will get six teams into the knockout stages with the top two grouop winners making the semi-finals with the remaining group winner and the three second placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Then last week the draft master fixture plan was submitted to clubs with league cup competitions replacing the club leagues for this year. Basically working on the theory that there will be two groups of four. Top two in each case making the semi-finals. St Catherines matches will be away to both Argideen Rangers and Na Piarsaigh in section 6B of the competition. Final group game is at home to Dripsey. Teams in group 6A will be Eire Og, Blackrock, Kilrittain and Aghada. Group winners will have home advantage for the semi-finals. Finals will be at neutral venues. There is a prize fund available. It hopes to start the league cup on weekending June 12th/13th. Finals down for weekending August 7th.8th. Club hurling championship to start on weekending June 12th/13th. Finals down for weekending August 7th/8th. Club hurl;ing championship to start on weekending August 27th/29th. Now as an awful lot happened in the past few weeks even days. A clear road map in place firecting you right up to a county final for the first o second weekend of November. Right now we should be hurling in just over three weeks. Expect juvenile leagues to start around the same time. With an increasing vaccine rollout being administered you would think we have been this confident in a while that all will be ok, here’s hoping!
By the way then came a print out of the East Cork version of events. We will take a much closer look for next week.
Previous championship clashes
St Catherines v Ballygarvan
We continue our focus on what this year’s group three of the lower intermediate hurling championship might throw up. This time around a short and snappy reflection on previous championship encounters with third seeded Ballygarvan. Neither were that long ago. Both were lost.
Starting with a first round clash which was fixed for Watergrasshill on the bank holiday Sunday evening, June 3rd of 2012. It was a very even contest all through with the teams together on six occasions including five in the opening half at the end of which the teams couldn’t be separated on a scoreline of 0-05 each.
Resuming on a positive note Ronan Clancy pointing a placed ball from distance, Patrick Roche added another also from a free before Shane Kearney now managing the team struck a beauty. All helping to establish a lead on a scoreline of 0-08 to 0-05 to forty one minutes. An eyecatching Padraig O’Connor point right at the end of the tirhd quarter keeping the momentum going. Still ahead at 0-09 to 0-06 right on the forty five minute mark. Catherines enjoing their most rewarding period of a contest being played in overcast misty conditions and refereed by Joe Larkin of Douglas.
Sadly and unfortunately that was as good as it would get conceding five unanswered points from there on in. Ger Spillane and Stephen White two of their most prominent and influential figures at the time among the scorers. Ballygarvan advancing on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-9 getting back into the championship a forthnight later. Beating Dromina (2-14 to 1-08) at Kildorrery on Saturday evening June 16th. But still baseds in Avondhu made their exit when losing out to Charleville in a fourth round encounter which was playing in Glanworth on the evening of Saturday, July 28th. Score at the end being Charleville 0-17 St Catherines 0-11. Another one bites the dust!
Next and most recent encounter was a second round again intermediate hurling championship tie when played at Caherlag on Sunday, June 29th 2014. Páirc Liam McCarthaigh Baile Garbháin boost a fine facility and over the years have been a true ally and great supporter of rebel óg matches. Based perilously close to Carrigaline, Ballinhassig, Tracton and Ballymartle in the south eastern division of our great and magnificent county. They were after losing to Ballincollig. Likewise Éire Óg had inflicted a first round loss on the saints. As a Dan McCarthy goal and nine first half wides conjured up a four point opposition lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-7 to 0-06.
Seanie Farrell responded to the concession of that opening quarter goal with a finish of rare quality early on the change of ends. Game on? Not so as Ballygarvan would go on to score 1-04 without reply thus winning out a disappointing contest. At the finish it was 2-12 to 1-09.
Futher losses ensued to Barryroe and Dripsey and after a thirty one year sojourn the saints were staring relegation in the face and in 2015 embarked on a three year trail back in the junior ranks.
Lineouts
St Catherines v Ballygarvan
Intermediate hurling championship 2012
Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Conor Hegarty, Ed Kenneally (team captain), Cal Aherne, Ronn Clancy, Liam O’Connor, Shane Cotter, Daniel Mangan, Padraig O’Connor, Shane Kearney, Brian Mulcahy, John Mulcahy, Patrick Roche and James Neville.
Sub used was Damien Farrell.
St Catherines v Ballygarvan
Intermediate hurling championship 2014
Cathal Leahy, Stephen O’Brien, Ed Kenneally, James Neville, Liam O’Connor (joint captain), Shane Cotter (joint captain), Conor Kearney, William Walsh, Ronan Clancy, Padraig O’Connor, Daniel Mangan, Matthew Mulcahy, Patrick Roche, Seanie O’Farrell, Shane Kearney.
Subs used were: Brian Mulcahy, Eoin Condon and Brian Davis.
Next week we conclude this montage of reflection with a lookback at the three previous championship encounters with the fourth seeded team in the group, Barryroe.
Possible interruption to electricity supply.
It didn’t materialise when warned about before but again there may be interruption to electricity supply in and around the Ballynoe area on this forthcoming Friday, May 21sy approximate time being 10.30am to 3pm. Reason being to facilitate new customers, planned interruptions may be cancelled without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
A closer look at Rebel Cork scene
A horrible start for the rebels against Kildare on Saturday afternoon last. It is so condensed with little margin for error in division two south of the national football league that the pressure is immediately on.
We believe in a greater power as religious services returned to the parish for a vigil mass in Ballynoe at 7.30pm later the same evening. More or less sacrificing live coverage of Cork/Tipperary in the hurling league again from Thurles at the same time. Cork again bagging two vital goals in securing a share of the spoils. For Tipp a second draw from the current league. Next fixtures sees the footballers in Portlaoise for 7pm on Saturday evening coming. Cork play Westmeath at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday in their round three fixture of division one A in the national hurling league.
As you already will be aware of that Cork will face Dublin or Galway in the delayed All Ireland under twenty hurling final. That’s down for weekending July 10th.11th.
In the draws for the new championships of 2021 Cork will play the winners of Tipperary and Waterford in the semi-final of the provincial under twenty hurling championship. They play Kerry in the last four of the equivalent football championship. In the minor grade Clare will be hurling opposition. Winners face Limerick in the football then rebels will meet Waterford with Kerry waiting in the wings.
Cork play all conquering Limerick at Thurles in their Munster senior hurling championship semi-final on Saturday evening, July 3rd. Throw in will be 7pm. While the footballers will play Limerick or Waterford in their semi-final one week later on Saturday, July 10th. No venue known but what is definitely confirmed is should it be a Cork v Kerry Munster senior football final Killarney would be the venue on the afternoon of Sunday, July 25th at 3.15pm. That;s how the picture looks as of now. Rebels abú.
Sympathy
Commiserations to Kieran Morrison and family on the sad passing of his father in law, Con Daly, Drimoleague at the weekend.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. St Catherines Juvenile Club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Lotto jackpot now at €11,000

Now that was a busy seven days and not a ball struck in anger. Well not yet!
What an opening couple of evenings we enjoyed. All young players from eighteen down in groups of fifteen returning to the pitches as and from Monday evening, April 26 last. Joy, elation, escape from the frustration enforced by seven months of inactivity. An experience to witness what was a historic moment or series of moments. There is a review of a few of those evenings. Plus a quick look at the juvenile league groups in both codes.
As you are aware last Thursday evening, April 29 featured the most recent instalment in the Rebels’ Bounty draw. We weren’t absolutely sure going into it but all draws through both codes were made in the various county championships. A closer look in this report as earlier that evening Micheál Martin had announced a further easing of restrictions. So we start you with all the details from the most recent weekly lotto draw and just read on from there.
Recent lotto results
St Catherines weekly lotto draw now has an accumulated jackpot of €11,000. Results of the most recent draw held on bank holiday Monday night last, May 3. Numbers drawn were 11, 20, 21 and 23 and the jackpot then standing at €10,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were: B Ahern c/o PH Conna, Shane Kearney, Coolroe, Conna, Michelle B, Conna, Patricia Moroney, Carrigaline and P Davis, Conna. We’re back on Monday night, May 10 jackpot standing at €11,000.
Rebels’ Bounty April draw
No club success this time around but a fair sprinkling of all cash prizes won throughout our great county after the Rebels’ Bounty Draw.
County championship draws
What was playing on the mind was the fact that last season’s junior and lower intermediate hurling championships, though albeit at an advanced stage weren’t actually finished. But as you saw all draws through the various grades in both codes subsequently went ahead also on Thursday evening last. St Catherines are the top seeded team in group three of the lower intermediate hurling championship. Also in there are Milford, Ballygarvan and Barryroe. Three groups of four teams, two teams will progress from each group to the play off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying with the two top group winners going into the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and three second placed teams making the quarter finals. Do you understand all that now!
Elsewhere whoever wins the 2020 county junior title along with the losers of the Russell Rovers/Castlemartyr final together with Tracton and St Finbarrs constitute group two.
Reigning county champions Blackrock along with Erins Own, St Finbarrs and Charleville from a tasty group three for the newly drawn up county senior hurling championship. While Newcestown divide an all East Cork made up group three of the senior A hurling championship. Other teams being Fr O’Neills, Cloyne and Killeagh.
Nemo Rangers, Valley Rangers, Douglas and Carrigaline will be the four teams to make up group one of the premier senior football championship. Castlehaven will be in with Newcestown, Carbery Rangers and Mallow or Éire Óg in group two. Dates, times and venues will follow on all in good time. Well now you know.
On reflection St Catherines have encountered Milford, Ballygarvan and Barryroe through various championship campaigns. All have provided more than stern opposition. Indeed, have never beaten Milford or Ballygarvan on the big day. Two wins out of three coming from the Barryroe matches. So starting next week we go back to previous championship clashes. Nothing sinister you’ll understand, just to whet the appetite!
Further easing of restrictions
Initially one thought that an announcement like this would assume the role of top billing. But again with those informed leaks proving ever so accurate it will probably find its place as the week advanced. ‘Here comes our summer’ zoomed that banner headline early on Thursday morning, asked and approved by the cabinet Taoiseach Michéal Martin confirmed a further easing of restrictions when revealing another roadmap this time for the months of May and June on reopening the economy, yet another address to the nation from government buildings later that same evening.
So what are the major implications emanating from this latest delivery as health minister Simon Donnelly has buoyed up the confidence telling us that we were in a good place twenty four hours previous? Well first of all and as and from Monday, May 10 travel across the county is to be allowed. On that day also barbers and hairdressers are to resume trading and up to fifty people can frequent religious services. One week later and the shops can reopen on Monday, May 17. While the key one from a club angle is following sports training coming back, non-contact and in groups of fifteen from the 10th that club matches are set to resume on June 7. What’s very important now is that the government would be anxious that whatever opens and resumes stays open and resumed. Here’s hoping, hope returns.

Out in the fields
Words like these can only partially come to terms when it comes to explaining the sheer joy on the young players faces when returning to the pitches as and from Monday evening, April 26. You’d have to be there and see it yourself. Sheer joy as they come back to the domain they love most of all. For now it’s all non-contact training from age eighteen down and confined to groups of fifteen. Golf courses and tennis courts opened up on the same day. For now all dressing rooms are off limits. As Padraig O’Connor addressed the U15 football squad first night back they would reassemble for hurling later in the week.
The Tuesday evening saw the return of the U13s who ironically were the last squad of players to sample action on the pitch as U12s all of seven months ago now and prior to the nation’s second lockdown. Team manager Dino Pietropaolo opened proceedings before introducing and welcoming new coach and trainer Conor Kearney.
Wednesday evening saw the U17s assemble and of course a space has been reserved for all eighteen year olds who will be departing underage activity at the end of this year so there will be minor league and championship as we used to know it. Gary Hartnett will be in charge of both age groups, coached and trained by Rory Galvin. Each squad of players have appointed their own Covid officers. It’s all about health and safety. All regulations strictly adhered to. No room for error. Imelda O’Connell, Shane Moore, Sandra Clancy and Ed Galvin will see to that.
Back in the summer of 1985 rock guitarist and sometimes occasional Thin Lizzy frontman following the departure of Phil Lynott was Gary Moore. His biggest hit was ‘Out In The Fields’. Might be time for a re-release!
Underage league groupings
Further tiny steps up the juvenile ladder taken with the naming of teams for the various underage leagues in both codes.
St Catherines are based in group three of the Rebel Óg east U13 hurling league and are in with Aghada, Blackrock (2), Passage and Douglas (2). Contrastingly it will be section two north for the equivalent football squad along with Ballycastle Gaels, Bride Rovers, Fermoy, Kilara Óg.
Teams to play in the eastern division one U15 hurling league are Blackrock, Kiltha Óg, Lisgoold, Nemo Rangers and St Colmcilles. Based in section two for north U15 football league. Along with Ballycastle Gaels, Fermoy, Kilara Óg, Killavullen and Mitchelstown.
This year it will be Charleville, Kanturk and Banteer, Kilavullen, Mallow and St Colmcilles for the Saints to meet in the U17 north division one hurling league. As well as Ballycastle Gaels, Brian Dillons, Castlelyons, Kildorrery and Whitechurch in division three east for the football. While to accommodate those players in their last year of juvenile ranks there will be minor leagues. Both club teams play in the east. Line up in the division one hurling league will be Aghada, Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Killeagh, Kiltha Óg and Watergrasshill. Opposed by Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill, Erin’s Own, Kiltha Óg, Lisgoold, Passage and St Colman’s in division two of the equivalent football league. It is planned to hold championship draws shortly. No date has been set for the commencement of games and as soon as it become official secretaries will then be informed. For now enjoy the non-contact training.
Start of the national leagues
Perhaps the most attractive pairing in the game and this weekend Limerick and Tipperary get the division one national hurling league campaign underway. Throw in will be 5.30pm on Saturday evening, May 8 and the reigning All-Ireland champions and current league holders will be at home. It’s live on RTE 2 television. Twenty four hours later Cork will play Waterford at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, May 9 and the Rebels/Tipp clash will be the live game on the box the following weekend. League Sunday starts on May 9 featuring a highlights package. Eir sport and TG4 will also have live coverage. While the football league will commence on weekending May 15/16.
Scór appointment
There was consultation with new association president Larry McCarthy and Margaret Whelan, St Catherines will serve on the coiste naisiúnta of Scór.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. While Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

We must be making progress. Up to a week ago it’s a word that would hardly make an appearance in a report, but what’s going to determine the extent and velocity of restrictions (there – I’ve said it) are the number of applicable Covid cases, variants of the virus, speed of vaccinations and the ability of hospitals to cope. As we look forward to Monday, April 26 and the reintroduction of non-contact training outdoors and confined to groups of fifteen from age eighteen down.
At local level and all mentors and panellists are aware by now that the U15 allied to the 7 and 7 year olds will be on the pitches on Monday nights. It’s U13 boys along with the 8 and 9 year olds on Tuesday. With minor and the U17 age group on Wednesday. While the U15s will be on again on Thursday evenings with the 13s returning on Friday. In and around seven to eight o’clock to be the time, just listen to your coaches. With the younger age groups again on the pitches between 10 and 12 noon on Saturday - isn’t it great!
A memorable start to the new Cork GAA clubs draw at local level with newly appointed juvenile secretary Lisa Moore collecting a first prize of €20,000 in the Rebels’ Bounty March draw. Mark Lester also winning 250 in the earlier February draw. Next up now with a first prize of €25,000 is the April draw. Set for next Thursday, April 29 which we also believe to be the night for county championship draws. It’s still not clear or indeed confirmed but because of the current situation we may see the lower intermediate hurling championship go on for another year. Watch this space.
Now these notes are being put together last weekend so your much more au fait with goings on at county level by now. We do know that Cork will play defeated All-Ireland finalists Waterford at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, May 9 in group A of the national hurling league. Twenty four hours previously a competition that explodes to reality with the clash of Tipperary and reigning league, provincial and All-Ireland champions Westmeath and Galway in turn. While for definite Cork along with Down and Dublin will not have any home games in the football league as a result of their Covid training breaches. You do the crime, you do the time! A finalised list of dates, starting times and venues should be published about now. Having waited for the championship draws earlier in the week we know that Munster and Connacht would be covered on Monday with Leinster and Ulster to follow twenty hours later. A closer look next time around. It’s hotting up!
Power cuts
Just beware, in the Ballynoe area at least, of a power cut on Friday coming, April 23 from about 10.30am to 4 that afternoon to make new connections.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to the family and extended families on the sad death of Hester England, Ballynoe, over the week.
Enjoy Punchestown next week
It will signal the end of a truly magnificent Irish national hunt season with next week’s staging of the legendary Punchestown Racing Festival. Now if the weather continues to dry up it could trigger any amount of defections. The English opening classics coming up at the weekend clearly shows you how late in the season it is. Expect a few surprise results.
Recent lotto results
Results from the most recent weekly lotto draw which was held on Monday night last, April 19. Numbers drawn being 1, 13, 22 and 25 and the jackpot of €10,400 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night being Lizzie O’Leary c/o H.OC, Jerry Fitzgerald, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, Marina O’Brien, Carrigmore, Conna, Irene Flynn, online and Richard Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe. Next draw on Monday night, April 26 will have a jackpot standing at €10,600.
Conclusion of the 1993 minor hurling championship
Now unfortunately this piece, being worked on for three weeks doesn’t end in sunshine and smiles. There would be no basking in glory. Using the simple yet unexplained theory that you simply don’t win them all!
Finishing was poor, lacking the essential sharpness as the Saints minus a competitive outing for nearly eight weeks struggled to cope with the renewed challenge of Glen Rovers in a fiery frequently tempestuous county minor A hurling championship semi-final on Sunday morning, September 26. Contrast that approach with that of the city based team who wouldn’t strike a sliotar until earlier the same month in the Seandún section of the competition. That fear of being that bit fresher prevailed and was becoming gradually yet increasingly apparent as the show would move on. No one could question the players attitude though especially after seeing an 0-08 to 0-04 interval advantage. Suddenly and ruthlessly wiped out at 0-08 to 1-05 now just five minutes into an increasingly volatile second half hour. Kieran Morrison goaling a penalty is what lifted the siege, giving further impetus to any flagging confidences and the Saints place in the final was secured wtih a Richie Hegarty goal just three minutes short of the sound of Mick Lyons’ full time whistle. But it was a struggle and certainly wasn’t easy. It ended at St Catherines 2-12 Glen Rovers 1-08.
Now the way the set up was evolving would see Kilworth get the better of Newcestown (1-10 to 0-08) before losing put to Eire Óg on a scoreline of 4-04 to 1-09. So it was back to Watergrasshill on the afternoon of Saturday, October 16 for the then ‘Cork Examiner’ sponsored county minor A hurling championship final. A cold yet sunny, albeit dry afternoon. Referee Con O’Sullivan of Clyda Rovers. In advance we had been publicising it for Sunday. With the whole scenario clearly changing as the week evolved.
Looking back on it now 28 years on but we wonder did the build-up prove distracting? Even though managing to remain on stride with the opposition at 0-04 each to half time having trailed to three unanswered points after six minutes. Again it was 0-06 each eleven minutes into the second half even though you would have to say St Catherines overall weren’t playing well, Not showing any of the sparkle evident from the divisional rounds or from the Glen match just three weeks previous, Again as the saying goes that you only play as well as your allowed play.
One of the real stars for Eire Óg on the day was their razor-sharp goalkeeper David Bradley. Twice denying Kieran Morrison, once on sixteen minutes and again midway through the third quarter with what can only be described as point blank stops. They would be the kind of saves destined to win a county title for you. Catherines couldn’t hold a brief and momentary lead following a goal which at the time was accredited to Ger Lynch now in the largely unaccustomed role of full forward. Entering the fourth and final quarter finding themselves two points adrift. Brian Cotter trimming the margin to the minimum with a delightful point when pulling first time on the sliotar off the surface, Unfortunately one minute later this contest was all but over and virtually decided. Éire Óg goaling a breaking ball after the initial free would come back into play off the upright.
From there to the end it kind of all drivelled away. Score at the finish was Éire Óg 2-08 St Catherines 1-07. Nineteen of a twenty three strong panel tasted action through a five match championship campaign. We hadn’t yet at club level at least adjusted to the manager term. But Billy O’Connell and Dick Hegarty looked after a team coached and trained by Kevin Lane. Apart from who we mentioned, other players to figure prominently in that opposition team included John Healy, Tim Cronin, Killian Sheehan, Joe O’Sullivan, Damien Lordan and Paul Curran. At day’s end and without the treasured prize on show, a tad like hamlet without the prince, all players and substitutes assembled for a meal in the hall of Conna Community Centre. Also present were parents and other club members.
Having been secretary for twelve months at the start of that decade yet Billy Neville was chairman of St Catherines GAA Club at the time and in his address to a sociable gathering stated even in defeat that minor team were excellent ambassadors for the club all season. Batty O’Connell in his role as vice chairman of the underage section of the club singled out the contribution of Dick Morrison over the years. Dick Hegarty and then parish priest Rev Fr John Kelleher PP also spoke.
There were also contrasting fortunes for the players pre and post county final time. In a team captained by Michael Dorgan and St Colman’s lost out to Limerick CBS in the Harty Cup. Martin O’Keeffe and Michael Hegarty also made that team. Yet moving on just one week and twelve from that minor set up of an overall panel of twenty one B hurling decider. There were eight of them on the team with one more introduced as substitute. An East Cork final played in Caherlag on Saturday, October 23. Slowly but surely the wheel was turning in the right direction again, providing a partial boost from the pain inflicted by that minor loss. A result that would provide total redemption especially having lost to Youghal in the corresponding final at Dungourney just twelve months previously.
Éire Óg, some years later, also inflicted a minor championship loss. Off the top of one’s head there have been four championship clashes between the top flight teams of the respective clubs. Éire Óg won three of those and one of those victories came in a replay from 1987. Isn’t it time to put that right?
St Catherines minor hurling team 1993 county final line out
Michael O’Brien, Brendan Noonan, Michael Dorgan, Kevin O’Connell, Paul O’Connell, Martin O’Keeffe, Ger Lynch, Johnny Sheehan, Jim Lane, David O’Connell (team captain), Brian Cotter, Paddy Lane, Richie Hegarty, Kieran Morrison and Michael Hegarty. Sub used was Dessie Lucey. Also on panel: Richard Cotter, Robbie O’Connell, Pat Morrison, Ian O’Connell, Liam O’Leary, Donal Lynch and James Caples.
St Catherines GAA club sponsors
St Catherines GAA club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. St Catherines Juvenile Club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Hello! It’s the morning of Thursday, April 15 now four days into the initial what can be called gradual easing of restrictions from this third yet seemingly endless lockdown. Schools are open and now we’re allowed to drive around our great and beloved county. You can go to a neighbouring county. But remember to remain twenty kilometres from base. Last week’s blueprint release of what the inter-county season will look like, allied to the introduction of non-contact training from U18 down at the end of the month puts the focus more on upcoming activity. Looking around the parish and there was some recent commendable success around the racetracks. Look out for championship draws coming your way shortly. Also bringing you the latest lotto results. That’s it in a nutshell. Off you go.
Resumption of intercounty activity
Key dates through early last week were the naming of April 19 as seeing the resumption of collective senior intercounty training, with one week later - April 26 the plan for juvenile training (non-contact and confined to groups of fifteen) to come back. A bit more forthcoming from the powers that be on Thursday evening last. Now we know the national hurling league can resume on May 8/9 with the equivalent football competition kick starting into action one week later and scheduled to start on the week ending May 15/16. There will be no league final in the hurling barring the two teams meeting in the championship. Football league semi-finals and finals are in the mix for mid-June. Then right at the end of the month in both codes provincial championships are down to start. All-Ireland finals to be played mid and end of August.
Now watch out for the draws of both Sam and Liam coming your way sometime in the next week or so. Munster is in the pipeline for airing on the Morning Ireland programme on RTE Radio One on April 19.
Now Cork were crowned Munster U20 hurling champions just pre-Christmas. While the Leinster version involving Dublin and Galway is still outstanding. All teams named were also the last three from U17 level in 2017. Who says young fellows don’t retain their form? Still no dates being mentioned for that or when we will see this year’s competition starting. Vaccine rollout still a key and central issue.
Starting in early September and running right through to mid-November is reserved for club action while the provinces come into play after that. That’s the plan. You must start somewhere of course it all hinges on those Covid figures. We live in hope.
Latest lotto results
Most recent weekly lotto draw went ahead on Monday night last, April 12. Numbers drawn were: 5, 8, 17 and 24 and the jackpot of €10,200 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners were Siobhan Hayes c/o HOC, Susan Murphy, online, Irene Flynn, Carrigeen Hall – online, Esther Power, Ballynoe and Anne O’Gorman, Cois na hAbhainn – online. We’re back on Monday night, April 19 with the jackpot now standing at €10,400.
Horse racing success
Just right now with the way things are, you know yourself with Covid, and horizons must be broadened. Especially now that there’s no action on the playing fields of Ireland. At least horse racing continues to get the green flag. Recently the Spillane’s up in Kilavorilla, which is close to the venue of Ballynoe point to points, enjoyed a double. Goulan Chosen and Wrong Direction ridden by local man, Johnny Hurley winning their respective outings at Cork track on bank holiday Monday last. Meeting rounded off with another local trainer. Sean Aherne and the Paul and Dave O’Connell owned Cobblers Dream taking the €10,000 added Pegus Horse Feed Point to Point flat race.
Later the same evening Billy O’Connell goes to Youghal and Jovial Dash wins the opening 525 race. When your luck is in! Jokingly retorted to him on the phone on Tuesday morning after both successes – “Billy you might be the new Paul Hennessy!” All last week Cloth Cap was the horse on everyone’s lips. Bred by Joe Pratt and the Spillane brothers Mossie and Mark. After some impressive performances at Newbury and Kelso was braced off the board down to outright favouritism for last Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree. Don’t really know what happened towards the end. But for twenty seven fences it just seemed to be going almost perfectly. Subsequently witnessing history. Rachel Blackmore and Minella Times winning the sport’s most famous race. Henry De Bromhead - now every day he goes out nearly creates some sort of unique record. If winning isn’t enough you must throw in second as well. One/two at Aintree one/two in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Throw in a champion chase champion hurdle and champion two and a half Millie Hurdle for good measure. It really is the stuff of dreams.
Sharp Tipperary pundit Kevin Blake questioned on Saturday morning quoted 50/1 on Irish horses filling the first five places at Liverpool’s big race as being the bet of the day. Mark Chapman from his studio chair clearly replied declaring for him to relax. It ain’t going to happen. Leading UK finisher was Black Lio who was actually race favourite four years ago. The year Lucinda Russell won with One For Arthur. Ten of the first eleven home were Irish. They smash records again, again and again! But Matt can be like that sometimes. He talks down to people.
Since Christmas it’s been magic. From Leopardstown and Limerick onto champions weekend in early February. Then it’s Cheltenham and Aintree with Punchestown to come. One question for the real horsey people and having witnessed what appreciate it and Bob Olinger achieved well then how good is Ferny Hollow? Of course all this goes in cycles. Shortly we will be moving from the national hunt to the flat. Coming up soon will be the classics. Slick jumping gives way to raw power and pace. Newmarket, the Curragh and Ascot will be the centre of attention. New stars will emerge as the bacon, cabbage and Guinness brigade make way for champagne, strawberries and cream!
Minor hurling championship campaign 1993
We more or less tried to create the origin of the team when we were last with you. Where did they come from? What was the expectancy level like? But first things first and before a ball could be struck there was the Munster minor hurling championship. A Cork team featuring club players Johnny Sheehan and Kieran Morrison in its line out. They started off with a six point win (2-12 to 0-12) over reigning holders Waterford at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in early April. Before annihilating Kerry in a mismatch of a semi-final at Kilbrin three weeks later on April 28. On the other side Tipperary played three matches. Easily disposing of Limerick then getting the better of Clare in a replay. Thus setting up our final which was played at Páirc Na nGael, Limerick on Sunday, July 4. American Independence Day, Hallelujah brother! But there was no reason to celebrate here! Victory for the blue and gold (1-12 to1-09). Initiating a double for the home of hurling preceding a resounding success over the banner county in the subsequent senior final.
Overall though that minor form didn’t hold up that well. Tipperary were well beaten by Galway who themselves lost out to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final later in the year. Also on that Cork minor team were Michael Ryan from the Barrs, Seanie McGrath and Eoin Coleman of Youghal now a proficient referee for both the East Cork board and Rebel Óg. That puts an end to the setbacks for now as in goes the sliotar and the East Cork minor A hurling championship of 1993 is under way. Facing Bride Rovers in the first match at Castlelyons on Tuesday evening, July 13. Catherines holding down a three point lead at 0-04 to 0-01 after quarter of an hour. Before back to back Brian Cotter points sixty seconds apart from the twentieth minute marginally extended it at 0-06 to 0-01 to the interval. But two Rovers goals in a six minute spell between the 39th and 45th minutes were retaining that competitive feel to matters. They would come perilously close to a third. When the game’s defining score materialised. Saints’ goal booted home by David O’Connell as a late Richie Hegarty point rounded off the scoring with the saints advancing on an end 1-12 to 2-02 scoreline.
A litany of opening half points with then U16 player Paddy Lane among the contributors meant the Saints were able to absorb the enforced departure through injury of Johnny Sheehan after ten minutes in building up a half time lead of 0-08 to 0-02 in the semi-final. Third quarter goals, two of the soft variety with Michael Hegarty, David O’Connell and Jim Lane. The scorers effectively put this one sides championship to bed. Only second half score conceded was a goal from a free against a disappointing yet fancied Cloyne fifteen who had beaten Fr O’Neills in the previous round, Can’t really pin down the exact date of when this match went ahead. You see U16 and football were also floating around, But it was wither Thursday, 22 or Thursday, July 29. Make up your own mind. Castlemartyr was definitely the venue where it finished up at St Catherines 3-11 Cloyne 1-02. They may have been Cloyne Rovers because of the Russell Rovers connection.
Subsequently recording a surprisingly easy victory over Watergrasshill in the eventual divisional final. Let there be no doubt it was played on the evening of Tuesday, August 3. Dominating right from the outset and were ahead at 0-11 to 0-3 to the twenty five minute mark. Half-time scoreline in the Saints’ favour standing at 0-12 to 1-03. Early points on the change of ends from the sticks of Dave O’Connell, Richie Hegarty and Paddy Lane extending that well-earned advantage that bit further.
Catherines absorbing the implications of conceding a second goal with a goal of their own. Probably the match defining score finished off by Michael Hegarty on forty nine minutes. On the night contributing a tally of 1-04. All from play. Final score St Catherines 1-22 Watergrasshill 2-05. To Dan Kearney, then vice chairman of the board and himself a proud ‘Hill man the honour of presenting the winning trophy to Dave O’Connell captain of the successful St Catherines, team referee was the now sadly departed Georgie Crowe (Cobh), match played on a pristine Lisgoold surface.
Seem to recall or it’s somewhere in the mind of heading to the Big Tree afterwards for tea and sandwiches. For the players, certainly a representation of the panel anyway we met just a day later up and around Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Oasis concert. So the spiral is still an upward curve. Yet delays would be expected now for the county rounds of the competition. Still there would be the equivalent football championship to be going on with. While you can well appreciate a number of these players would be involved at U21 level as well. As it was it would be all of fifty four days elapsing before St Catherines would face Glen Rovers in a sometimes fiery county semi-final. Match played in Watergrasshill on Sunday morning, September 26. So be patient, we will list full panel next week, for now ‘don’t look back in anger’!
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors are club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors

Taoiseach’s address provides glimmer of hope


Glorious conditions initiating the best week of the year thus far making the difficult yet entirely understandable third lockdown that bit less tolerable is what provided the backdrop to Micheál Martin’s partial easing of restrictions following his long awaited address to an expectant body of people. We remember how the ’93 minor team were pieced together before going into their campaign next time around. Also bringing you the results from the most recent weekly lotto draw. Read on.
Taoiseach’s address to the nation
Tuesday, March 30 saw temperatures soar to the mid-teens and possibly beyond thus making it the most pleasant day of the year so far. A dry spell that would continue and making this third lockdown and its demanding yet understandable conditions that bit more difficult to adjust to. A glimmer of hope, just a partial opening of a door now sealed solid for three months, offered by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in his address to an expectant nation, a possible easing of restrictions.
It’s now the morning of Thursday, April 8 and from next Monday, April 12 the five km travel limit will end and people will be allowed to move anywhere in their county. Then moving on a week to Monday, April 19 and senior intercounty GAA teams will be allowed to resume training. Expect a new fixtures plan for today (Thursday) or tomorrow, Friday, April 9 to be released with a view to starting the national leagues in May.
Then at the end of the month from Monday, April 26 there will be the return of non-contact training for U18s. Children’s training must be outdoors and confined to groups of fifteen. Tennis courts and golf courses may reopen that day as well. Just beware that dressing rooms, clubhouses and changing rooms must remain closed. That’s how we see it. A bit more expected next month. Step by step. Bit by bit. Of course everything depends on the Covid figures. If anything goes wrong, if there’s any backfire at all and the whole plan goes belly up we could be returning to where we’ve been for the last twelve weeks and unfortunately previously as well. Into another lockdown and we sure as hell don’t want to spend the summer months in that dastardly place. Please stay safe, with the vaccine supply to increase over the next three months.
This week’s period of reflection
Few would question or query the influx of new blood playing its part on the historic intermediate hurling achievements of 1994. It also being the year of the one and only time that the East Cork U21 A championship was won. Thus making it one of the most memorable years in club history. A year before, expectancy was at a high level as we followed the trail of the minor squad in both their football and hurling championship campaigns. Of course winning teams always linger in the memory. Their achievements rest easily in the mind, sadly and unfortunately with this team it was a case of what might have been. So near and yet so far. With underage you must do it when the time is right. There are no second chances. One might believe they should have but sure twelve months later a fresh squad emerges. That’s how it was for the minor hurling squad of 1993.
Looking closer at them and through the ranks what would have been the source level of our expectancy? Tightening things up with an East Cork double and county U12 B hurling championship success in 1987. Going on to win a B féile title twelve months later. Then there was the win over Kanturk. Going on to defeat The Glen in the county final proper of the 1990 county U16 B hurling championship. A decider played in Fermoy under the captaincy of Pat Fitzgerald. So far so good. But didn’t happen when losing out to Erin’s Own (2-06 to 0-10) in the East Cork minor A final of 1992. St Catherines also lost out to Youghal in the East Cork U21 B final that year. Slowly but surely the clock turns. Reaching our designated year effectively only five of that panel from a year before had moved on. So we still seemed to be on an upward curve. A year older and wiser. Sure you know yourself how it goes!
1993 was the year twin brothers Batty and Billy O’Connell put up the Paddy Sheehan Cup for a minor hurling tournament. Named after their uncle who served a three year term as first treasurer of the club, it began to slip by the wayside through the years. But under the guidance and vigilance of Ed Galvin and Paul Davis, resurrected itself in more recent times and is now played for annually as an U12 hurling tournament. That is when there’s no Covid-19! When called upon Billy O’Connell would usually make the presentation.
Coming as it did right in the middle of the season and a win over Glenbower Rovers preceded a loss to Glenville in the divisional minor A football championship. Younger readers might find it difficult to adjust. Emergence of Rebel Óg and all that but all divisional minor football and hurling league and championship matches were then under the jurisdiction of the divisional adult board. Right that’s it. Infrastructure in place and next week we start the East Cork section of the 1993 minor A hurling championship. But first a few lineouts for you.
1990 U16 B county hurling final proper - Michael O’Brien, Richard Cotter, Pat Fitzgerald, Brendan Noonan, Noel O’Neill, Patrick Sheehan, Declan O’Neill, Mark Lane, Johnny Sheehan, Michael Hegarty, Brian Cotter, Jim Lane, Dave O’Connell, Kieran Morrison and Tom Morrison. Also: Dessie Lucey, Aidan Hickey, Robbie Hamilton, James Fitzgerald, Michael Dorgan and Ger Lynch.
1992 minor hurlers team that started East Cork final v Erin’s Own - Michael O’Brien, Ger Lynch, Pat Fitzgerald, Brendan Noonan, Martin O’Keeffe, Michael Dorgan, Kevin O’Connell, Johnny Sheehan, Declan O’Neill, Michael Hegarty, Brian Cotter, Noel O’Neill, Dave O’Connell, Kieran Morrison and Tom Morrison. Subs used were James Fitzgerald and Paddy Lane.
1992 U21 B hurling final v Youghal - Michael O’Brien, Dessie O’Keeffe, Pat Fitzgerald, Patrick Sheehan, Michael Hartnett, Martin Sheehan, Jim Lane, Ger Morrison, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan (captain), Johnny Sheehan, Declan O’Neill, Paddy O’Leary, David Temple, Kieran Morrison and David O’Connell. Subs used were Paul Higgins, Brian Cotter and Mark Lane.
Also James Fitzgerald, James Geaney, Liam Sheehan, Martin O’Keeffe and Richard Cotter.
1993 minor football v Glenville (They played as Glenhill Rovers) - Johnny Sheehan, Aidan Hickey, Michael Dorgan, Richard Cotter, Jim Lane, Martin O’Keeffe, Paddy Lane, Ger Lynch, Brian Cotter (captain), Paul O’Connell, Kieran Morrison, Dave O’Connell, Richie Hegarty, Dessie Lucey, Michael Hegarty. Also Robbie O’Connell, Donal Lynch and Brendan Noonan.
Laochra Gael
With 18 All-Ireland medals and sixteen All-Star awards Briege Corkery has won more than anyone in the history of gaelic games. She features on tonight’s (Thursday) Laochra Gael documentary on TG4 at 9.30pm presumably there are the usual spate of repeats.
Lotto results
All the details from the most recent weekly lotto draw held on bank holiday Monday night last, April 5. Numbers drawn being 4, 16, 25 and 26 and the €10,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners were: John Barrett, Ballynoe, Ann Galvin, Lacken, Chloe Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe, Meabh Mulcahy, Boutla Ballynoe, and Shane Cotter, Ballynoe. Next draw on Monday night, April 12 now has an accumulated jackpot of €10,200.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Rebels` Bounty win for Lisa Moore



March success with the first prize of €20,000 for Lisa Moore and the St Catherines Club in the third draw from Thursday night last. Previously known as the Cork GAA Clubs draw but has been rejigged and relaunched in early December as Rebels’ Bounty. All thirty prizes in the new structure are for cash. So taking in the first three months of the year ninety prizes were allocated last week.
Involved for a few years and on Thursday night, January 7th 2021 Lisa assumed the role of club secretary at the annual general meeting of the juvenile club. Replacing previous occupant Imelda O’Connell, residing in Lisnabrin South near Curraglass. She is a native of Ardfert. Husband Shane is also a club member and along with Sandra Clancy were joint Covid officers to last year’s U12 structure taking in both codes. He is a native of Tipperary town and his previous club was Arravale Rovers. Son Liam lined out at left halfback in last year’s league winning U12 hurling team. Ironically the last panel of players representing St Catherines in any grade or code with lockdown two striking shortly afterwards. Who was to know then but that was all of six months ago now.
In all, clubs throughout our great county netted a total of €1.9 million from the draw. Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan labelling it an incredible success. St Catherine’s reporting approximately a 30% increase in sales from last year. Mark Sheehan, chairman of the Cork county board from Aghabullogue and whose club were first prize winners for the month of February praised the fundraising efforts of clubs in the county and said the overall figure raised shows the strength of the Cork GAA Board. More success for the St Catherine’s Club with Mark Lester winning twenty second prize of €250 from that particular month as well. In all a fair sprinkling of clubs encompassing all divisions throughout the county were prize winners. First prize for the months of April and December will be €25,000. While also a bumper prize of €100,000 will be given away in the December draw. Bring it on.
Easter lotto draw has €10,000 jackpot
It’s almost a bit like its predecessor St Patrick’ Day and terms like Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, a bit like last year, are nearly slipping our awareness window. As you probably know live streaming of 10am Mass from Conna church on Sunday’s continues until the current lockdown ends. If it’s possible enjoy the upcoming festivities. Now there isn’t really anything on and we certainly won’t be going anywhere of significance so the weekly lotto draw will be going ahead on bank holiday Monday night, April 5. Into which we go with a jackpot of €10,000 following the most recent draw on Monday night last, March 29. Numbers drawn were 10, 11, 16 and 32. There was no winner of the €9,800 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night were Sinead Sheehan, Glentrasna, Ballynoe, Alan O’Mahony, Monagown, Conna, Ann Finn c/o Helen O’Connor, Colleen O’Brien c/o TVM, Bartlemy and John Barrett, Ballynoe. So it’s Monday night coming and the jackpot is €10,000.
Look back at opening league and championship encounters in first senior year 1995
Having won the intermediate league and championship a unique treble was recorded with the claiming of the club’s only divisional U21 A hurling championship. Thus making 1994 one of the greatest and most memorable years in St Catherine’s history. As the implication of the draws from the county convention held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, December 11 slowly rose to fruition as the new year gradually yet slowly bedded in. Catherines would be up against Bishopstown in one of five first round then clear knock out ties. First time to compete in the county senior hurling championship. As you have or will gather that word first plays a huge and significant role in this week’s report..
Competitive action for the year set in motion when facing Glen Rovers in the opening match of their senior hurling league campaign. It had been billed as an afternoon fixture. Yet records now show it was relocated to morning time when played in Ballynoe on Sunday, April 9th. What might have something to do with that is that Cork were faced with a national hurling league quarter-final in Thurles later and a junior match with Sarsfields was down for Riverstown at 7pm.
Catherines made a terrific start. A Donal O’Leary goal on four minutes boosting confidence and helping the team to settle. Michael Dorgan was assured between the sticks. Scoring all the points for the Saints in that match and it was a probing Christy Clancy delivery picked out Ed Galvin who duly slotted home a second goal on twenty minutes helping to establish a lead for the home based team on a 2-06 to 0-04 half time scoreline. It was 2-08 to 0-09 by fifty two minutes. A duo of points helped narrow the gap, recovery complete when Kieran McGuckian goaled a late free. Ending up in a share of the spoils. It finished at St Catherines 2-08 Glen Rovers 1-11. Actually first win in their new grade (there goes that word first again!) came above in Milford (2-14 to 2-10) exactly a week later, Sunday April 16 at 3pm.
Billy O’Connell in his role as then club chairman declaring that Bishopstown would be tough enough opposition adding the factually correct comment that a victory was never attained in a match of any consequence between the two clubs. You would be focussing in on a first round intermediate clash of ten years before at Caherlag to that point. Although of course there was that league defeat from 1991. A final not played until St Patrick’s Day 1992 with Mallow as the venue. Of course we would all accept you must play somebody, if you find the going too hot you will have to leave the kitchen!
On the evening of Saturday, June 19 1995 for 6.40pm start headed off to what was a senior hurling championship first round double header with Imokilly and Glen Rovers to follow. At 8pm, to remember turning right on entry to that were the old dressing rooms of Clonmult Memorial Park, Midleton. Now even though the end scoreline is lopsided and utterly convincing in effect by and large it was a competitive championship encounter. Bishopstown registered four points without reply through ten minutes after Michael Hegarty making his championship debut in that match shot Catherines into the lead. Pointing from play in the first minute. A kicked David O’Connell point saw two evenly matched teams together at 0-05 each 10 sixteen minutes. Parity still being retained at 1-05 to 0-08 through twenty two minutes. There was the prominent play of Liam Meaney, Donal O’Mahony and Anthony O’Sullivan and the town were narrowly ahead on a half-time score of 1-08 two 1-07.
A positive start to the turnaround Kieran Morrison with his and the Saints second goal just ninety seconds into the restart. He was a Cork senior player that year. Points from Johnny Sheehan and a Christy Clancy ’65 would keep the clock ticking over to lead on a scoreline of 2-09 to 1-11 to forty one minutes. Look that was as good as it would get. Bishopstown finished strongly utterly dominating the exchanges through the fourth and final quarter. It finished up Bishopstown 1-20 St Catherines 2-09, all a learning process isn’t it. Now it helps and always adds to the credibility of your story should you list off what various individual teams looked like. So we issue you with the following,
St Catherines team v Bishopstown in intermediate championship of 1985, date Saturday, June 1st venue Caherlag - Willie Murphy, Maurice Hartnett, John G Barry, PJ Lonergan, Cathal Casey, Pat O’Sullivan, Kevin Lane, Patsy O’Donoghue, Denis O’Neill, Pat Clancy and Denis Walsh, Mike Mellerick, Christy Clancy, John Murphy and William Kearney. Sub used: Shane O’Connell.
Full-time score: St Catherines 1-10 Bishopstown 3-10. Half-time score: St Catherines 1-07 Bishopstown 1-03.
Team v Glen Rovers in senior hurling league
Date Sunday, April 9 1995 venue Ballynoe. Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, James “Junior” Sheehan, Martin O’Keeffe, Ger Morrison, Declan O’Neill, Johnny Sheehan, Michael Hegarty, Donal O’Leary, Christy Clancy, David O’Connell, Ed Galvin and Brian Cotter.
Full-time score: St Catherines 2-08 Glen Rovers 1-11. Half-time score: St Catherines 2-06 Glen Rovers 0-04.
Team v Bishopstown in senior hurling championship
Date Saturday, June 10 1995 venue Midleton. Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Martin O’Keeffe, Denis Walsh, Patsy O’Donoghue, Johnny Sheehan, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison, Christy Clancy, Michael Hegarty, David O’Connell and Brian Cotter.
Full-time score: St Catherines 2-09 Bishopstown 1-20. Half-time score: St Catherines 1-07 Bishopstown 1-08.
Well now that must conclude our period of reflection from the hurling years particularly of 1994 and 1995. This had kind of triggered off another chapter that stayed in the mind. Unfortunately it didn’t all end in glorious county final. Success and so in moving forward we must go back to the minor hurling championship campaign of 1993.
Deepest sympathy
Can we express our sorrow to the family and relations of the late Billy O’Keeffe of Rathdrum, Ballynoe who sadly recently passed away.
Commiserations also to the family and extended families on the sudden and unexpected death of Ryan Flanagan in the UK. He would be a brother of Michelle Kearney, wife of this year’s first team hurling and junior B football coach Shane Kearney. Such a young man. June Bolger in Conna village would be an aunt of the late Ryan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na h-anamacha dílis.
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Don`t be expecting miracles on April 5th

It’s a picture which will become clearer as this week progresses - maybe even by today, and assuredly backed up with the usual media leaks and the clear theme emerging is don’t expect any significant revelations on April 5th, the date of the next address to the nation re the future lifting of restrictions from the current lockdown. One banner headline at the weekend highlighted that it could be the end of June before any light shines through that long dark tunnel. Current casualty figures are only tolerable, and are in a nosedive on the continent. Now if the weather continues to behave itself, clocks are scheduled to go forward this weekend and numerous trips to the walkway would be on the agenda. Maybe even morning, noon and night! As that caption loosely declares ‘We’re all in this together’. Look be hopeful of an easing in the 5km driving limit, then again how strictly was that rule enforced?
Rebels’ Bounty Draw
A total of ninety cash prizes will be on offer when the newly revamped Cork GAA Clubs draw labelled Rebels’ Bounty swings into action tonight (Thursday, March 25). Draws taking place in the months of January, February and March to go ahead live with a top prize of €20,000 each time. Nine further draws to take place throughout the year and the first prize for Christmas will be €100,000. That should nicely see after the festive shopping!
Lotto results
We give you the results of the most recent lotto draw which was held on Monday night last, March 22. Numbers drawn were 4, 11, 18 and 24 and the jackpot of €9,600 wasn’t won. The consolation winners were Ann Cotter c/o Castlelyons PO, John Barrett, Ballynoe, Maura Hayes, Ballinlegane, Ballynoe, E and C, phone no. supplied and Helena Mulcahy c/o Helen O’Neill, Ballynoe. With a standing jackpot of €9,800 there will be a draw on Monday night, March 29.
Intermediate hurling year of 1994 - final part
Five weeks on from tasting a memorable and never to be forgotten outright championship success and with nine wins from ten outings right through a spring and summer campaign attained, Catherines had secured a last four place. A league semi-final down for the afternoon of Sunday, October 16. Starting off in a sad manner. A minute’s silence at the outset for Patrick Tobin of Ballynoe tragically killed in an accident that weekend.
Behind at 0-04 to 0-03 early on and briefly taking the lead from a clinical Alan Magee finish yet Catherines would still find themselves trailing at the interval on a 1-07 to 1-06 scoreline.
Yet would enjoy a rewarding third quarter. Four points shared equally between Johnny Sheehan and Christy Clancy following influential Donal O’Leary work saw Sean Buckley force in a second goal which helped build up a Saints lead standing at 2-11 to 1-08 to forty one minutes. Now those of you contemporaries of the time would instantly recall key rivalry between these two teams around that era and no opposition were going to surrender that easily. Four scores without reply would see opposition Ballymartle restore parity. Catherines just doing enough to win the day on a 2-13 to 2-11 scoreline. Redemption of sorts, Ballymartle having inflicted back to back championship losses in the autumn of ‘92 and ‘93. Both matches played in Caherlag in what we might loosely describe as contrasting conditions!
Now you could say the dream was still alive. But the U21 hurling championship was still ongoing and the weather had turned really nasty around that time. How many of you remember showing up in Dungourney on a Sunday morning, both teams present only to be turned on our way again as the pitch was deemed unplayable. However it all turned out hunky dory in the end. Catherines going on to win the only East Cork U21 A hurling championship in their history. Victories attained over Watergrasshill, Midleton and Youghal in the process. Yet it was reigning holders Carrigtwohill who had received county nomination with a divisional final having surpassed deadlines. Often wondered over the years where that team could have finished up from the potential possessed therein.
While following a win over Newcestown in the penultimate round and it would be opposition provided by Glen Rovers for the county intermediate hurling league final. Catherines emerged convincing winners over the same opposition in a first round championship encounter at Rathcormac back in mid-July. Yet ironically it was the famed northside club who had inflicted the only loss bestowed on the Saints in a competitive fixture played that year. Winning the regular group match in the Glen field on Friday evening, July 22. So now it’s the afternoon of Sunday, December 4. We return to what is now a cold Carrigtwohill and time to rectify that mid-summer setback. Again the locally based official Patsy Spillane was on the blower and the Saints would be hoping to do better than in their previous appearance at this stage. It being the 1991 decider. Even though that final wasn’t played until St Patrick’s Day 1992. It was against Bishopstown and the venue was Mallow. Then as following that historic championship win to which the East Cork U21 title was added there was the carrot of a unique treble dangling as a lucrative prize to round off the year in some style.
It didn’t look great for a while with the Glen striking early and a crucial goal on ninety seconds, enough to establish a half time lead at 1-07 to 0-03, pressure on. Barrie O’Regan, the outstanding Shane O’Connell at the back and substitution Declan O’Neill in the midfield area excelled as slowly but surely and favoured by the conditions that intimidating scoreline was becoming that bit less daunting, Brian Cotter, Johnny Sheehan and Donal O’Leary all on target before Kieran Morrison would strike for that much sought after and match winning goal on fifty two minutes. Christy Clancy from a free and Morrison again would add further late points. For the second time in eleven weeks it was clubman and county treasurer Dan Hoare had the honour of making a historic presentation to club captain Patsy O’Donoghue. Final score in that league final was St Catherines 1-12 Glen Rovers 1-09, treble completed.
Still very much the centre of one’s sporting attention and fresh in the memory with the annual social going ahead at Garryvoe Hotel on Friday night, December 16. He promised a return visit from the ecstatic dressing room in Páirc Uí Chaoimh the previous September and the auxiliary Bishop of Cork, John Buckley was back upon us for what would also be intermediate and U21 medal presentation night. Selectors and their wives were honoured. While Albert Griffin, a club vice president and lifelong supporter received a special presentation of Waterford glass. Following county convention at Páirc Uí Chaoimh the previous Sunday and St Catherines and Bishopstown were paired in the first round of the county senior hurling championship for 1995. There you are and the year of ‘94 sorted more or less completely and it not yet Christmas. We look at that Bishopstown match next week. Plus the first match in the ’95 senior hurling league campaign. Wonder who that was against? All in good time!
Now in fairness you were promised scorers, starting team, subs used plus full extension panel from county intermediate hurling championship final. So here goes.
Intermediate hurling final 1994 - St Catherines scorers were Brian Cotter (2-01), Christy Clancy (0-07), Dave O’Connell (1-00), Kieran Morrison (0-02), Johnny Sheehan and Donal O’Leary (0-01 each). Starting fifteen: Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Pat Fitzgerald, Denis Walsh, Patsy O’Donoghue (team captain), Johnny Sheehan, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison, Christy Clancy, Mike Walsh, Dave O’Connell and Brian Cotter. Subs used were: Martin O’Keeffe, Eddie Geaney and Seamus Neville. Also on panel: Eppy Hartnett, Edward Sheehan, Ger Morrison, Declan O’Neill, James Spillane, John Hartnett, Denis Buckner, Sean Buckley and Edmond Galvin.
Mentors: Pat Clancy, Cathal Casey, Pat Ahern and Pa Finn (coach), Final referee: Ger Harrington (Carrigaline).
Cheltenham racing festival
An Irish team instantly into their rhythm with the success of Appreciate It in the first race. Winning the supreme novice’s hurdle by a mindboggling twenty-six lengths though stablemate Blue Lord did come a cropper at the last, and Willie Mullins struck his opening blow of a truly historic week. With the Master of Closutton for the eight-time crowned top trainer. Sheer weight of numbers and countback saw him just edging out the peerless Henry De Bromhead. Overall there was a staggering accumulation of twenty three winners emanating from the Emerald Isle with the likes of Noel Meade, Paul Nolan, Gavin Cromwell, Peter Fahey and another Mullins, Emmet also frequenting the winner’s enclosure. But it was the success of Richie Condon aboard Heaven Help Us for Paul Hennessy in the Coral Cup handicap hurdle that would give a racing mad parish its greatest satisfaction. In early February a combination that collected the Paddy Mullins handicap hurdle at champions weekend in Leopardstown. Thankfully the form held up, giving the Glengoura born jockey and a trainer - better known from the greyhound world - one of their greatest days in the sun. Ironically third in the same race was Jonathon Burke, born next door to Richie Condon and both would have donned the St Catherines colours over the years. Isn’t it very hard to be one dimensional!
From recent evidence we feared that running Tiger Roll was cruelty. Well we had to eat our words, rolling back the years in the cross country chase. While by now Jack Kennedy and Rachel Blackmore are stars. Right at the top of the tree. Wasn’t it noticeable how the tally of winners only reluctantly appeared on a channel that prides itself with its on-screen captions. Still you’d wonder about the implications of this result with your average UK punter switching off in droves if as they will look at it this kind of fare gets dished up again. A much hyped 1.9 million viewers or not this time around.
There must be plenty of you who can go back to John Mulhearn, Tommy Carmody and Glamoy, sole Irish winner for two years at this prestigious sporting festival back in the mid to late seventies. Frequently there would be no return at all. It’s a much different Cheltenham festival we look at now.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Juvenile gradings revealed

Unfortunately Covid figures are only marginally positive so there is no way we could be sucked into looking forward to a possible opening up date. Chances are we would get it wrong anyway. It looks as if the theory now is that after opening there will be no going back, in a country which just couldn’t absorb another lockdown. So it’s going to be slow.
Positive domestic developments have been the staging of both annual general meetings. Reaction is good towards the upcoming Rebels’ Bounty draw and St Catherines are able to stage their weekly lotto draw. There is no doubt the club development looks resplendent with people frequenting the newly laid walkway in droves. So when the green button is pressed we will be ready!
Received the juvenile gradings for the new season whenever it comes about. All hurling teams from U15 to U17 and on to U18 for this year only will play in division one. U15 and U18 footballers will be based in division 2. U17 footballers will play in division 3.
U13 hurlers will play in group 3. It’s group 4 for the equivalent football squad.
St Catherines Juvenile AGM which went ahead on January 7th with the report appearing on these pages one week later on Thursday January 14, to which we now add the appointment of Dino Pietropaolo along with Colm Ahern, Alan O’Mahony and Conor Kearney as this year’s U13 mentors in both hurling and football. All underage backroom teams now completed.
Lotto results
Keeping you up to speed with the lotto details and the results from the most recent draw held on Monday night last, March 15. Numbers drawn were 1, 5, 28 and 30 and there was no winner of the €9,400 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were Shane Fitzgerald, Garrycahera, Ballynoe, Moroney family, Cooladurragh, Pa Barry, Carrigmore, Conna, Denis and Breda Geary, Glenacroghery and Annette Beecher, Ballybride, Conna. There will be a draw on Monday night, March 22 when the jackpot will be €9,600.
Intermediate hurling year of 1994 – part 2
We hope everything settled all right following last week’s piece, which centred on the regular group stage of the intermediate hurling league. First of three articles when reviewing the historic hurling year of 1994. Semi-final and final to follow next time around. With a now major impediment casting a long, dark shadow over first team preparations. Cathal Casey picking up a worrying looking injury in an East Cork junior B football championship replay against Youghal at Killeagh on the evening of Monday, June 13. It put paid to his season. No doubt it was the kind of news sending shuddering headlines through the very core of the club. Casey was an All-Star hurler from two years previously. Also receiving a nomination twelve months after that. You can only imagine the implication such a setback brought. But you know the whole scenario occurred four weeks in advance of a sliotar being struck. Game put back because of an Imokilly/ Bishopstown senior championship clash. One is of the opinion that if things had been up and running it could have proved more detrimental. Cathal Casey subsequently joining Pat Clancy, Pat Aherne and Pa Finn on the selectorial panel and as they say the rest is history!
Over the years certain players had hugely significant moments. One’s which marked their careers for ever more. Frozen in time. Never to be forgotten. There was Jimmy Barry Murphy with all four goals in a Munster victory over Ulster in a Railway Cup football final. Mark Foley literally destroying a much-vaunted Tipperary rearguard in the 1990 Munster hurling final. It all came right on the afternoon of Sunday, July 10 1994 for Mike Walsh. First round of the intermediate hurling championship against Glen Rovers at Rathcormac, two first half goals establishing a 2-04 to 0-04 half-time lead. Completing a hat-trick a minute from time. Eventually finishing with an overall tally of 3-02 in a win on an end scoreline of 5-10 to 1-09 and the intermediate hurling championship of 1994 had started in a positive manner.
Then having to face Midleton in an all East Cork clash at Copper Alley grounds in Youghal on Friday evening, July 29. Catherines spluttered their way through the opening exchanges. Goals from Christy Clancy and Martin O’Keeffe helping things to settle down in setting up a lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-05 to 0-03. A point blank Michael Dorgan stop preceding a third goal finished off by Donal O’Leary eased the Saints over the winning line. Final score was St Catherines 3-09 to Midleton 2-06. Both Magpie goals coming from Kevin Hennessy just before the end. It being the first victory over the opposition of any real significance since the East Cork junior A hurling final of 1983. A decider also played in the coastal town. But there was no elation and not much celebration apart from the understandable result ensuring advancement. Fifteen first half wides contributing to an embarrassing overall total of 23 would see to that. Anyway, now Cobh await in the quarter final just over a week later. Glen Rovers and Midleton were both their second string outfits. So a stiff test would lie ahead, which is exactly how it turned out. Both teams enjoying opening periods of prominence with the Saints just edging it on a 1-07 to 1-06 half-time scoreline in an encounter going ahead at a strategically well-located Carrigtwohill venue. Three unanswered points were added in the immediate four minutes following the break as the Saints were able to absorb the concession of a second opposition goal going in direct from a ’65 to still lead at 1-13 to 2-06 to the end of the third quarter.
Sceptics anddoubters as to the credibility of the upcoming statement - and know-alls -will quickly point to an emphatic win in a divisional junior A quarter final at Dungourney towards the end of July 2017. Indeed they would be right. But overall just go back on it, even though there wouldn’t be a plentiful supply of matches between the two teams and St Catherines always found Cobh tough nuts to crack. Third quarter goals on 47 and 52 minutes restored them to the front at 4-08 to 1-16 in ’94. When the importance of a Christy Clancy goal ninety seconds later could never be undervalued. Couldn’t have come at a better time. Four points were shared to the conclusion of a contest played out in a fading light. No one could conradict that late goal being the decisive and match winning score with Catherines going a notch further up the ladder on an end scoreline of 2-18 to 4-10.
A masterful and exciting semi-final against Delany’s frequently entering conversations even today, was next at 2pm on the afternoon of Sunday, August 21.
A lucrative second quarter performance yielding a return of five points without reply after both teams would bulge the net with early goals had the northside team in the ascendancy. Impact of which was minimised when Dave O’Connell crashed in a second Saints’ goal late in the first half and suddently Delany’s half time lead of 1-09 to 2-05 didn’t look as daunting. That was a good Delany’s team, excellent players sprinkled throughout the field. John O’Driscoll, Mark McElhinney, Declan McElhinney and in Barry Egan they had their own All-Star. A George Healy point on 41 minutes had them 2-13 to 2-07 ahead. Crucial points followed particularly from Seamus Neville, Denis Walsh, Kieran Morrison and Christy Clancy allied to an inspirational Johnny Sheehan midfield performance all kept the momentun going and clawing their way in to that deficit. Recovery complete with a second Donal O’Leary and thrid Saints’ goal on fifty-six minutes. Outscoring Delany’s by 1-09 to 0-02 in those hectic, tumultous closing exchages. Win secured, score at the finish was 3-16 to 2-15. That was some match.
Sunday, September 11 1994, one of the most famous and memorable days in club history and St Catherines set their stall out early, making the kind of start one can only dream about and ahead at 1-04 with reply to the end of the opening quarter in the finalitself. Curtain raiser to Carbery and Midleton in the county senior hurling final to follow. Yet Cloghduv are steeped in tradition and are doughty championship battlers. They would put it up to any team and have put the Saints to the pin of their collars frequently over the years. Just take a brief momentary glance at your recent history. Six unanswered second quarter scores turned it around and the mid-Cork team with one of the most endearing venues in the county had their noses in front when a second Brian Cotter goal restored the Saints’ advantage very late in a final of two contrasting opening quarters. Half-time with the score standing at St Catherines 2-05 Cloughduv 1-05.
Dave O’Connell pounced for a third goal early in the second half. Points from Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison and Christy Clancy followed and the lead stretched out to 3-09 to 1-07 to the end of the third quarter. It had moved on to 3-12 to 1-09 when Kevin Murray slipped in for what can only be described as a late consolation goal. A county final ending up on a scoreline of St Catherines 3-12 Cloughduv 2-11. Afterward following the traditional address from chairman Christy Cooney, clubman and county treasurer Dan Hoare had the honour of presenting the Jim Long Cup to victorious captain Patsy O’Donoghue at a post match function held in the Grand Hotel, Fermoy where Denis Walsh would pick up his Man of the Match accolade. After eleven years resulting in 26 championship matches played which saw 13 wins and 3 draws unfolding Catherines were crowned county intermediate hurling champions and after a 48 year history to that point for the St Catherines club as we know it today the graduation was complete. Thus placing in the hat for the first time ever their name for the county senior hurling championship of 1995. But that’s another story.
Apart from the loyal band of followers from the four competing clubs allied to the usual plethora of neutrals seen at such occasions, a delighted visitor to the victorious dressing room afterwards was Bishop Buckley, Auxilliary Bishop of Cork. A man with strong parochial connections. Particularly from the Ballynoe area. Another interested spectator at that county final was then Minister for Finance, Bertie Aherne, a big GAA fan, loyal Dubs follower and a man with a fair sprinkling of Tracton blood running through his veins. They are a club with two pristine pitches sandwiched between Carrigaline Nohoval and Belgooly in the Minane Bridge area of our classy county. Medals presentation would come later in the year. Because there is still an element of this reprise for review. As the legendary aforementioned Bertie once declared – Some done, more to do!!!
Next time around we hone in on the league semi-finals and final. Scorers starting line-out, subs used plus full extension panel from the county final and a brief look back to presentation night. Rounding off the never to be forgotten year of 1994.
Club sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Baynoe. St Catherines Juvenile Club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

A look back to intermediate winning year of 1994


It was one of the greatest, indeed memorable years in the history of St Catherines GAA club. Finishing up on the crest of a wave and putting their name in the senior hurling championship draw at convention of that year as county intermediate hurling championship and league winners of 1994. We’re going to break it down into a three week sojourn. Starting with a reflective look at the regular group games of the intermediate hurling league from that year.
Next week one of the greatest sporting festivals on planet earth will materialise. We try and whet your appetite for the Cheltenham Racing Festival. But first and right up to date we are bringing you the results from the most recent lotto draw held on Monday night last, March 8. Numbers drawn were 5, 20, 21 and 25 and there was no winner of the €9,200 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were; John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons, Marion McNulty, Knockaun, Ballyduff Upper, Murray children, Cappoquin, Batt Leahy, Baradaw, Dungourney and Elmarie Power, Ballynoe. Back on Monday night, March 15 when the jackpot will be €9,400.
Olympics of horse racing
Cheveley Park had moved on a few classy animals most notably Envol Allen. Various sponsorships were ruthlessly terminated. Then around 5.30pm on Friday evening last the findings of the IHRB were out in the open. As Tommy Lyons hinted on the paper on Saturday morning of the later confirmed take over of Denise Foster. All the implications of Elliotgate now laid bare. Rarely has the build up to the most famous sporting festival on these shores had a backdrop of such gargantuan proportions.
Major and significant happenings attract huge public interest, that cannot be denied. They are what they are. Say World Cups, golf opens, six nations rugby, Olympic games, all cross the sporting divide. Also coming into that bracket would be the staging of the Olympics of horse racing. This year’s festival begins to unfold at 1.20pm on the foot of the Cotswolds on Tuesday afternoon next, March 16. A boost even before we start is the granting of six races per day to terrestrial television. Cheltenham race week is definitely going where it belongs. Into the rooms of the ordinary man. ITV becomes base camp to four days of truly absorbing top class sporting action and they are very good at it. Coverage further boosted by sure to be entertaining and knowledgeable preview shows each morning.
This time around the Emerald Isle going into what is still perceived as the annual battle between Ireland and England with what looks like their strongest ever team. No doubt the champion hurdle just four races in and the Gold Cup on closing day carry the biggest appeal of what one hopes to be a success laden week. Henry De Bromhead from Kilmacthomas comes to the party with Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard and Minella Indo. Just beware of James Du Berlais in the hurdle. Never ran in Ireland or England before, all previous form coming from France. But if anyone will get a spin out of him well then surely, Willie Mullins can. His album photo will be trying to enter the record books in attaining a hat trick of gold cup wins in a week where the masterful Clo Sutton handler will be a mighty threat in whatever is up for grabs. Even by his own admission, second - even third - choice entries could easily come good. We’ve all been warned, this will be special. Enjoy! No phone calls between Tuesday morning and Friday evening by order of the IHRB!
Live streaming of mass
There is live streaming of weekend and Sunday Masses from Conna Church at 10am.
Happy national feast day
You could almost be forgiven if it slipped through the net, maybe Seachtain na Gaeilge would be a reminder in wishing all a happy St Patrick’s Day.
Intermediate hurling year of 1994 (part one)
We will take the groundbreaking county junior title success of 1983 as a start off point with the Saints losing out in their first two matches in the higher grade. Success coming out for the opening time on Sunday, May 11 and the intermediate hurling championship campaign of 1986 was underway. Recording a three point success (1-13 to 3-04) over St Finbarr’s in a first round tie which was played in Castlelyons. There were two trips to Rathcormac before getting the better of Castletownroche in the subsequent round. But saw their campaign ruthlessly terminated when losing out to Cloughduv at quarter-final stage on a scoreline of 1-16 to 1-12. When played at Church Road on Saturday evening, July 26. While Eire Óg were first round conquerors in 1987. Both draw and replay played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. While you could label 1988 as being the nearly year. Wins over Ballinhassig and Cobh preceding a semi-final draw with Youghal on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-14.
Twenty four hours later and Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh embellished itself with the staging of the divisional junior A hurling final. East Cork’s little All-Ireland between Killeagh and Midleton at Baile Nua on Sunday, August 28. Incredibly another draw, it finished up at Killeagh 1-05 Midleton 0-08. But will always be remembered locally, for a pitch only officially open three years, by an incident which happened just before throw in when a player swinging off the crossbar delayed proceedings as a repair job had to be carried out. Youghal easily won the replay against the Saints again at Lisgoold on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-02 on Sunday, September 25. By now Killeagh were East Cork junior A hurling champions. Winning their replay (1-10 to 1-08) again at Ballynoe on Saturday evening, September 17. Both draw and replay were refereed by Pat O’Connor whose son Kieran was on the Cork winning All-Ireland senior football panel of 2010 before passing away last summer after a battle with cancer.
Back to back first round defeats incurred by the Saints in 1989 and 1990. Losing to Mallow in ‘89. Also having lost to the Avondhu based team in their very first match at intermediate championship level in May of 1984, centenary year of the association. Both of those matches were played in Kilworth. While a solid and frequently impressive start was undone by an O’Connell inspired Kilbrittain at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday evening, June 10 1990. A resounding win over Delaney’s at Rathcormac in 1991 preceded a gut wrenching loss to a Colm O’Neill/John Fenton inspired Midleton at Lisgoold in June the same year. Ballymartle would be the villains when knocking the Saints out of the championship in both ’92 and ’93.
Phew! It’s not easy cramming eleven years into a few hundred words. Now looking behind the scenes at emerging talent we’re going down the road to a county U12 B hurling success in 1987 the nucleus of which won a county B Féile title against Ballyhea two years later. Then under the captaincy of Pat Fitzgerald came U16 success after that. While there were disappointing minor losses to Erins Own and Eire Óg in ’92 and ’93. Now Johnny Sheehan and Kieran Morrison would have made their first team championship debuts against Cloughduv in 1992, a year when an outstanding St Colman’s outfit made a profound impression in college hurling circles. Both were county minors against Tipperary on the Ennis Road in Limerick in ’93.
While St Catherines were also strong at U21 level around that time. Throw in the addition of one or two new signings and we believe the infrastructure now to be in a place for an exciting new season. Would you agree? Would you be of the same opinion? Now that we’re probably blessed with the greatest acumen of all – hindsight!
One of the most successful teams in club history started off their competitive campaign with a resounding 2-11 to 0-04 win over Midleton at Clonmult Memorial Park in the intermediate hurling league. It was the morning of Sunday, March 27. Following that up with another easy win, this time over Newtownshandrum (1-15 to 0-05) when played at Rathcormac on Sunday, April 17. The winning run continued through a three match programme of games for the month of May. Starting off in Rostellan when recording an emphatic success on a scoreline of 4-13 to 2-05 over Aghada on Tuesday evening the 10th. On the following week overcoming the challenge of St Vincents at Watergrasshill on Friday evening, May 20. It finished up at St Catherines 3-12 St Vincents 2-07. We’re then tested before emerging again on the right side of a winning scoreline. This time it was 0-13 to 1-06 in O’Connell Park in Cobh on Saturday evening, May 28.
Now nearly four months into the campaign and the first league match in Ballynoe resulted in a 2-18 to 0-07 win over Mallow on Tuesday evening, June 14. Still able to keep the winning run going following a competitive outing above in Na Piarsaigh on Sunday the 19th. It finished up at 4-13 to 3-12. But while the Blackrock fixture never saw the light of day, deemed scratched, with the points duly awarded Catherines went down to their first competitive defeat of the year above in the Glen field on Friday evening, July 22. Glen Rovers 1-14 St Catherines 1-11 was how that one finished up. A result that would be rectified before year’s end. Getting back to winning ways (1-14 to 0-08) below in Cloyne on Tuesday evening, August 9. That now tallies as nine wins from ten outings yet even though it had surpassed deadlines and no points were awarded the Blarney match was still played on Saturday, October 8 which St Catherines won (2-14 to 1-05). That match was originally on the calendar for April 9 in between the Midleton and Newtownshandrum games. But dreadful weather around that time lead to its cancellation. Even though now it proved a handy game to have, involving no pressure as St Catherines had been paired with Ballymartle in the competition semi-final for week ending October 15/16. No venue named to that point. That proved a mouthwatering fixture to land, Ballymartle inflicting championship losses in 1992 and 1993. Both matches played in Caherlag.
So now what we’re going to do is revert next week to the 1994 intermediate hurling championship campaign which was concluded prior to the resumption of the league which again, because of poor weather conditions and don’t forget a busy U21 campaign, would go on until early December. It just seems more relevant doing it that way.
Condolences
Sympathy to the family of Rodger O’Halloran who had resided at Monty’s Meadow in Conna and who passed way recently.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. St Catherines Juvenile Club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Annual General Meeting report


Chairman Pat Clancy in welcoming everybody declared it was very important to have it, “it is what it is” were his opening comments of an annual general meeting held on zoom or phone link and commencing just after the scheduled starting time of 8pm on Saturday night last.
As part of his own address to the meeting which came later, added “it to be a strange year on the playing side”. This year, whenever it starts, the new management team of Shane Kearney, Shane Fitzgerald, Colm Burke, Martin O’Keeffe and Tim O’Connor will take responsibility for club teams in both the intermediate hurling and junior B football championships. Well done to all those players at college level and also playing divisional hurling and junior B football championships. Well done to all those players at college level and also playing divisional hurling. Congratulations being extended to Eoin Davis goalkeeper on the Munster winning U20 hurling team.
He mentioned that Scór is very important for the club while the effort and contribution of the three schools in the parish would be noteworthy in its promotion at juvenile level. Medical officer Brigid Cotter with the assistance of Dolores Hartigan were thanked as were club physios John O’Meara and Finola Neville. Field chairman was Billy Neville along with Pat Hartigan and Tom ‘Waxer’ Murphy were complemented on their work on the grounds. Overall there would be no voting at the meeting, All officials agreeing in advance to stay on. Though it’s currently being working on club registration format will remain intact for now the new system emerging for 2022.
Praiseworthy comment would be forthcoming for the work being put in under the championship of Brian Sheehan at juvenile level. Poc fada was very important for the club and although there wasn’t any in the term just ending, hopefully we will make a return for the end of 2021.
It’s important to stress the importance of the weekly lotto draw, “it keeps our club going”. Membership as before but there must be an improvement in lotto contribution.
As regards the club development project with the area being subdivided into seventeen separate regions and it must be stated that the positive response from the parish and the public to be beyond one’s wildest expectations. Marion Morrison putting in great work with the club executive. However the work put in by T~A in the whole diverse project was second to none. Earlier the chairman pointing out that T~A had announced a bigger and better sponsorship deal for 2021 and 2022. There was also the generous sponsorship deal provided by Mulcahy Steel for the underage section of the club, Mention of which Brian Sheehan as chairman Lisa Moore as new secretary and treasurer Fiona Sheehan had their positions ratified from the juvenile AGM of January 7th.
Last year’s minutes were read and adopted prior to Eleanor Glavin presenting the secretary’s report. It being a year of firsts. It being the first virtual AGM and for many first mention of the word lockdown. Going on to mention the tie up between the GAA club and the community councils to connect with those cocooning, Another new word.
An often sad and strange year compounded by the sad departures of Toss Morrison and Dan McCarthy, both ex-chairmen of St Catherines GAA Club. While later in the year there was the sad death of Jim Roche, a loyal club servant.
On the playing field which had a condensed season highlights, were the reaching of the semi-finals of the lower intermediate hurling championship and of the U21 C football championship. No U21 hurling championship was played.
Highlights the contribution of Elaine Fitzgerald as chairperson of the final sub-committee.
Eleanor thanked everybody for their co-operation and urged everyone to look out for themselves. Treasurer Richard Hegarty presented an informative and well prepared financial statement. Again stressing that the development could not have been undertaken without the very generous contributions received from members and supporters. Johnny Sheehan declared that a games’ development plan with the GAA and camogie clubs behind it is soon to be launched. Paul Davis, child protection officer, again pointed out that coaches and selectors must be vetted. Just check if you need to renew your vetting.
Doubling as Covid officer of the club and Paul thanked everybody who worked for the club in the course of the year. Then there was that fitting finale to Eleanor’s piece – “Saints Abu” – “and so say all of us!”.
Lotto
Keeping your details up to speed with the results from the most recent lotto draw held on Monday night last, March 1, numbers drawn were 13, 17, 20 and 29. There was no winner of the €9,000 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being; Noel Tobin, Monty’s Meadow, Conna, Fiona Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe, E Kenneally c/o PH, Sonny Cotter, Glentrasna, Ballynoe and Teresa Buckley c/o English’s, Conna. There will be a draw on Monday night, March 8 with a jackpot now standing at €9,200.
Happy birthday
We would like to be associated with those praiseworthy comments bestowed on Conna trader Tom English over the weekend. As a line aptly stated “any enterprise is only as good as its captain”.
Racing success
Right up to the commencement of the AGM there was a plethora of unattended sport through the various channels on tv. There was a great win for Jonathon Burke abroad Clondaw Castle in a €50,000 handicap chase at Kempton, where earlier tritonioc and Kilworth’s Adrian Heskin look as if they laid it down to duffle coat Quilixios or Zanahayr or whoever Gordon Elliot puts out for the four year olds in the triumph hurdle. You can’t beat a bit of competition!
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to Betty Higgins-Galvin and Geraldine Twomey from Ballynoe on the death of their brother Rev John O’Brien SCA originally from Fermoy and then of Brentwood diocese in London.
Sunday Mass
Live streaming of Sunday Mass continues on St Catherines YouTube channel until this current lockdown ends.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

AGM this weekend - lotto jackpot at €9,000
Its juvenile equivalent went ahead last month and now the parent club annual general meeting will be held online on Saturday night coming, February 27. If you want to be included please text the club phone number and the link you need will be circulated later this week. Starting time on Saturday night is 8pm.
Mass
Mass is live streamed from Conna church every Sunday at 10am until the lockdown ends.
Lotto jackpot at €9,000
St Catherines GAA weekly lotto draw now has an accumulated jackpot of €9,000. Results from Monday night last, February 22, numbers drawn 8, 11, 20 and 25 and there was no winner of the €8,000 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were; Vince and Michelle, Conna; Mary O’Donovan, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Lorraine O’Sullivan, Glernreigh, Ballynoe and Daniel and Caoimhe c/o PO. There will be a draw on Monday night, March 1.
Rebels’ Bounty Draw
Look we called it and knew it as the Cork GAA Club’s draw but it has been rejigged and revamped and was relaunched on Friday, December 4. It commences on week ending March 27 and club treasurer Richard Hegarty tells us three draws will take place that night taking in the months of January, February and March Tickets cost €100 or €10. A month which gives you two months free. First prize is €20,000 per month in which thirty cash prizes going down to €100 can be won. This year’s draw is for all cash prizes. For the months of April and December the top prize goes up to €25,000 while also a bumper prize of €100,000 will be given away in December. Mouth-watering!
Fiftieth anniversary of All-Star teams
Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly hung up that famous blue jersey for a final time. Jim Gavin vacated the managers seat. Even Jack McCaffrey the finest exponent of the modern game took time out. Enough of body blows there to rattle the cage of any team. Not so Dublin! They just carry on as normal and pick up another array of awards when the football All-Stars were revealed last Friday morning. Manning the entire halfback line into the process. Brian Fenton named player of the year for the second time in three seasons. Question now on everyone’s lips - could six titles become seven? Answer - of course they could.
Like the Dubs All-Ireland champions Limerick picked up nine awards when the PWC fiftieth anniversary All-Star hurling team was named on a live show on RTE 1 on Saturday evening last. Realistically that couldn’t be questioned. League, Munster and All-Ireland champions all rolled into one. Best team by far. Gearoid Hegarty deserving recipient of the player of the year award.
No rebel awards this time, nor should there have been. First time since 2016 no All-Stars came to Cork. Though Patrick Hogan had been singlehandedly flying the flags in recent years.
We go back to those first teams published in 1971, Rya Cummins in at centre forward on the football team. Named all full forward on the equivalent hurling team. Thus far the only player in the fifty year history of the All-Stars picking up two awards from the same playing year. Tony Maher was named right fullback in that hurling team.
Conclusion on reflection to the juvenile year of 2002
This week we round off our loop back to the successful underage playing year of 2002 with an uneven number of teams involved St Catherine’s only began their group three section two U11 group hurling campaign with a resounding success in Lisgoold on Thursday evening, August 1. Further wins over Castlelyons, Carrigtwohill (2) and Bride Rovers ensued. Setting up a final against Russell Rovers fixed for Castlemartyr on the morning of Sunday, September 15.
Excellent goalkeeping from Ed Aherne allied to the strong play of Denis Lane at corner back and the scoring ability of Kevin Walsh and Stephen O’Brien helped the Saints to carry the day against a brave Rovers’ challenge. It was the second year in a row to overcome Russell Rovers in the decider of this particular age group who unfortunately for them were losing a third successive final.
Afterwards, board chairman and match referee Peter Hogan presented the victorious shield to Conor Hegarty captain of a St Catherines team ahead at 2-00 to 0-00 at the interval and eventual winners on an end scoreline of 4-01 to 1-00. Denis Walsh was guest in a medal presentation ceremony for both the U11 and 12 hurlers and held at Ballynoe community centre on new year’s night 2003.
Full list of players U11 hurling: Conor Hegarty (captain), Ed Aherne, Denis Lane, Seamus Wade, Paul England, Brian Mulcahy, Ian Heffernan, Stephen O’Brien, Colm Ahern, Conor Kearney, Kevin Walsh, Daniel Mangan, Donal McAuliffe, Richie McGrath, Stephen Mills, Sean Beecher, John Hurley, Fiona Cotter, Johnny Hurley, Finola Neville, John Cashman, Colm McCarthy, Rory O’Connor, Eoin Condon, Daniel O’Brien, Matthew Mulcahy, Jonathan Burke, Gavin Hartnett, Conor Lane, Mark Buckley, Paddy Lee, Alan O’Mahony, William Walsh and James Neville.
We hope you enjoyed this section of looking back. A month long period of reflection as we conclude what were the highlights of the 2002 juvenile year. Rounding off with a three match segment of action entailing the U15 B hurling championship. Reserved as a divisional competition purely and as the Americans would call it played in the fall of the year. Proving too strong for Bride Rovers when the first match went ahead on Sunday morning, October 27.
You couldn’t argue that the upcoming county football final would provide the backdrop to all underage activity at that particular time. Indeed the U15 hurling championship virtually overlapped it and six of the county final winning team were on the starting line-up when overcoming the challenge of Carrig na bhFear in the semi-final (3-06 to 1-03) again at Ballynoe on the morning of Sunday, November 3.
You drive right by Redbarn with Aghavine off to your right, indeed the final played almost on a beach with the divisional decider going ahead at Pilmore on Sunday morning, December 1. Safe to say you could probably play there on a Christmas morning. It’s good too that a place like this would get some form of recognition. Some great Gaels emanated from there over the years. Like Jim Griffin, who lived into his nineties and remember being at his funeral three winters ago, pre-covid times!
Well known entertainer Art Supple and current administrator son Shane are from there. Though perhaps no one put the St Itas name on the map like Seamus Harnedy. Twice an All-Star in recent years.
Graham O’Neill, Stephen McCarthy, Ed Kenneally allied to a brace of well struck Cal Aherne points all contributed to a Saints’ interval advantage on a scoreline of 0-07 to 0-02 against a Cloyne team with Alan O’Reilly, Jamie Costine and Thomas Ryan playing prominent roles.
With a strong wind at their backs Cloyne would now be a major threat but maybe Catherines realised it would be their day when Paudi O’Sullivan who struck four of their five points saw a goal bound effort cannon off the crossbar back into play on fifty four minutes. Victory for the Saints who ironically were beaten by Cloyne in the equivalent football final played earlier in the season. St Catherines reached eight finals that year, winning six. Final score in Pilmore was St Catherines 0-07 Cloyne 0-05. Afterwards John Naughton, treasurer of the juvenile board presented the winning shield to Kevin Dineen, captain of the successful St Catherines team. Match final referee was Christy Hennessy of Youghal. We will have to take a break from ‘reeling in the years’ for now as the parent club AGM will be on this weekend and we will have to give priority to that. Soon to return one feels as the resumption of current playing activity would be a remote possibility.
U15 hurling final team 2002
Mark Walsh, Kevin Mangan, Maurice Dineen, Michael McCarthy, Graham O’Neill, Ed Kenneally, John Barry, Orla Cotter, Stephen McCarthy, Shane Cotter, Kevin Dineen (captain), Stephen O’Neill, Liam O’Connor, Cal Ahern and David O’Connor. Subs used were Aileen Hogan, Thomas Power and James Spillane. Also on panel were Thomas Walsh, Orna Neville, Ronan Clancy, Kevin Walsh and Alan Mangan. That panel of players were part of the juvenile social held at The Rathcormac inn on Saturday night, January 18.
Sympathy
Maybe it’s the pandemic and again inevitable lockdown but one seems to be more aware than ever of what are sad recent deaths. Michael Howard of Quarter Lane, Rathcormac had close relations in Ballynoe. While Tomás O’Sullivan of Glanworth who passed way early in the new year was predeceased by wife Esther who for many years was a teacher in Ballynoe. She taught many young boys and girls who would have played camogie, hurling and gaelic football for St Catherines as well as taking part in Sciath na Scol competitions for Scoil Naomh Caitríona, Baile Nua.
Nora (Noley) Aherne of Monty’s Meadow in Conna and ex-Tallow passed away recently, Sons Gary and Seán reside in the parish, while the late Noley would be a sister of James Tobin of Shamrocks GAA whose wife also sadly passed away pre-Christmas.
Condolences also to the O’Keeffe family, Ballynattin, Ballynoe on the death of their mother Margaret. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha dílise.
Christy Ryan RIP
Michael Moynihan in the Examiner was right to reflect on great Barrs battles with the Rockies and the Glen when paying a recent tribute to the sadly departed Christy Ryan. But surely there were what could only be described as ferocious tussles with Midleton in the late eighties and early nineties. They were legendary. Christy Ryan captained Cork in defeating Kerry in the 1980 national football league final. He was also a member of the Cork panel that overcame the challenge of Limerick in a replayed national hurling league final the same year. Unfortunately for the rebels both Kerry and Limerick exacted revenge in the respective Munster finals later that same summer. He shared in some of the Barrs greatest wins in both codes in his time and played with Denis Walsh when lining out at full forward for Cork against Meath in the All-Ireland senior football final of 1987. He would be closely related to Jimmy Barry Murphy. Christy Ryan RIP.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Juvenile club sponsors of St Catherine GAA Club. Juvenile sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

This time around we continue our focus on a memorable year and feature the concluding rounds of the 2002 county U16 B football championship.

First, wasn’t aware of this until it was pointed out. Sympathy goes to ex-juvenile club secretary Imelda O’Connell on that sad death recently incurred in Kilworth. Condolences extending to Bridget in the Fermoy office of The Avondhu. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Now so sorry in pointing out we are unable to bring you the results of the most recent lotto draw with a jackpot of €8,400 from Monday night last, February 8. Details are on the site. Locals have access to posters. All winners are duly notified. Hopefully we will be bang up to date next time around.
Have you purchased your Rebels’ Bounty ticket? New name for the Cork GAA Clubs Draw. You can win one of thirty cash prizes of up to €25,000 each month with a Christmas jackpot of €100,000. So why not support your club today and join online.

Having witnessed the greatest two days of national hunt racing ever seen in this country wasn’t it great for ‘Heaven Help Us’ to win the Paddy Mullins handicap hurdle. Shortly afterwards winning trainer Paul Hennessy, normally associated with greyhounds, spoke in glowing terms of the man whom the race was called after and Glengoura born claimer Richie Condon who rode the winning horse. He was interviewed on ITV4 by Sally Anne Grassick.

More on the 2002 U16 B football championship
Five days on from the win over Aghada in the divisional final and Catherines were up against newly crowned Muskerry champions Aghabullogue in the quarter-final of the 2002 county U16 B football championship. Fixed for Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon, October 12, with the home-based team making the best possible start as Sean Barry, standing in splendid isolation, slotted home the lead goal inside the opening minute.
That lead was maintained on a half-time scoreline of 1-4 to 0-4. Then the influential Richie O’Connell, who had an excellent match and finished with a tally of 0-5 including 0-3 from play, turned provider in setting up Shane Cotter for a well struck point to stretch it out still further at 1-7 to 0-6 on 47 minutes.
Patrick O’Neill, now fully recovered from a troublesome finger injury, quickly added another. But Donal Twomey then goaled for the opposition, thus making things nervous for a while. But a well-balanced Saints outfit weathered a now ominous Aghabullogue threat. Herculean Ed Kenneally defending central to the Saints defensive rearguard – one blockdown particularly memorable early in the second half.
Graham O’Neill was dependable between the posts. Outside of him Jason Roche and Brendan Lynch keeping their ends up well. Catherines would be pleased making further progress and advancing on a 1-11 to 1-6 scoreline.
Aided by a deceptively stiff breeze and further driven on by a comment from outside the wire, fuelling the adrenaline and resultingly St Catherines settled to their task quickly and early in the semi-final and played at Shanbally’s home venue of Shamrocks GAA Club on the afternoon of Saturday, October 19. In fairness and in looking back now it seemed a different player would come to the fore each time as the championship progressed.
Fair enough Sean Barry was again the goalscorer but against Castlehaven there’s no doubt but that Roy Hartigan would play the key role. Five first half points and six in all subdivided equally between open play and frees would see a half-time lead built up on a 1-9 to 0-4 scoreline. Though now favoured by the conditions and a traditional football club like Castlehaven were sure to rally to the cause. A brace of Kevin Dinneen points including one from an outrageous angle and every bit as crucial as what had gone before in the end helped the Saints move on. It finished St Catherines 1-12 Castlehaven 1-11.
Again driving rain aided by a howling, swirling wind made it miserable for players, mentors and supporters, but under the circumstances the Ballygiblin pitch held up well under what were the most demanding of conditions for the county final on Saturday afternoon, November 2.
With that aforementioned strong wind at the players’ backs it goes without saying a good start to be essential and the Saints were ahead when availing of a poor kickout. Richard O’Connell had them in a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, kicking over the first score of the game inside two minutes.
Would the Saints hold out?
Shane Cotter was at the end of a probing Roy Hartigan delivery before slotting home the first goal six minutes later and a lead of 1-4 to 0-1 was established after 17 minutes. All crucial and well worked scores. St Catherines probably winning this match in the two minutes leading up to half-time, O’Connell goaling direct from a free kick before an accurate Patrick O’Neill foot pass picked out Hartigan whose goal was one of the scores of the contest. Suddenly a half-time scoreline of 3-4 to 0-1 had a far healthier look about it, especially having registered ten wides. Shane Corkery was the point scorer for Sean Clarachs juvenile section of the Ráth Luirc or Charleville clubs. In an intensifying wind would the Saints hold out? We were about to find out for better or worse.
Full forward Matthew Galligan was asking serious questions of a now fully stretched Catherines’ rearguard. He scored two goals in quick succession and set up a third for John O’Driscoll. All significantly eating into the advantage that had been built up with the score standing at 3-6 to 3-2 on 38 minutes. A few positional switches were working and although Brendan Dennehy tagged on another point for the Avondhu champions, the scoring rate for both teams eased up.
John Twomey and in particular Patrick O’Neill prominent for the Saints and a late Shane Cotter point confirmed the win and a well-earned county title for the Saints. At the game’s conclusion Michael O’Mahony, chairman of the Cork County Juvenile Board, presented the winning cup to victorious Catherines’ captain Richard O’Connell. Final score St Catherines 3-7 Sean Clarachs 3-4. The referee was Mick Sheedy of Shanballymore.
In all, 18 players from what was an overall panel of 22 sampled the action. Team captain Richard O’Connell with a tally of 1-19, including 0-12 from general play, topped the scoring charts. There were commendable efforts from Roy Hartigan, Sean Barry and Shane Cotter, while Kevin Dinneen, Patrick O’Neill, Padraig Cotter, Cal Aherne, Ed Kenneally, Stephen McCarthy and John ‘Teddy’ Noonan all contributed at some stage to what was a six match championship campaign, divided equally between the Imokilly division then on to the county. Thirteen players from the county final started every match, where an overall tally of 8-62 was scored. They conceded 7-40 in the process. Broken down roughly as scoring an average of 1-11 per game, with 1-7 going in at the other end. Thus must give you some idea of how close and competitive each game was. There certainly were no rollovers.
In the overall scheme of things one genuinely believes that’s what stood to the players at the end and was a huge contributory factor in annexing the county championship. What happened down the road in minor and U21 further on has nothing to do with this article. What only concerns us is the U16 B football championship of 2002.
Appointed joint managers of the team from the juvenile annual general meeting held on Wednesday night, January 9 were Bill O’Keeffe and Pat Hartigan. Also involved were Ann Barry while Noel O’Neill who was also U12 football manager that year, also came on board as trainer/coach to the U16 squad.
There were two juvenile socials held that year. Successful younger teams attended a medal presentation night in Ballynoe Community Centre on January 1st, 2003, while the county championship winning team and subsequently successful fourteen and fifteen hurlers in conjunction with the camogie club featured at the Rathcormac Inn on Saturday night, January 18. Guests that night were Fiona O’Driscoll, Peter Hogan and Denis Walsh.
As we continue our perusal through the underage playing year of 2002 and if we might be so presumptuous in labelling the achievements of the aforementioned 16 footballers as being the highlight we must also reflect on wins at U11, U12, U14 and U15 level. All featuring over what’s left of the month of February. Yes, 2002 was a good year. You could say 2013 would rival it. Oops, is there another article coming on?

2002 juvenile club officers: Chairman Tom Dinneen; vice-chairman Pat Clancy; secretary Mike Walsh; assistant secretary Ann Barry; treasurer Ann Galvin; PRO/East Cork juvenile board delegate: John O’Mahony.
2002 U16 football championship panel: Richard O’Connell (captain), Graham O’Neill, Jason Roche, John Twomey, Kevin Mangan, Brendan Lynch, Ed Kenneally, Kevin Dinneen, Padraig Cotter, Stephen McCarthy, John Noonan, Shane Cotter, Roy Hartigan, Sean Barry, Cal Aherne, Patrick O’Neill, Maurice Dineen, David O’Connor, Mark Walsh, Stephen O’Neill, Dean Hennessy, Mark Carr.

Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

As we are again in lockdown and likely to be for the foreseeable future, for the month of February we revert to the underage playing year of 2002.

Before we resort to that can we express our sorrow to the family of Dan Noonan, Ballybride, Conna who sadly passed away over the weekend. A gentleman to his fingertips and always with a smile on his face. Just loved meeting him and thoroughly enjoyed his company. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Also just letting you know that Mass will be live streamed from Conna church every Sunday at 10am until the lockdown ends. Eleanor will send you a YouTube link.

Lotto results

Now we give you the results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night last, February 1. Numbers drawn were 5, 9, 20 and 31 and the jackpot of €8,200 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Audrey O’Keeffe c/o English’s, Mary Smith c/o English’s, Ann Buckley, c/o Rathdrum, Ballynoe; Anne Hurley, Garryanne, Aghern and William 13 (phone no supplied). The next draw on Monday night, February 8 has a jackpot now standing at €8,400.

U16 football championship 2002
Safe to say the hurlers being graded higher and coming first on the programme of knockout activity would be the recipients of the immediate greater profile. A perception further enhanced with a resounding and emphatic victory over Carrig na bhFear in the quarter-final and the East Cork U16 A hurling championship of 2002 was up and running.
A comeback of Lazarus-like proportions was how it was put to describe the ensuing semi-final against Youghal and played at Ballinacurra on the evening of Monday, August 26. It most definitely wasn’t going well with the score in the opposition’s favour and standing at 3-06 to 0-05 at half-time. But the lineout was rejigged and goals from John Twomey now at wing forward having been originally selected at right corner back and Richard O’Connell incredibly would see parity restored at 2-09 to 3-06 to the three quarter-mark. In a nerve tingling finish a Conor Spillane goal from only second half score with the Saints making further progress. It finished at St Catherines 2-15 Youghal 4-06.
Catherines remained competitive for the major part of the divisional final played in delightful conditions at Killeagh on Wednesday evening, September 4. Opposition Midleton would be marginal favourites having recorded wins over Carrigtwohill and Sarsfields earlier in the competition. Nevertheless Catherines led and were ahead on an interval scoreline standing at 0-05 to 0-04. Adding three points without reply in the opening exchanges of the turnover. A lead standing at 0-09 to 0-07 to fifty four minutes.
But Catherines’ hopes of lifting what would then be the most coveted prize in East Cork juvenile hurling were ruthlessly shattered in a five minute scoring blitz. Ryan O’Donovan, James O’Mahony and Aidan Ryan on target as success was going the way of Magpies on a 2-10 to 1-09 end scoreline. Board secretary Eamonn O’Neill of Fr O’Neills presented the Conroy cup to winning Midleton captain Sean Hennessy. As both teams would go forward and have a crack off the county U16 premier hurling championship. Season ended following a 2-12 to 2-07 loss to Inniscarra at Ballynoe on September 22. A famous day as Armagh had earlier defeated Kerry in the All-Ireland senior football final.
The juvenile annual general meeting that year was held in the clubrooms in Ballynoe on Wednesday night, January 9. Appointed U16 hurling manager was Billy O’Connell with William Kearney coming on board as trainer/coach. Padraig Cotter was appointed team captain later in the year. Team that lined out v Midleton was Mark Walsh, John Twomey, Roy Hartigan, Kevin Mangan, Brendan Lynch, Patrick O’Neill, Ed Kenneally, Padraig Cotter (team captain), Kevin Dineen, John Noonan, Sean Barry, Stephen McCarthy, Shane Cotter, Richard O’Connell and Jason Roche. Subs used were: Cal Aherne and Graham O’Neill.
Also on panel: Stephen O’Neill, Thomas Walsh, David O’Connor and Thomas Power.
East Cork final referee was Niall Barrett of Carrigtwohill,
Up and running by now and you actually begin to wonder where all this is going is the East Cork U16 B football championship. A good bit away from the eventual formation of Kiltha Óg with the opening match against Castlemartyr played in sun-drenched conditions at Dungourney. It was four days before the Inniscarra match in the county premier hurling championship. An early Sean Barry goal helped the Saints into a lead standing at 1-05 to 0-01 to the end of the opening quarter and onto 1-06 to 0-03 by half-time. An Eanna McGovern goal helped rally the opposition troops on the change of ends. But a better balanced Saints outfit emerged victorious on a slightly flattering end scoreline of 1-14 to 1-07.
First rainfall for nearly a month meant a slippery surface and a wet ball, something the players wouldn’t have experienced for a while as the divisional semi-final went ahead at Castlelyons on the evening of Monday, September 30.
A league play off and Peil na nÓg success from the intervening two seasons meant Glenville would have been slightly fancied and an Eoin Barry goal saw them partially justifying pre-match favouritism in a 1-04 to 1-03 interval advantage.
Five unanswered points on the turnaround clearly had the Saints in the ascendency. Finishing out strongly too and winning on an end scoreline of 1-11 to 1-05. All attention now clearly heading in the direction of the final against Aghada and fixed for Killeagh on an again wet Monday evening of October 7. Catherines weren’t sparkling and were behind (0-03 to 0-02) at the interval. It was the first time in a thus far three match campaign that the mentors resorted to the bench. A goal from a stupendous Kevin Dinneen strike on thirty-eight minutes allied to a full length save from the sprawling Graham O’Neill at the other end were the defining moments of a low scoring decider with Catherines edging over the line and now becoming Imokilly representatives in the county U16 B football championship to start against Aghabullogue at Ballynoe on the following Saturday afternoon. More about that next time around. Must get a breather! Final score from Killeagh was St Catherines 1-07 Aghada 0-06.
Michael O’Brien, vice chairman of East Cork juvenile board made the post-match presentation. Absorb that now and we will return to it next week.
Sporting observation

Up on a wall at home is a copy of the 2021 Irish racing calendar. Featured for the month of January from the Charlie Byrnes yard a horse called Those Days Are Gone - ouch!

Football all-stars
Any luck in naming Cork’s last football all-stars? Well they were Aidan Walsh at midfield and Colm O’Neill in at right corner forward and both were on the team of 2012.

Sponsors

St Catherines GAA club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Christmas lotto draw party and poc fada to dominate festive season
This is the last pre-Christmas report and in so doing can we wish St Catherines supporters, mentors and players, indeed Gaeilgeoiri whenever or whoever you are, a happy holiday period and a peaceful new year. Try and attend the ceremonies and don’t over indulge. Many thanks to the management and staff of The Avondhu for their unfailing help and ongoing loyalty throughout the year.
Christmas Lotto Draw and Party
One of the most eagerly anticipated elements of the year, which is the seasonal lotto draw and Christmas party goes ahead at McAuliffe’s Bar, Ballynoe on this forthcoming Saturday night, December 21. Initially taking place will be the draw for a jackpot now standing at €2,200. All supporters, customers and sellers alike are all welcome. Be there between 8.30pm and 9pm please. Don’t say you haven’t been told and we can all enjoy the craic!!
Now just take note subsequent lotto draws to take place at the Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night, December 30. While first lotto draw of the new year goes ahead at the Fisherman’s Rest Conna on Monday night, January 6. Results may lapse a little. Up to speed as quickly as possible.
Poc Fada
We may have been incorrect with previous reports of publications not yet released with the fourth annual St Catherine’s GAA and Camogie Club poc fada now taking place on St Stephen’s morning, registration taking place from 10.30am onwards and competitors both adult and juvenile then depart at 11am from Ballynoe Community Hall on the main road to Conna. Adults and juveniles from eleven to eighteen years of age are invited to participate, three players per team. Each juvenile team must have a minimum of one adult accompanying them on the course at all times. Juveniles will also require a parent or guardian signature on waiver upon registration. Adults €10, juveniles €5. Now more embellished than ever as part of the Christmas program why not start arranging your teams of three today. Great fun guaranteed!
Juvenile Social
Once again a reminder that the St Catherines Camogie and GAA annual juvenile clubs social will be on at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 17 at 7.15pm. Tickets priced at €25 for adults and €17 for underage can currently be had from Fiona Sheehan, Imelda O’Connell, Ed Galvin, Mike Dee and Susan Sheehan. Closer attention on the first major event of 2020 following festive season reports!
St Catherines v Grenagh 2018
This week on what is our final pre-Christmas report we conclude what was a series of reflections on what were previous championships in county’s against Catherines 2020. The lower intermediate grade championship opponents. Rounding off with a game played not that long ago. That of the first round intermediate hurling championship clash with Grenagh played at Killavullen on the afternoon of Sunday, April 29th 2018.
Two evenly matched teams together on three occasions through the opening ten minutes as points from Philip Keane, Conor Kearney and Conor Hegarty allied to some accurate Shane O’Brien free taking had the Saints edging it at 0-08 to 0-03 to nineteen minutes and again ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-10 to 0-06.
But Grenagh came right back into it. Prominent play from Tom Kenny, Sean Bourke and Seamus Cronin, who scored four points, divided equally between general play and frees, all managed to whittle down the margin to a point when Catherine’s captain Daniel Mangan forced his way through for the game’s only goal and match defining score. Making it 1-14 to 0-13 to forty eight minutes. It also doubled up as a fixture incorporating league points. Final score St Catherines 1-17 to Grenagh 0-15.
Team: Ed Aherne, Eoin Wallace, Stephen “Skinner” Morris, Kieran Neville, Conor Hegarty, Liam O’Connor, James Neville, Conor Kearney, Shane O’Brien, Shane Cotter, Daniel Mangan, Rory Galvin, Richard Galvin, Brian Mulcahy and Philip Keane. Sub used - Ben O’Brien.
First report in the New Year will hone in on the Christmas lotto draw and party and the annual poc fada. Then it will be downhill all the way to the Camogie and GAA clubs’ annual juvenile social which will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night January 17. In and around then we take a look back to the U12, 14 and 16 year. Age groups sure to feature prominently come social time.
Success for St Colman’s
Bringing you back up to date on today’s competitive fields and success for St Colman’s, Fermoy in the Cork Colleges U16 A hurling championship final. Overcoming the challenges of the Christian Brothers College, Cork in the decider, when played at Watergrasshill on Friday afternoon last. Colman’s winning on a scoreline of 0-20 to 0-10.
Catherines players making the winning starting line-up were Kyle Wallace in the halfback line, midfielder Gearoid O’Brien and Sean O’Donoghue at the left coming forward with Fionn O’Connell sampling the action when introduced off the bench.
County Scór na nÓg Finals
No shame for St Catherines in finishing third in the novelty or nuachleas category of the county Scór na nÓg finals when held at the Eire Óg GAA pavilion in Ovens on Friday night last. Group members were Colum Feeney, Niamh Spillane, Colm Hurley, Fionn McKee, Cian Lomasney, Ava Dowling and Cian McCarthy. Their act was labelled “The Munster Final”. Winners on the night were Carbery Rangers.
Sympathy
Bereavements hurt and the inevitable grief and sorrow to follow brings great pain. A death at this time of the year seems even more poignant. We sympathise with the family on the sad death of Pat Dillon of Kilclare, Conna after an illness borne bravely. Son Padraig played a lot of hurling and football for the club. Particularly at juvenile level. Grandson Tristan Clancy was a prominent player at U12 level in the season just ending.
We also had the sad departure of Jimmy Lane. Based in Midleton for many years but will always be associated with lining out at full forward on the St Catherines team that won the 1969 East Cork junior B football championship. Beating Glenville (3-07 to 0-07) in a final played at Carrigtwohill. He is the second player from that team to pass on, following the death of Sean Clancy who was the goalkeeper. There was also the sad death of Danny Gallagher in Conna over the weekend Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anamacha dílse.
Congratulations
On a happier note, congratulations to Patsy O’Mahony of Kilworth on being inducted into the Avondhu GAA Board Hall of Fame. Due to the soft border rule St Catherines can occasionally be placed outside of their normal division and Patsy O’Mahony, board treasurer presented the wining cup to successful St Catherines captain, Nathan Sheehan following their win in the division one Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship final against Watergrasshill in Ballygiblin in mid-September.
Cork Year Book
Secretary Eleanor Galvin is who you contact if you would like to obtain a copy of the Cork GAA yearbook. It might prove the ideal stocking filler!
Sponsors
St Catherine’s GAA club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Reeling in the years
This week’s notes resemble a re-enactment of the TV programme in the headline, only it’s in print form. We conclude the reference to 1994 when the Saints, after attaining first team league and championship success, went on to record a unique and historic treble when claiming the Ben Purcell Cup for the first and only time, when winning the East Cork U21 A hurling championship.
We also start the first of three reports on previous high profile clashes with Catherines round-robin opponents for the lower level intermediate hurling championship of next year, taking a look at the 1957 and 2017 clashes with Tracton.
Up to date events
But we start with events from the current era, news that 2020 minor manager, combining both codes, will be Edmond Galvin. Informing a recent juvenile meeting that his selectors will be Gary Hartnett, Pat Geary and Rory Galvin. A meeting confirming St Catherines camogie and juvenile clubs annual social goes ahead at The Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 17th, starting at 7.15pm. Prices for you and list of sellers when tickets become available.
East Cork Scór na nÓg finals
St Catherines are East Cork Scór na nÓg champions in the Léiriú at novelty category after the divisional finals were held at Lisgoold Community Hall on Saturday night last. Their piece is entitled ‘The Munster Final’. Group members are Ava Dowling, Niamh Spillane, Colum Feeney, Cian Lomasney, Colm Hurley, Fionn McKee and Cian McCarthy. Now going forward to represent club and division in the county finals which are on at the Eire Óg pavilion in Ovens on Friday evening, December 13. Lucky for some! It starts at 7.30pm. Best of luck to all concerned.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve lotto plans
Next lotto draw will take place at The Plough in Curraglass on Monday night, December 9. Now just to update you on what the seasonal plans are.
First there won’t be a lotto draw on the following Monday, December 16. Instead the party and Christmas lotto draw will take place on the night of Saturday, December 21 at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe. Join in the party atmosphere where all sellers, promoters and customers are welcome. Taking place will be the usual draw accommodating regular consolation prizes to which bonus prizes will be added. Subsequent lotto draws will take place at The Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night, December 30. First lotto draw of 2020 goes ahead at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night, January 6.
Congratulations to Orla Morrison, Curraheen, Conna, whose combination of 18, 21, 22 and 29 won the €5,600 jackpot when the most recent weekly draw was held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna on Monday night last, December 2. Again congratulations and well done.
Consolation winners were Brian Davis, c/o PH, Conna; Martha O’Brien, Carrigmore, Conna; Kate, Olivia and James Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona and Siobhan and Olive Cox, Modeligo, Conna. St Catherines weekly lotto draw now reverts to a basic €2,000 jackpot.
U21 hurling final of 1994
This time we conclude our ‘Reeling in the Years’ sequence, reviewing the U21 A hurling championship of 1994. The only time for the Ben Purcell Cup to reside in the parish, it being the second leg of a unique treble achieved that memorable year, even though they would get the fright of their lives from Watergrasshill in the quarter-final.
Storming into a match played in Castlelyons on the afternoon of Sunday, October 2 with a 3pm throw-in and ahead by a seven point margin at half-time, 3-1 to 0-3. St Catherines were much more prominent on the changeover and were level for a while, but still trailed 4-2 to 1-8 entering the final quarter. They might well have made their exit at the first time of asking, only for a late David O’Connell point bringing this opening encounter to extra-time on an end scoreline of 1-12 to 4-3. Remember now extra-time in those days was fifteen minutes a-side.
Substitute John Drinan secured a second St Catherines goal six minutes into extra-time, providing much needed daylight and helping to establish a four point lead at 2-15 to 4-5 at the end of the first period.
Late points from Kieran Morrison, Johnny Sheehan and O’Connell again allied to sterling defensive displays from Ger Lynch and Declan O’Neill secured the win, finishing up at 2-18 to 4-7, but it was close.
St Catherines were much too strong for Midleton in a re-scheduled semi-final, eventually played at Dungourney on Sunday, November 20 at 12pm. High noon!
They eased themselves into a half-time lead of 1-6 to 1-1 against a Midleton outfit who were nominated to play in the county but lost out to Ballincollig. Second half goals from David Temple, Paul Higgins, Johnny Sheehan and Brian Cotter would see the Saints advance to the final against Youghal on an end scoreline of 6-14 to 3-3.
The East Cork final was played at Cloyne on the following Saturday, November 26, St Catherines ahead at 0-3 to no score and 0-6 to 0-4 after twenty minutes against a Youghal outfit who would include Pat Mackey and current referee Eoin Coleman in their lineout. They would have beaten Erins Own and Sarsfields on their way to the final.
St Catherines were 1-7 to 0-4 up at the break, Kieran Morrison the goal scorer. They were very much in the driving seat when Paul Higgins added a second goal on 38 minutes. The final score was St Catherines 2-10 Youghal 0-6. Afterwards Gerry O’Sullivan, chairman of the East Cork board, presented the winning cup to successful captain Pat Fitzgerald. The final referee was Pat O’Connor of Aghada.
Team that started the 1994 U21 A hurling final: Michael Dorgan, Ger Lynch, Pat Fitzgerald, Patrick Sheehan, Declan O’Neill, Martin O’Keeffe, Richie Hegarty, Johnny Sheehan, Jim Lane, David O’Connell, Kieran Morrison, Michael Hegarty, Paul Higgins, David Temple and Brian Cotter. Subs used: Brendan Noonan and Paddy Lane.
St Catherines v Tracton – 1957/2017
Draws for next season’s county championship fixtures in both codes were made at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday evening, November 19 last. St Catherines will play in a newly introduced lower intermediate hurling grade. Matches will be played on a round-robin basis to a competition involving 12 teams subdivided into three groups of four. First match will be on sometime between mid-April and early May. Subsequent rounds are down for August, though possibly July. Other teams in St Catherines group are Tracton, Grenagh and Dripsey. This week is the first of three reports between now and the festive season, we go back on previous encounters against our new found championship opponents.
A historic day in the annals of St Catherines GAA Club was Sunday, September 8, 1957 with the winning of their first East Cork junior A hurling championship title, overcoming Killeagh in the decider on a scoreline of 3-10 to 2-7. This having lost the previous two finals, both to Castlelyons (3-10 to 4-6 in 1955) and Carrigtwohill twelve months later on a scoreline of 6-5 to 2-4. All East Cork finals at the time were played in Midleton.
Then three weeks later St Catherines met Tracton in the first round of the county, played in the old Cork Athletic Grounds on the afternoon of Sunday, September 29. Although the teams were together to the three-quarter mark, it was Tracton who finished the stronger and won out on an end scoreline of 4-6 to 2-8. A knee injury picked up by key forward Oliver O’Flaherty in the course of that match would be no help to the Saints cause. Tracton won the junior county title that year.
East Cork final team: Philly Buckner, Billy Barry, Billy Casey, Billy Walsh, Toss Morrison, Declan O’Flaherty, Paddy Murphy, Philip O’Keeffe, Dick Morrison, Oliver O’Flaherty, Michael O’Brien, Tommy Dinneen, Donal O’Keeffe, John Flynn and Jack Hogan (captain).
Fast forward all of 60 years and St Catherines and Tracton met again in the first round of the county junior hurling championship. Although billed for Carrigtwohill, the match was relocated and played at Watergrasshill on the evening of Saturday, September 16, 2017 with a 4.45pm throw-in. Remember now this would be Tracton’s second choice team.
St Catherines settled early and quick, taking the lead through a Rory Galvin goal on 25 seconds. Conor Kearney and Brian Mulcahy also on target with the Saints now ahead at half-time on a scoreline of 1-8 to 1-2. But it could and should have been more, in all an embarrassing tally of 22 wides including 14 alone were recorded in the first half.
Team captain Daniel Mangan virtually killed the game off, ending it as a meaningful and competitive contest. He played a prominent role in the creation of the game’s opening score and goal and he would finish off the second goal on 33 minutes. Other scores of significance were a duo of points contributed by the now Australia based, Richard O’Connell, right at the commencement of the fourth and final quarter to which substitute Pa Roche, much to the approval of what was only a moderate attendance, added the final score of a poor game when whipping the sliotar on the volley off the grass for a spectacular point with about five minutes to go.
It finished at St Catherines 2-12 Tracton 1-3. Catherines were crowned county junior hurling champions seven weeks later.
St Catherines team: Ed Aherne, Philip Keane, Stephen Morris, Liam O’Connor, Shane O’Brien, Cal Aherne, William Walsh, Shane Cotter, Conor Kearney, Padraig O’Connor, Daniel Mangan (captain), Richard O’Connell, Brian Mulcahy, Rory Galvin, Shane Kearney. Subs used: Eoin Wallace, Pa Roche and Liam Kearney.
Maybe as the late Gaybo might put it “Okay sonny, let’s get on with it”. Next week we go back on the Dripsey match from September 2014. Just to say we were quiet boys coming out of Riverstown that Saturday evening.
Intercounty championship dates
Right up to date now. Indeed we head for ‘Back to the Future’. It’s an intercounty championship year that seems to start earlier and earlier.
Reigning provincial and All-Ireland champions Cork begin the defence of their U20 football crown when playing either Clare or Waterford on February 19th, the final down for February 26th.
Next up will be the minor football championship, played on a round-robin basis and Cork are grouped with Kerry. Expect it to start around April 8th with the final down for mid-June.
Equivalent hurling matches will again act as curtain-raisers to their senior counterparts. Cork begin with a double header at home to Limerick on the afternoon of Sunday, May 10. Minor at 2pm and senior hurling at 4pm. First trip on the road for the Rebels will be for the double header at Walsh Park on Sunday afternoon, May 31. Minor starting at 12 noon, while it will be a 2pm throw-in for the senior match to follow.
Sandwiched in between the hurling weekends will be the meeting of Cork and Kerry in the Munster senior football semi-final at 2pm on Sunday, May 24 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Some lip-smacking stuff there!
Also the 2020 Munster football final, unlike the last few years, reverts to a Sunday date, down for Sunday, June 21. Throw-in time will be 2pm. With the hurling final on Sunday, June 28. Presumably the Cork/Kerry football match, subsequent final and all hurling games in the province will be all ticket.
The U20 hurling championship commences for Cork on Wednesday, July 1. But relax! Most of those games as we say are ‘back to the future’. In the meantime you have the Munster hurling league, the McGrath Cup and upcoming national leagues. Then ‘let the games begin’.
Next week
All your up to date news plus that aforementioned look back to the Dripsey match of 2014.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Annual general meeting report
Playing wise there was a shortage of adult players. Enough for a meaningful impression to be made and absorb the concession of injury. A view backed up by the poor results emanating from the junior A football and junior B hurling championship. That said, in qualifying for the county quarter final the intermediate hurlers put in a good performance. They gave it their best shot. Views expressed by chairman Pat Clancy in addressing the annual general meeting of the parent club when held in Lacken Hall at Glengoura on Saturday night last. Adding at U21 level the performance was disappointing. St Catherines far out performed any other team from the club in the U21 football championship. First knockout competition of the year and played very early in the season. Back in the months of February and right through to the end of March.
Going on to say there will be a graduation of players from juvenile ranks in the coming seasons. Be patient and hang in there. Adding that if possible maybe there should be no second team in the lower tier of junior football. His views were carried ‘we simply don’t have the numbers’. He thanked all managers and coaches. Informing what was a reasonably attended meeting that intermediate coach Sean Guineen had now left the club.
Pat felt there will be a changing of the guard at juvenile level with Shane O’Connell, having served a three year term, now stepping down and replaced as chairman by Brian Sheehan who he wished the best of luck. Players were handled right with some of the juvenile teams performing well up the grades particularly in hurling at U12, 14 and 16 age groups. Feeling that hosting the Féile na Peil up in Leitrim and Sligo towards the end of June was wonderful promotion for the game of football. They have the money side right and the juvenile club is now virtually self-sufficient.
All club officers were thanked for their time and commitment. As were Pat Hartigan and Thomas Waxer Murphy with Billy Neville as chairman of their work on the field.
Planning permission is granted and finance through various grants is forthcoming and work on the newly launched club development begins to gather momentum. Thanking those involved in the collection and the general public as always for their ongoing commitment.
It was a terrific year in Scór. St Catherines deemed strongest club in the division and winners of the Chris O’Mahony Cup incorporating the three age groups for Scór following the divisional Scór na bPaistí finals held at Watergrasshill back on the afternoon of Sunday, February 17 last. County Scór secretary is Margaret Whelan.
Pat stressed we must continue to promote the club weekly lotto. Highlighting the contribution of T~A and Mulcahy Steel as club sponsors both at adult and juvenile level. Also the introduction of Elaine Fitzgerald as finance chairperson. At the conclusion of his delivery a poignant tribute was paid to the late Babs Sheehan as a vice president of the club and passing to her eternal reward last January.
After reading through the minutes of last year’s equivalent meeting Elanor Galvin presented a thorough secretary’s report. Going through the playing programme. Highlighting the fact the intermediate hurlers remained competitive all year. Just failing to make the much sought after top four. Winding up in fifth place in division four of the league. Ciaran O’Brien was a regular to Cork’s U17 hurling programme. Success for Kyle Wallace and Gearoid O’Brien with the county U15 hurlers. Winning the Arrabawn Cup in Boherlahan towards the end of August. While Ciaran Pietropaolo made the Cork selection for the Munster GAA primary hurling Go Game at LIT stadium, Páirc na nGael, Limerick in May. Featuring too the camogie teams. Most notably Laura Hayes and Orla Cotter on the senior intercounty team. Also Aoife Hurley and Lucy Wallace with the minors. Mentioning the contribution of Irish/Cultural officer Marie Clancy with the help of John O’Mahony in the promotion of Scór. Urging all players to take pride in the club jersey.
Treasurer Richard Hegarty’s well prepared financial report was proposed and adopted. In a vocal contribution president Dick Morrison felt it overall to be a good year.
Children’s officer, Paul Davis declared it to be incumbent to be Garda vetted if involved. With the possibility of being re-vetted within three years.
Edmond Galvin touched on the gold coaching award and the possibility of an upcoming goalkeeper coaching course. Thanking the GAA club for the use of its facilities, such are the numbers now there remains the possibility of two teams being affiliated at U12 camogie level. Edmond Galvin is coaching officer of the GAA club and camogie club chairman.
Officers appointed at the juvenile meeting were ratified at the parent club AGM in Glengoura on Saturday night last. They being Brian Sheehan at chairman, Imelda O’Connell (secretary) and treasurer of the underage section of the club to be Fiona Sheehan. There was no change in the line-up to the adult officers of the club. Although there is a slight alteration to the board delegate rota. Colm Burke, assistant secretary of the club now, along with John G Barry are the delegates to the Cork county board. Michael Lane is East Cork Board delegate following the retirement of Pat Lane, Managers to the various teams will go through a club executive meeting pre-Christmas. John O’Meara and Finola Neville were commended for their physio work within the club.
Kevin Galvin declared his delight at the club using the venue. Pat Hartigan, club registrar, thanked both Eleanor Galvin and Imelda O’Connell for their help with player affiliations.
There will be a long puck on St Stephen’s day while the camogie and juvenile GAA club annual social will go ahead at the Rochestown Park Hotel on the night of Friday, January 17th.
Membership of the club including gym is €100. While for students, non-players and ordinary members it’s €60. Also settled on was juvenile membership. It being €40 from U11 up, from U10 down remaining at €20.
Lotto results
Also now in the public domain is the fact the party and Christmas lotto draw will this year take place at McAuliffe’s Bar, Ballynoe on Saturday night, December 21.
Keeping you up to speed with the details from the weekly lotto draw and the results from The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night last, November 25. Numbers drawn were 9, 12, 19 and 26. There was no winner of the €5,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were Liam O’Mahony (phone no. supplied); Michelle Higgins (ticket bought online); Mary O’Donovan, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Pat Lane, Curraheen, Conna and Seamus Kearney, Ballybride, Conna.
With a jackpot now standing at €5,600 and on Monday night, December 2, next lotto draw will be held at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna.
Championship draws
Before we look in closer detail at the earlier than usual championship draws made at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night, November 19 last a review of the infrastructure they were working with and what the overall plans are, at county level there are 52 football and 60 hurling teams entering the draw for 2020. Taking in 9 grades spread between football and hurling.
There is a newly introduced lower intermediate hurling grade incorporating 12 clubs. Any club unsuccessful over the next two years will then revert to a revamped and enhanced junior championship for 2022. Thus removing the lower intermediate grade altogether with the plan being 12 teams in every hurling grade from there on in and reducing the numbers of clubs taking part from 60 to 48. Matches will now be played on a round robin basis with each group consisting of 4 teams. First March like what we’ve been used to will take place in April or very early May. Subsequent games to be played in August, though maybe July. Catherines are based in group three of the lower intermediate hurling grade along with Tracton, Grenagh and Dripsey. We will go back to previous championship encounters with those clubs in the coming weeks. Set the scene as it were!
Scheduling of the colleges divisions section from either code isn’t sorted out yet. Don’t forget Imokilly are on the quest for four in a row in the county senior hurling championship. Though now minus the services of Cloyne and Fr O’Neill’s players they are now based in the new senior A hurling championship.
Harty Cup
St Colman’s are back in the mix. Overcoming the challenge of John The Baptist Community School at Kilfinane on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 20 last. Final score in Colman’s favour being 0-15 to 0-6. Harty Cup quarter-final draws will take place in early December. Competition will then resume on Wednesday, January 8.
Conventions
Probably speaking to the converted here but just a reminder that the annual East Cork GAA convention will go ahead in Killeagh on Wednesday evening next, December 4. While the Cork county convention is on in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, December 8.
Juvenile meeting
Closer to home and newly elected chairman Brian Sheehan has called the first juvenile meeting of the new term for tonight Thursday, November 28 in the clubrooms, Ballynoe at 8pm.
Scór na nÓg
Also on this forthcoming weekend are the East Cork Scór na nÓg finals, starting at 7.30pm on Saturday evening, November 30 at Lisgoold community hall.
Forty years of the Sunday Game
It’s called Sunday Best and goes out on RTE 1 television on Wednesday evening next, December 4 at 9.35pm with the inevitable replay the following night, Thursday, December 5 at 10pm over on RTE 2.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

AGM of parent club this weekend
With nomination papers submitted the stage is set for the adult club annual general meeting, going ahead in Lacken Hall at Glengoura on this Saturday night, November 23 at 8.30pm. Reverting to the just held underage equivalent and the list of names drawn up to attend juvenile meetings are Cathy Cotter, Ber Feeney, Ollie Sheehan, Angela O’Donoghue, David Temple, Irene Kenneally, Sean O’Farrell and Eoin Coakley, along with already appointed club officers and team managers.
U9/U10 parish league finals
This week we conclude our focus on the recently held parish league finals, reviewing the U9 and U10 hurling and football finals. Tipperary defeated Cork, likewise Clare overcame the challenge of Waterford in the semi-finals of the hurling. Clare, captained by Alan Cotter, going on to attain outright honours.
Tipperary and Cork met in the football decider, Sophia O’Sullivan captaining Cork to overall success. Semi-finals and finals were of 15 minutes duration. In all 110 young boys and girls participated. Referees for this year’s parish league final were Ciaran O’Brien, Eoin Sheehan, Darragh Galvin, James Hayes, Eoin Davis and Stephen Cotter. Remember - no ref, no game.
U9/U10 teams
Clare: Alan Cotter (hurling captain), James O’Connor (football captain), Ali Quirke, Layla McNamara, Billy O’Connor, Shane Riordan, Cillian McCarthy, Ava Cotter, Johann Carr, Izzie Coyle, Aidan Burke, Roisin Collins and Abby Leahy.
Tipperary: Sean Walsh (hurling captain), Teegan Murphy (football captain), Tomas Morrison, Ronan O’Donoghue, Ava Condon, Sara Swirski, Aine Kielty, Roman Sookias, Laura Twomey, Kaylee O’Connor, Jack Cunneen, Tadhg Lynch and Orla Morrison.
Cork: Sophia O’Sullivan (football captain), Shay McCarthy, Eoin Dillon, Eileen Bryan, Alesha Hickey, Kelly Dillon, Armen Sookias, Nathan Curtin, Lucy Geaney, Ella Higgin, Oisín Morrison and Meabh Fitzgerald.
Waterford: Hannah O’Donnell (hurling captain), Eoin O’Mahony (football captain), Cathal Higgins, Tadhg Walsh, Hannah Barry, Niamh Kilmartin, Katie Molloy, Ronan Hickey, Ciara Goss, Jaimie Mulkerrins, Amy O’Connell and Katie Dee.
Playing season at end
A greater assessment around medal presentation time will follow but that recent U14 hurling tournament final victory over Bride Rovers for the Albert Griffin Cup brought a protracted juvenile season to an end. The adult season winded up with that loss to Eire Óg in the quarter-final of the intermediate hurling championship at Lisgoold, though being mid-September it felt like summer!
St Catherines U14 season began with a football league victory over Lisgoold at Ballynoe on the afternoon of Saturday, March 9. They were eventually defeated by St Colmans at the semi-final stage on July 19th. But there were some great days and evenings, like winning the Féile na Peil qualifier at Mayfield on Easter Monday. For the winners a trip to Gortletteragh and beyond for the All-Ireland Féile na Peil finals.
There was a win over Aghabullogue at Grenagh in mid-June for the division one Rebel Óg North U14 hurling league final, beating Watergrasshill in the championship final at Ballygiblin in mid-September. Losing the county final to the ‘Hill in Castlelyons on October 12th, having defeated Lisgoold in the divisional football championship final at Castlelyons.
The competitive season wound up with that loss to Ilen Óg in the semi-final of the 13-a-side Coiste na nÓg division 3 U14 football championship at Ahiohill on Sunday afternoon, October 27. Great days, great memories, like we have from the U12 premier hurling league and the U16 hurling championship. To be continued!
Review of 1994 intermediate hurling league
Following the successful reunion of the county winning team of 1994 at Curraheen Park recently and their championship programme look back in this issue shortly afterwards so this week we take a brief look back as promised to the successful league campaign of that year.
In all ten games were played, resulting in eight wins, a walkover and a single loss. Another game against Blarney had surpassed deadline date so the points weren’t relevant, but was played on the afternoon of Saturday, October 8 and proved an ideal preparation for the semi-final against Ballymartle at Carrigtwohill, down for decision for Sunday, October 16. Ballymartle led 1-7 to 1-6 at half-time. Catherine’s goalscorer was now Midleton-based solicitor and subsequent Blackrock chairman Alan Magee.
A lucrative third quarter was enjoyed, Sean Buckley adding a second goal with four points shared between Johnny Sheehan and Christy Clancy as now wind assisted. Saints, who started 11 players from the county final winning team, led 2-11 to 1-8 on 44 minutes.
But Ballymartle had inflicted painful back-to-back championship defeats in 1992 and 1993 and would be formidable opponents. A league semi-final where the teams were level on 57 minutes. Late points from aforementioned Magee and Donal O’Leary edged the Saints over the line on a winning score of 2-13 to 2-11.
It was a league final originally set for November 13th, but was rained off. Re-fixed for Carrigtwohill against Glen Rovers for the afternoon of Sunday, December 4. Catherines had overcome the challenge of the Glen in the first round of the championship back in the summer but ironically went down to their only league defeat in the group stages of the competition at the Glen field on Friday, July 24. Final score Glen Rovers 1-14 St Catherines 1-11.
They defeated Newcestown (2-11 to 1-9) in the semi-final and favoured by the conditions made an impressive start to the final and led at half-time 1-7 to 0-3. Brian Cotter, Donal O’Leary, Christy Clancy, with two points from Kieran Morrison, saw the margin whittled down to three points at 1-9 to 0-9 on 50 minutes.
Good work from Donal O’Leary helped to pick out Kieran Morrison, who skilfully turned and picked his spot for the crucial and match-winning Saints’ goal. Catherines eventually attaining victory on a score of 1-12 to 1-9. Clubman and treasurer, Dan Hoare, presenting the winning cup to victorious captain Patsy O’Donoghue.
League final team: Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Martin O’Keeffe, Denis Walsh, Patsy O’Donoghue, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Johnny Sheehan, Kieran Morrison, Alan Magee, Christy Clancy, Dave O’Connell, Eddie Geaney and Brian Cotter. Subs used: Donal O’Leary and Declan O’Neill.
We will finish off our review of the successful 1994 campaign with a look back to the winning of the U21A hurling championship, the only time the Ben Purcell Cup has come to the club.
AGM report next week, U21 review to follow the week after. My God it’s nearly Christmas!
Colleges hurling
Following impressive victories over Midleton CBS and Ardscoil Rís in attaining Munster honours with Dean Ryan Cup success, unfortunately St Colman’s are out of the race in the search for All-Ireland honours. Behind on 0-8 to 0-4 at half-time before losing on a scoreline of 0-16 to 2-8 to Athenry at the semi-final stage when played in Doora-Barefield on Saturday afternoon last.
Lotto results
We’ve been a little off the pace following the bank holiday, so this time around we update your lotto details. Starting at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night, November 11. Numbers drawn were 10, 11, 19 and 21. The €5,000 jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night: Breda Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Caroline Jones, c/o TVM, Bartlemy; Nora Brien, c/o PH, Conna and Dylan and Ronan Mulcahy, c/o J Fitzgerald, Ballynoe.
Moving on with the results from the most recent week lotto draw held at The Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night last, November 18. Numbers drawn being 9, 21, 31 and 32. No winner of €5,200 jackpot. Consolation winners: Betty Cahill, c/o TVM, Bartlemy; Catherine McCreedy, Conna; Orna Ryan, Kilcronat, Ballynoe; Juliet Sheehan, Ballynoe and Billy Hurley, Conna.
Now with a jackpot of €5,400 there will be a draw at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night coming, November 25.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club are sponsored by T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

A look back at the juvenile AGM
Chairman Shane O’Connell highlighted that it was a busy and a good year in many respects at underage level when addressing a well-attended juvenile annual general meeting in the clubrooms in Ballynoe on Thursday night last. Thanking everyone involved for their commitment in what he described as a phenomenal and collective effort. Singling out Mulcahy Steel now involved for a third year as club sponsors.
During the year two camps were held. There was the weather affected Easter mini-camp. While the annual mid-summer Cúl Camp has almost grown to its limits.
All players should receive proper game time. There must be a balanced approach particularly when it comes to fielding for challenge and league matches. Accepting the fact that there should be a settled lineout when it comes to championship. Discipline with the club is very good and keep up the good work. As a juvenile club work closely with the parent body and co-ordinate the involvement of seventeen and eighteen year olds. Get the balance right. Shane didn’t put his name forward for re-election, again thanking everyone and wishing the best of luck going forward.
In her report for the AGM secretary Imelda O’Connell declared that you judge a club on how it’s members are treated. Not just the elite players. Remember your future manager or club officer could emerge from earlier involvement. Stressing that participation should be a priority. It’s not all just about winning. A meticulous financial report was presented by treasurer Fiona Sheehan. While club PRO John O’Mahony went through all competitive matches in both codes taking in league, Féile and championship competitions. Reports were read and adopted.
Pat Clancy, chairman St Catherines GAA club, stated he was very impressed with reviews presented. Playing wise it’s a very good story. With the U14 footballers winning the division as well as making the trip to Connacht in the Féile na Peil. There were some fantastic games with a few teams very competitive when involved at the highest level. Pointing out that maybe the free-taking could be better. Still you can only work with the players that are there. Pat then focused on the recently launched club development. This is a huge story and all indications are that promotion of the project is going well. This is just the third time that the club have approached the general public for support and previously were never left down by the parish.
We must work hard to support the weekly lotto. Appealing to the juvenile club to please ask a parent to buy one on club registration day. It’s not happening currently. But greater attention must be focused on the lotto. Membership fees at underage levels will be confirmed at the upcoming parent club annual general meeting which goes ahead at Lacken Hall in Glengoura on Saturday night, November 23. Starting at 8.30pm. Thanking both club sponsors at the conclusion of his address.
Coaching officer, Edmond Galvin declared that there is good work happening and would be hopeful of organising another goalkeeping course. Thanking Eoin Davis for all his good work. Children’s officer Paul Davis pointed out that the Garda vetting uptake is high. Any adult involved with juveniles must do the child protection course as well as a basic foundation course allied to Garda vetting. All outgoing managers presented a review of their playing year, Newly elected chairman Brian Sheehan following the election of officers sought to appoint a committee to attend meetings. No managers were settled on at minor or U6 level. Both positions should be filled in a week or two.
Managers appointed
U7: Padraig O’Connor. U9: Johnny Sheehan. U9: Paul O’Connell. U10: Paul Higgins. U11/12: Dino Pietropaolo. U13/14: Mark O’Driscoll. U15/16: Shane O’Connell.
Officers elected
Chairman: Brian Sheehan. Vice chairman: Steve Cummins and Tom Morrison. Secretary: Imelda O’Connell. Assistant secretary: Susan Sheehan. Treasurer: Fiona Sheehan. Assistant treasurer: Mike Dee. PRO: John O’Mahony. Board delegate: not filled.
U14 hurling tournament final for the Albert Griffin cup
St Catherines 4-12 Bride Rovers 3-08
St Catherines retain the spoils with a well-earned victory from a Bride Rovers challenge in this U14 hurling tournament final for the Albert Griffin Cup when played in dull, overcast albeit bitterly cold conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday afternoon last. That said Bride Rovers made the better start and lead 1-03 to 0-01 to the end of the opening quarter. Goalscorer Don Knox.
Strong and tenacious defending from Cian McCarthy and in particular Diarmuid O’Donovan allied to goals from Dylan Murphy and Darragh Morrison helped the Saints turn it around.
Leading on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-02 to 1-03.
Points from Louis Roche and Cormac O’Sullivan levelled up matters again and Cathal Sheehan and Ryan O’Callaghan exchanged goals. Before the Saints exercised a fire grip on proceedings. Greatly helped by an Oisín Fitzgerald goal. Shane Cotter and Sean O’Donoghue adding eye catching points with the score moving on to 4-11 to 2-07 to fifty seven minutes. Bride Rovers added late scores seven minutes. Bride Rovers added late scores through Denis Cashman and Cameron O’Sullivan. But time ran out. Phil O’Brien presented the winning cup O’Farrell and to the ladies for the welcome post-match cuppa!
Scorers: D Morrison (0-02 frees) (1-05), S O’Donoghue (0-04), D Murphy, C Sheehan and O Fitzgerald (1-00 each), S Cotter (0-02) and K O’Donoghue (0-01 free). Bride Rovers scorers: D Knox, R O’Callaghan and Cameron O’Sullivan (1-00 each), I Roche (0-03), Cormac O’Sullivan and C Barry (frees) (0-02 each) and D Cashman (0-01).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, C Leamy, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, D O’Connell, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, C Feeney, C Sheehan, D Murphy. Also: T Barry, A Bryan and S Cotter.
Referee: Davy Farrell (Ballygiblin).
U14 final in Ballynoe
Kiltha Óg were too strong for Kilara Óg in the final of the Coiste na nÓg division two county U14 football championship final when played recently at Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua. Referee was Mike Walsh from the host venue.
Parish leagues
U7/8 finals
Thankfully the weather behaved itself when the parish leagues were concluded at Ballynoe on Saturday morning last. Focusing this week on the U7/8 finals. Tipperary with a win over Galway and likewise success for Cork over Waterford in the semi’s preceded a final victory for Cork over Tipp in the hurling decided. Winning captain was Kenneth O’Connell. With Waterford under the captaincy of David Temple emerging victorious in the equivalent football decider.
Panels
Waterford: David Temple (football captain), Caitlin Twomey (hurling captain), Molly Hartigan, Sienna Murphy, Kate O’Connell, Cian Fitzgerald, Tadhg Shields, Grace O’Connor, Oisin Farrell, Jack Kearney, Adam Coakley, Cathal Kearney and Ruairi Molloy. Galway: Sean Moore (football captain), Realtín Galvin (hurling captain), Amelia Dowling, Aoife Cotter, Gary Leahy, James Bryan, Zach Pyne, Liam O’Keeffe, Anna McAuliffe, Aaron Passaquaay, Charlie Hickey and Darragh Kenneally.
Tipperary: Grace Higgins (football captain), Sean O’Keeffe (hurling captain), Isla Ryan, Róisín Cummins, Lily Sheehan, Jack Mulkerrins, Brian Coakley, Adam O’Brien, Aoife O’Connor, Olan Sheehan, Sam Marsh, Killian O’Donovan and Ronan Flynn. Cork: Rioghain O’Sullivan (football captain), Kenneth O’Connell (hurling captain) Cara Kilmartin, Riona Morrison, Meabh Dinneen, Stephanie Carr, Noah Keane, Padraig O’Sulivan, Oisín Feeney, Tim Cummins, Jack Mulcahy, Dylan Coyle and Shane Feeney.
Next week we focus on the U9/10 leagues.
Conna Community Council open day
Conna Community Council are hosting an open day open to clubs, societies, community groups, businesses etc. in the community hall on Sunday afternoon coming, November 17. It will be on from 3pm to 6pm. It’s free to everyone with something for young and old. It aims to highlight and promote awareness of the wonderful diversity of clubs, social groups, businesses available in the parish. It promises something for everyone.
Lotto
We were back to our regular slot for the weekly lotto draw held at The Plough Bar in Curraglass on Monday night, November 4 last. Numbers drawn were 7, 18, 19 and 23 and the jackpot of €4,800 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners were Billy and Marie Mangan, Spikle, Conna, Sean Buckley c/0 The Big Tree, Aghern, Hannah Hartnett, Ballynoe, Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe and KSSL c/o Conna PO.
Sponsors
St Catherines GAA Club sponsors are T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe. While juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Juvenile AGM tonight, Thursday November 7
Should there be games left to play it won’t make any difference. St Catherines juvenile club annual general meeting goes ahead in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on tonight (Thursday), November 7. Starting at 8pm, officers will be elected or re-elected. Reports will be read and adopted. Team managers to be appointed. Then general conversation will be thrown open to the floor. Time-wise you could be looking at two hours.
It’s an important meeting. Placing the infrastructure of the underage section of the club in situ. Just a reminder again that the parent club AGM will be on in Lacken Hall at Glengoura on Saturday night, November 23rd at 8.30pm. Nomination papers have been circulated and must be returned to secretary Eleanor Galvin on or before Friday, November 8.
Lotto results
Being a bank holiday and last week’s lotto draw was held over until Tuesday night, October 29th at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna. Numbers drawn were 3, 6, 9 and 14. There was no winner of the €4,600 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being Eileen Neville, Ballynoe, Patrick O’Neill, Kilphilibeen, Ballynoe, Johnny Sheehan, Ballybride, Conna, Joan Flynn, Ballytrasna, Fermoy and Marian O’Neill, Ballynoe.
Your juvenile column
Final division two Rebel Óg east U16 football league
Mayfield 4-15 St Catherines 1-00
“As it was in the beginning”.. “so shall it end”!
Eight months to the day since the Saints started out their season at the venue and the opposition again confirm their superiority with this emphatic success in the final of the Rebel Óg east division 2 U16 football league when played at Mayfield on Saturday morning last. As we declared after the shield final at Ballynoe a week previously this is by far the best team encountered in the group. Irrespective of their lack of progress in the all-important championship. Their work rate, physical power, pace - call it what you will - is dominant and few would complain with the end result.
Midfielder Jake Courtney was quick to stamp his authority on proceedings. Pointing twice in the opening exchanges, also having a vital part to play in the opening two goals, both finished off by full forward Kyle Harrington. Before Kyle Wallace picked out Gearoid O’Brien to finish off a well take albeit consolation Saints goal on a half-time score standing at 2-07 to 1-00.
With conditions in their favour and with the very good Evan Brown adding a further brace of second half goals it was all over long before the finish.
Afterwards, Sean Twohig, chairman Rebel Óg East, presented the winning trophy to captain for the day, wing forward Jamie Lotty and hopefully now Mayfield can win a title their talent deserves.
Scorer: G O’Brien (1-00). Mayfield scorers: E Brown (2-04), K Harrington (2-00), J Courtney (0-02 45”) (0-01 free) (0-05), S Murphy and C Cahill (0-02 each), A Healy Byrne and D Hurley (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: Evan Philpott, Nathan Sheehan, Eoin O’Riordan, Fionn O’Connell, Harry Draper, Mark Geary, Darragh Galvin, Kyle Wallace, Conor England, Ben O’Connor, Tom Hartnett, William Leamy, Stephen Cotter, Gearoid O’Brien and Ger Leahy. Subs: William McAuliffe and Denis Temple for Ger Leahy and Stephen Cotter (both second half). Cathal Sheehan for Gearoid O’Brien (41’).
Referee: Robert Whelan (Aghada).
Semi-final division one Rebel Óg east U16 hurling league
Killeagh/Ita’s 0-10
St Catherines 0-03
Awful, dire, truly desperate conditions. Still it’s the same for both teams. You must play with the cards you are dealt. Heavy mist, rain driven on by a strong breeze prevailing for the semi-final of the division one Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league when played under the lights at Killeagh on Wednesday evening, October 30 last.
Thirteen points scored in the entire game. Seven from frees gives you some idea how difficult it was to strike the sliotar up and down the windy, soggy pitch. Killeagh/Itas lead 0-03 to 0-01 at the break. Taking a William Leamy pass it was substitute Cathal Dineen fired over the Saints’ point after eighteen minutes. George Walsh Wallace from placed balls extended the home team’s advantage. Likewise Gearoid O’Brien also a free and Harry Draper from play replied for the Saints. Making it 0-06 to 0-03 to the end of the third quarter. Jamie Fogarty again from placed balls on target near the finish for an eager Killeagh.
Scorers: C Dineen, H Draper and G O’Brien (free) (0-01 each). Killeagh/Ita’s scorers – G Walsh Wallace and J Fogarty (0-03 each, frees), E Lane (0-02), D Walsh and C Landers (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Evan Philpott, Fionn O’Connell, Eoin O’Riordan, Nathan Sheehan, Ben O’Connor, Darragh Galvin, Mark Geary (captain), Kyle Wallace, Conor England, Gearoid O’Brien, William Leamy, Harry Draper, Sean O’Donoghue, Tom Hartnett and Denis Temple. Subs: Cathal Dineen for Tom Hartnett (14’), Oisín Fitzgerald for Ben O’Connor (second half), Stephen Cotter for Denis Temple (42’). William McAuliffe, Ger Leahy and Adam O’Donnell for Kyle Wallace, Gearoid O’Brien and Sean O’Donoghue (all 57’). James O’Callaghan and Cathal Sheehan for Fionn O’Connell and William Leamy (both 59’). Also: James Mulcahy and Colum Fenney.
Referee: Shane Hodgins (Knockshegowna).
Parish leagues
U11/12 finals
Success was shared through the U11/12 parish league finals when held under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last.
Galway, under the captaincy of Sacha O’Sullivan, defeated Cork (2-01 to 0-02) in the hurling final. Revenge for the Rebels who overcame the Galway challenge in the equivalent football decider. Final score Cork 2-03 Galway 2-02. Winning Cork football captain being Cathal Barry. It was planned to stage the rest of the programme on Saturday morning. But that didn’t materialise. Brian Sheehan would be hopeful, weather permitting, that could go ahead on this forthcoming Saturday morning.
Panels: Galway - Sacha O’Sullivan (hurling captain), Tristan Clancy, Kyle O’Donoghue, Maeve Egan, Gráinne Dinneen, Jake Pratt, Shane O’Donoghue, Marie O’Connor, Katie O’Donovan, Alan Cotter and Ally Mulkerrins. Cork - Cathal Barry (football captain), Gearoid Sheehan, Julian Pietropaolo, Ciara Fitzgerald, Sophie Early, Shay Wallace, Callum O’Driscoll, Sophia Fitzgerald, Emma Twomey, Chloe Higgins and Faye Sheehan.
All-Stars
A third successive award for rebel Patrick Horgan and fourth in all when the All-Star hurling team was revealed on Thursday morning last. Nominated though not successful was Alan Cadogan. As was Brian Hurley with the football team. Player of the year awards went to Seamus Callanan and Stephen Cluxton. While Adrian Mullen and Seán O’Shea picked up the young players of the year awards.
Review of the 1994 intermediate hurling championship
A successful reunion at Curraheen Park on Saturday night last has triggered off the need for a review of the 1994 intermediate hurling championship. A campaign starting out with a first round clash v Glen Rovers at Rathcormac on the afternoon of Sunday, July 10. Glen Rovers pointed the first two scores of the match. Catherines settling down and Mike Walsh completed the hat-trick with his third and Catherines fifth goal on fifty nine minutes, setting up a resounding first round success on an end scoreline standing at 5-10 to 1-09.
Setting up a second round clash against Midleton at Copper Alley grounds in Youghal on the evening of Friday, July 20 with a 7.30pm throw-in. First half goals from Christy Clancy and Martin O’Keeffe establishing a 2-05 to 0-03 half time lead. Then following a timely Michael Dorgan block it was Donal O’Leary who scored a third goal and Catherines well able to absorb the concession of a duo of magpie goals through Kevin Hennessy in attaining a six point win. Finishing up at 3-09 to 2-06.
Overriding memory would be a savage fog descending near game’s end. If it fell earlier it could have put the fixture in doubt. Also Catherines wides tally. Twenty three in all. Fifteen in the first half and eleven before raising a white flag. So plenty of work still to be done with the quarter-final v Cobh set for Carrigtwohill a week later on the evening of Sunday, August 7 with the games now coming thick and fast.
Catherines shading it at half-time. Leading by the minimum when ahead at 1-07 to 1-06. Cobh were a formidable test and it was they who were ahead by a point at 4-08 to 1-16 to fifty two minutes. Before Christy Clancy who finished with a tally of 1-13 slipped in for the crucial and match winning second goal of a county quarter-final tie finished in fading light. It ended in Catherines favour on a scoreline of 2-18 to 4-10.
St Catherines had played Delany’s once previously recording an emphatic and resounding success over the northside city team on a first round tie at Rathcormac in the spring of 1991. But there was nothing easy in their semi-final clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, August 21. Throw-in 2pm. Catherines made a good start. Grateful for an early goal from Donal O’Leary. But that was a good Delany’s team with prominent players in Christopher Walsh, George Healy, John O’Driscoll, Barry and Kevin Egan, Mark and Declan McElhinny and they were setting the pace before a second Catherine’s goal finished off by Dave O’Connell had the deficit down to a point on a half time scoreline of 1-09 to 2-05. Still Delaney’s held an advantage. Moving further ahead to lead 2-13 to 2-07. Inspirational play from Johnny Sheehan, who scored three points, and receiving able support from Denis Walsh and second half substitute Seamus Neville and the Saints clawed their way back into it.
Then Donal O’Leary again was on to a Sheehan line ball before sending an unstoppable drive to Delany’s net on fifty six minutes. Further points followed from Kieran Morrison and a brace from Christy Clancy, including one from a sideline and Catherines were in the final on an end scoreline of 3-16 to 2-15.
Off to a flyer. Catherines ahead at 1-04 without reply. Cloughduv clawing it back. Before Brian Cotter with 1-01 had the Saints back in front again and ahead on a half time scoreline of 2-05 to 1-05 when the final was played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the afternoon of Sunday, September 11. Dave O’Connell goaled early in the second half. Points followed from Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison and two from Christy Clancy. Catherines ahead by nine. Cloughduv slipped in for the final three scores of the match including a goal from Kevin Murray. But the gap was too wide, Catherines champions. Finishing up at 3-12 to 2-11. Afterwards Dan Hoare, treasurer of the Cork County Board presented the Jim Long cup to winning captain Patsy O’Donoghue. At the post match meal held at The Grand Hotel, Fermoy Denis Walsh was named Man of the Match. Present on the day were Bishop Buckley, auxiliary Bishop of Cork who called into the dressing room. Bertie Ahern an Taoiseach was an interested spectator. Mentors were Cathal Casey, Pa Finn, Pat Clancy and Pat Aherne.
Panel: Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Pat Fitzgerald, Denis Walsh, Patsy O’Donoghue, Johnny Sheehan, James Sheehan, Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison, Christy Clancy, Mike Walsh, David O’Connell, Brian Cotter, Martin O’Keeffe, Eddie Geaney, Seamus Neville, Eppy Hartnett, Edward Sheehan, Ger Morrison, Declan O’Neill, James Spillane, John Hartnett, Denis Buckner, Sean Buckley, Edmond Galvin and Alan Magee.
Next week we focus on the juvenile AGM. Then we will go back to the intermediate hurling league and U21A hurling championship of 1994 in the weeks to follow. Be patient!
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Launch of development programme
Top billing is almost repeated this time around. Except this week we reveal that the planned development programme is now in the public domain. Official launch taking place in the main hall and before a sizeable attendance at Ballynoe community centre on Saturday night last.
Pat Clancy, chairman of St Catherines GAA Club highlighted the three main objectives of the plan. It is hoped to start with the 1km floodlit walkway. A facility for all the community to exercise in a safe environment. There will be enhancing of the existing ball alley to provide an indoor floodlit facility for skill development. Allied to the erection of a new fully equipped gym facility to support team training programmes and also open to members of the public. For use of the gym you must have paid full GAA membership and be over sixteen years of age. He added that when complete this will provide an outstanding facility in the community. Thanking the general public for their support in the past. There was also vocal contributions from juvenile club chairman Shane O’Connell and Edmond Galvin, chairman St Catherines camogie club.
Elaine Fitzgerald, brought on board this year as financial advisor, presented a slightly modified method on how you can financially support the development programme. Option one being once off payment of €1,000. Or option two of a monthly contribution of €10 over a ten year period. Before introducing a third option of a cash option of €120 annually over a ten year period. It is hoped to have groups subdivided into seventeen sections out there and calling to your door over the next three weeks.
Special congress in Cork
A Tipperary motion whereby your status is revealed at the end of next year’s national football league was passed unanimously when presented to the special congress at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday last. With the tier two inter county championship getting the green light. Corks task is now abundantly clear. Following this year’s campaign there is a feel good factor about Cork football after several years of absorbing criticism, negativity and bad press. A lot of it deserved and justified. We are told that as many as a half dozen of the All-Ireland winning U20 panel will now be absorbed in to the first team set-up. Following relegation in mid spring Cork are now a division three team. They must go upwards when that competition starts towards the end of January if they wish to be involved in top flight championship football for 2020. There are no Kerrys, Tyrones or Dublins in the third division of the national football league. Cork of course have messed up before. But right now you feel they should possess the all-round ability to secure promotion to division two and be in there with the big boys.
Three in a row for Imokilly
A battle all the way to the end, as it should be as Imokilly retain the county honours. Thus claiming a three in-a-row of titles, first time that was achieved since 1982 and eight in all following last Sunday’s Little Ireland final for the county senior hurling championship. Played before a disappointing attendance of just short of six thousand at Páirc Uí Rinn. Not recognised as a club so Glen Rovers will now represent the rebel county against either Kildangan or Borrisoleigh in the Munster championship at a Tipperary venue.
Now there will be a few departures from the divisional team after this, most noticeably of manager Fearghal Rasper Condon who now moves on with the county U20 hurlers. As you know there has been a rejigging of the championship, which sees the likes of Cloyne and Fr O’Neill’s going into a newly introduced county senior B hurling championship. Thus ruling their players out of bounds with Imokilly. But hurling is strong in the barony. They can still call on players from Aghada, Castlelyons, Castlemartyr, Youghal, St Catherines and Dungourney among others, Russell Rovers and Carrig na bhFear now meet again in the county junior A hurling final.
Imokilly will still be strong. They used St Catherines for training facilities and challenge matches during the season. With four players on the panel. Namely Daniel Mangan, Brian Mulcahy, this year’s club U20 one captain Rory Galvin - and Eoin Davis is third choice goalkeeper.
Catherines back on the county trail
They may have tasted defeat in two deciders but really Catherines have enjoyed a joyous season thus far at juvenile level.
Starting off with the Féile na Peil qualifier in Ballyhooly on the morning of Saturday, April 6th. Wins recorded over Ballycastle Gaels, White’s Cross and Carrig na bhFear in turn allied to a share of the spoils with Castlelyons saw the Saints emerge with success from the group. Setting up a place in the county semi-finals fixed for Mayfield on Easter Monday. They recorded a 0-06 to 0-03 win over Courcey Rovers prior to beating Ballygarvan (4-03 to 1-05) in the decider. Sean O’Donoghue captained that team and the Saints were off to Gortletteragh, Co Leitrim for the All-Ireland Féile na Peil competition at June’s end. Further success for that team followed with a well-earned win over Aghabullogue in the division one Rebel Óg north U14 hurling league final played at Grenagh on Friday evening, June 14.
Completing the double in the championship final at Ballygiblin in mid-September. Darragh Morrisson and Nathan Sheehan lifted the cups. Sadly losing out to Watergrasshill in the recent final at Castlelyons. Yet momentous occasions all. We have the memories.
Now success over White’s Cross and Lisgoold saw the Saints, under the captaining of Oisín Fitzgerald, collect the division three Rebel Óg East U14 football championship and back on the county trail this weekend. Playing Ilen Rovers in a semi-final at Ahiohill on Sunday afternoon next for this forthcoming Sunday afternoon.
Twenty four hours later St Catherines play Youghal in the G3 U12 premier hurling league final at Ballynoe. So the Saints lost just one regular group game. Ironically to Youghal. So now with the drive for revenge and the motivation for outright success we wish the Saints all the best.
There are still a busy programme of U16 football and hurling league matches hanging around. St Catherines players enjoyed mixed fortunes with St Colmans teams last week. They had a big win over what looked like a decent Midleton CBS outfit in the Dean Ryan Cup. Sean O’Donoghue and Fionn O’Connell appearing as second half substitutes on a team starting out with Kyle Wallace at right half back and midfielder Gearoid O’Brien. Brother Ciaran O’Brien starting at fullback on a St Colmans team easily disposed of by Thurles CBS in a first round game in group A of the Harty Cup when plated at Clonmel on Friday afternoon last.
Juvenile fixtures
Sunday, October 28 semi-final division three Coiste na nÓg county U14 football championship v Ilen Rovers at 3pm. Venue will be St Oliver Plunketts GAA pitch at Ahiohill. Monday, October 29 at Ballynoe final G3 Rebel Óg central county U12 premier hurling league v Youghal at 2pm.
Club meeting
There will be a meeting of St Catherines GAA Club tonight (Thursday, October 24). Secretary Eleanor will confirm time as week advances.
Condolences
Sympathy to the family on the sad passing of John Murphy of Fermoy after a brief illness. He was an exponent of many sports and amongst the five clubs associated with his name would be Fermoy Rugby and GAA, Castlelyons GAA. Lining out at full forward on the St Catherine’s team that won East Cork and county junior hurling titles in 1983. John Murphy was a member of the Cork minor hurling team that lost to Kilkenny in the 1975 All-Ireland final. His brother Tom (Waxer) is based at the GAA pitch in Ballynoe and is predeceased by brother Richard from just over two years ago. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Lotto results
Winding up the week with the results from the most recent lotto draw held at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, on Monday night last, October 21. Numbers drawn were 1, 7, 13 and 25. There was no winner of the €4,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were - Fr Billy, Conna; Maeve Horgan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Fiona Higgins, Ballycullane, Ballynoe; Helen O’Neill, Ballynoe and Cathal Twomey c/o The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna.
Beware we are heading into a long weekend with clocks heading back 1 hour, signalling the commencement of winter time. Being a bank holiday, our next lotto draw with a jackpot of €4,600 goes ahead at The Winners Enclosure Bar in Conna, on Tuesday night, October 29.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe, are sponsors of St Catherines GAA club. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

St Catherines GAA
Lotto jackpot now at €4,000
You can now play St Catherines GAA weekly lotto online. There are two ways to play, log on to play.clubforce.com and find St Catherines or download the clubforce app (from the App store or Google play) and select St Catherines GAA. Once you are logged in you may then play for 5, 25 or 50 draws at the usual cost of €2 per draw.
Right now we have an accumulated jackpot of €4,000. Results from the most recent weekly lotto draw held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday – numbers drawn 20, 23, 24 and 26, no winner of €3,800 jackpot. Consolation winners: Barbra Hennessy, Lacken, Glengoura; Eimear Doyle, c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna; Kal Moroney, Conna; Mary Aherne, Ballycullane, Curraglass and Mary T Dick, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern.
Next draw on Monday night, October 7th will be at McAuliffe’s Bar, Ballynoe.

Next on your juvenile agenda
It’s a case of raising the bar another notch as the juvenile season intensifies still further this upcoming weekend.
Pride of place rests with the pairing of St Catherines and Kanturk in the division one county U16 hurling championship final, fixed for Pairc Ui Rinn at 8pm on Friday evening, October 4th.
Little or no rivalry exists between the two clubs, even though hurling continues to gain momentum in the Duhallow division. Reminding you that the Saints overcame the challenge of Cuchulainns, a combination of Lismire and Kanturk in the county U14 B hurling championship final played in the early autumn of 2013. A team captained by Niall O’Regan, so it can be done! What will stand to the Saints in this decider is the workrate they’ve had to put in as this championship advanced. Killeagh were formidable opposition in the divisional semi-final, snapping at the Saints heels right up to the game’s end. Even Kiltha Og were favourites for the Rebel Og East final. Ibane Gaels were tough nuts to crack in the county semi-final.
We know Kanturk have amassed a sizeable scoring return against both Shandrum and Inniscarra in their last two outings and will provide a stern test of the Saints credentials. Best of luck to the team and panel of players, captained by wing back Mary Geary. Manager is Kieran O’Brien and team coached by Rory Galvin. The selectors are Gary Hartnett and Mervyn Draper.

More excitement guaranteed when Grenagh come to town, playing the Saints in the semi-final of the U12 G3 premier hurling league at 3pm in Ballynoe on Saturday, October 5th. A greater number of league points amassed ensuring the Saints a home draw. A reminder that no championship games prevail at U11, U12 or U13 level. League only.
It’s been a long six months season thus far, starting with a sizeable win in Fermoy then winning the regular group game against Grenagh, played in Ballynoe on the afternoon of Saturday, April 20th. Patrons might recall the attractive pairing of Youghal and Castlelyons in the first round of the premier intermediate hurling championship at the venue later that same evening.
A solid victory ensued after the long journey to Newtownshandrum in mid-May. The only loss incurred was to Youghal, who play Shandrum in the other semi-final this weekend. While the Mallow game was a draw, victories emerging from the Bride Rovers, Cobh and Carrigtwohill ties, meaning a total of 13 points collected from 8 league matches played. All U12 games are 25 minutes a-side, with unlimited substitutions allowed. Best of luck to team manager Brian Sheehan, along with fellow selectors Mark O’Driscoll and Joe Pratt, while Rory Galvin is often around, as is Dino Pietropaolo.
We are now into early October and still involved at the business end and no stone can be left unturned as the Saints strive for further glory.
Juvenile action on the fields

Division 1 Coiste na nÓg county U14 hurling championship semi-final
St Catherines 5-9 Bandon 3-9
Emulating the achievement of the U16 hurlers from the previous week as the Saints progressed following a well earned victory from this semi-final of the division 1 county U14 hurling championship. It being the first major tussle at juvenile level between the clubs in 60 years. St Catherines overcoming the challenge of Bandon in the count U14 B hurling championship final, when played at Togher in the autumn of 1959. Thanks to a keen follower and a plethora of helpful substitutes in holding the brolly, without them we could take no notes. Conditions were that poor in Mayfield on Saturday evening last, compounding matters a county semi-final that started all of 20 minutes late.
Cathal Sheehan and Shane Cotter were taking the goalscoring plaudits in a first half where the Saints were largely in control and were ahead at half-time, 5-6 to 2-4.
A contest resuming with both teams adopting a change of strip, it was noticeable that there was a constant scurry for towels to dry off handles of hurleys and grips to facilitate free-taking duties. Points followed from Kian O’Donoghue and Darragh Morrison in turn, keeping the Saints in a good position. The lead now stood at 5-9 to 2-6 on 38 minutes. As the relentless rainfall took its foot off the pedal as the final quarter loomed, Bandon virtually laid siege to the Saints area in those hectic closing stages. Their two top players Sean Ahern and Darragh Collins were making the scoresheet, albeit from placed balls. In a repeat of the Rebel Og North final, St Catherines will now meet Watergrasshill who defeated Cobh in the other semi-final at Lisgoold on Saturday afternoon last, in the county final itself.
Scorers: C Sheehan (3-0), S Cotter (2-3, 0-3 frees), D Morrison (0-3), K O’Donoghue (0-2), N Sheehan (0-1).
Bandon scorers: S Ahern (1-7, 1-4 frees), D Collins (2-2, 0-1 free).
St Catherines team: D O’Connell, C Dunning, C Pietropaolo, C Leamy, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, F Sheehan, N Sheehan, O Fitzgerald, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan, C Hayes. Subs: D Murphy for C Hayes (’40), C McCarthy for C Dunning (’58).
Referee: Alec Gibbons (Nemo Rangers)

Final division 3 Rebel Og East 13-a-side U14 football championship
St Catherines 6-12 Lisgoold 5-3
St Catherines were full and deserving winners of the 13-a-side Rebel Og U14 football championship final when played in dull and overcast conditions at Castlelyons on Wednesday evening, September 25th last.
Hurling captain Nathan Sheehan had them into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish with the game’s opening score inside 20 seconds. Defender Darragh Morrison found Shane Cotter to finish off their first goal on six minutes. Lisgoold came more into it through a Harry Morley goal and a sweetly struck Jody Bernard point.
Still St Catherines kept up the pressure, Kian O’Donoghue and Oisin Fitzgerald accurate from placed balls, stretching out ahead on a half-time scoreline of 2-10 to 1-1.
Lisgood were more prominent on the resumption, Kane Walsh finishing off a hat-trick of goals. Evan Fitzgerald was also on target from a piledriver just four mintues into the second half. Still St Catherines were holding the balance of power and goals from Sean O’Donoghue, Diarmuid O’Connell and Ciaran Pietropaolo effectively sealed it as a rainfall descended and darkness loomed.
Aine O’Leary, PRO Rebel Og East, presented the winning cup to successful St Catherine’s captain Oisin Fitzgerald.
Scorers: S Cotter and C Pietropaolo (2-0 each), K O’Donoghue (0-6, 0-4 frees), S O’Donoghue (1-1), O Fitzgerald (0-3 frees), D O’Connell (1-0), N Sheehan (0-1).
Lisgood scorers: K Walsh (3-0), H Morley, E Fitzgerald (1-0 each), J Bernard (0-2), M O’Sullivan (0-1 free).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, D Morrison, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, C Hayes, O’Fitzgerald (captain), C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher, S O’Donoghue, D O’Connell, S Cotter, K O’Donoghue. Subs: C Sheehan for K Kelleher (15’), C McAuliffe for D O’Donovan (’40), C Leamy for E O’Driscoll (’48), C Feeney for S Cotter (’52), D Murphy for D O’Connell (’53), A Bryan for C Pietropaolo (’56). Also: C Dunning, J Leahy, T Barry, C McCarthy.
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Og).

On reflection A fourth title collected thus far by this young squad of players. Initial success coming in the Peil na nOg qualifiers, ending with a final victory over Ballygarvan when played at Mayfield on Easter Monday, setting up a trip to Gortletteragh in Leitrim for the Feile na Peil finals at the end of June. Going there as division 1 Rebel Og North U14 hurling league champions. Overcoming Aghabullogue in the final at Grenagh on Friday evening, June 14th, a precursor to a championship final victory over Watergrasshill at Ballygiblin recently.
Meanwhile Kiltha Og overcame the challenge of an Erins Own outfit coached by ex-county star Shay Fahy in the final of the division 2 Rebel Og East minor football championship played under lights at Ballynoe, also on Wednesday evening, September 25th last. It ended Kiltha Og 1-17 Erins Own 0-7. Presentations made by Michael Mulry, treasurer of Rebel Og East. Referee was Mark Murphy of Bride Rovers.
Just to let you know the executive of coiste sinsear has decided not to change the age groups for Rebel Og competitions for 2020. So the competitions next year will be run in the same age brackets as we have been used to. Minor will still be U18, with U16 and U14 the main age group competitions. As usual teams will be 13 or 15 a-side, depending on members.
Next on your juvenile fixture list
Friday, Oct. 4th at Pairc Ui Rinn – division 1 county U16 hurling championship final v Kanturk at 8pm.
Saturday, Oct. 5th at Ballynoe – semi-final U12 G3 hurling league v Grenagh at 3pm.
Commiserations
Sympathy to the family on the sad passing of Will Twomey, Ballynoe at the weekend. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Sponsors
T~A Building ~ Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

O’Neills come good
in second half
One point adrift on a half-time scoreline of 1-09 to 2-05 yet Fr O’Neills from the Ladysbridge and Ballymacoda pockets in the heartland of East Cork came good in the second half hour.
Billy Dunne was the goalscorer as O’Neills tagged on 1-02 without reply in the minutes immediately following the change of ends. Going on to outscore their Avondhu based opposition 3-09 to 1-04, when this premier intermediate hurling championship third round tie was played at Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua on Sunday afternoon last. Fermoy’s cause not helped with frequent erratic shooting, amassing a tally of sixteen wides over the sixty seven minutes of hurling played. Fr O’Neills will now play fellow Imokilly based team Watergrasshill in this weekend’s quarter final to be played at Midleton. Final score in Fr O’Neills favour standing at 5-14 to 2-13.
St Catherines GAA club chairman Pat Clancy ensured there were plenty of staff available around the grounds making sure the parking worked efficiently and all gates were manned. Fiona Sheehan, juvenile club treasurer, co-ordinated her programme sellers of Darragh Galvin, Eoin Sheehan and Kyle Wallace. Working on the programme and many thanks to Liam Leahy, Seamus Joyce, Bosco Creed, Brendan Keane, Tom O’Brien, Denis O’Flynn and Eleanor Galvin, secretary of St Catherines GAA Club for their keep and courtesy. All much appreciated.
No doubt after the staging of the big game in Ballynoe a number of Gaels headed to Lisgoold for the staging of the divisional showpiece with Russell Rovers and Carraig na bhFear, meeting in the East Cork junior A hurling final. Referee Jim Hennessy of Dungourney throwing in the sliotar for a 6pm start. Russell Rovers who appeared in their first final back in 2006 retained the title by a three point margin on an end scoreline of 1-16 to 0-16. Carraig na bhFear won their first East Cork championship in the autumn of 2008 at Ballynoe when beating Killeagh in the final. Going on to defeat Erins Own in the 2012 final at Riverstown, losing out to Dungourney by a point in the decider of 2013 at Midleton.
Of course as the week progresses all these events sink into the past. Now entering the pages of history. As we clear the decks and prepare for what the future will bring us. Focus now on the fourth round clash with Eire Óg in the intermediate hurling championship. Match fixed for Lisgoold at 2pm on this coming Saturday afternoon, September 14.
Punters don’t need reminding that Catherine’s record in championship against the mid-Cork team is poor. Losing in a replay in 1987, a semi-final in 2013 and a first round clash in 2014. Eire Óg also defeated the Saints in a minor A county final at Watergrasshill in October of 1993. Time to put that right. We wish all involved the best of luck.
East Cork U21 A hurling
championship group 1 match 3
Youghal 2-22
St Catherines 3-11
A quick glance at the scoreboard would prove deceptive as both teams were struggling with their shooting. Sharing sixteen wides, divided equally to the end of the opening half. At which the seasiders were marginally ahead at 0-11 to 1-07 at the break. Assuming a vital grip when a sweetly struck Sean Smiddy sideline out-reached Jack Monaghan to billow the net from close range just four minutes into the second half. Before accurate free taker Dion O’Donoghue, inside the cover added a second from close range. Setting up a Youghal lead at 2-15 to 1-09 to forty three minutes of this divisional U21 A hurling championship tie when played in overcast conditions at Dungourney on Monday evening, September 2.
Team captain Rory Galvin was Catherine’s scorer in chief. Without ever looking like overall winners they were granted a lifeline when Eoin Davis goaled his second penalty of the night. Then saving one at the other end after Owen O’Neill had latched on to a loose ball and adding a third Saints goal. Making it 2-18 to 3-11 to fifty four minutes.
Reasserting themselves Youghal added the final four points of the night. Including one from centre back Kyle Brown and Catherines involvement in this year’s East Cork U21 A hurling championship was at an end.
Thanks to team manager Billy Neville along with fellow selectors Kieran Morrison, Tim O’Connor and Martin O’Keeffe for services rendered.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-08 frees) (0-10) E Davis (2-00 penalties), O O’Neill (1-06) and C Hickey (0-01). Youghal scorers: D O’Donoghue (0-04 frees), (0-01 sideline cut) (0-01 ’65) (1-10), J Monaghan (1-01), S Smiddy (0-01 free) (0-04), J Cooper (0-03), R McMahon, R McSweeney, P Kirk and K Brown (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Eoin Davis, Philip Keane, Eoin Wallace, Gavin England, Shane O’Regan, Ciaran O’Brien, Kieran Neville, Ben O’Brien, Thomas O’Donnell, David McDonnell, Rory Galvin (team captain), Owen O’Neill, Kevin Barry, Luke Beecher, Conor Hickey. Subs: Eoin Sheehan for David McDonnell (7), Joe O’Keeffe for Kevin Barry (50’).
Referee: John Kirby (Midleton).
East Cork intermediate hurling championship
quarter-final for the Abernethy Cup
Sarsfields 2-19 St Catherine’s 1-16
Cian Darcy with the first of his goals on two minutes had Sars into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish from this quarter-final of the East Cork intermediate hurling championship for the Abernethy Cup when played at a well prepared Glenville venue on Friday evening last.
Brian Mulcahy, Daniel Mangan and Ben O’Brien allied to an array of Rory Galvin points registered for the Saints as a four point contribution from James O’Leary with wing back Kieran Walsh also on target had Sars ahead on a mildly confusing half-time scoreline of 1-09 to 0-10.
A second opposition goal on forty minutes extended the advantage as for a second time inside a week up stepped Eoin “Mick” Davis to goal from another penalty which had the margin at 2-17 to 1-14 to fifty five minutes. Both teams are out in championship this forthcoming weekend.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-07 frees) (0-01’45) (0-09), E Davis (1-00 penalty), B Mulcahy and D Mangan (0-02 each), B O’Brien, S O’Brien and P Roche (0-01 each). Sars scorers - C Darcy (2-02), C Duggan (0-03 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-06), J O’Leary (0-04), T Murphy (0-01 free) (0-03), K Murphy, K Walsh, J Leopolo and R Murphy (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, J Neville, C Hegarty (Cpt), K Neville, D Lonergan, S O’Brien, W Walsh, S Cotter, B O’Brien, R Galvin, P O’Connor, D Mangan, P Keane, L Roche and B Mulcahy.
Subs: S O’Regan for W Walsh (second half), O O’Neill for P O’Connor, (43’), S O’Brien for P Lonergan (46’), C Hickey for P Keane (52’), E Ahern for E Davis (58’).
Referee: Brian Sweeney (Shamrocks).
Final division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 HC also rd7 div1 Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league
St Catherines 1-12 Kiltha Óg 0-12
St Catherines worked hard and cleared all the plaudits bestowed on their young shoulders following success in the division one Rebel Óg East U16 hurling championship final when played in Youghal’s most traditional venue of Copper Alley grounds on Wednesday evening September 4th last.
Seven first half points, all from placed balls, from accurate and reliable free taker Harry Draper had the Saints ahead by double scores. Leading on an 0-08 to 0-04 half-time scoreline.
Getting the best possible start on the turnover when now playing against the elements. This time Draper the provider and setting up Tom Hartnett for a well-earned point right on thirty one minutes. When Kiltha Óg enjoyed their most rewarding juncture of the evening. Four unanswered points including three from placed balls from the very good Ciaran Size and a sweetly taken effort from team vice-captain Niall Geaney thinned the margin between two well matched teams to the minimum. Ciaran Sice would be a nephew of John who played for the Saints back in the eighties. Niall Geaney’s dad Eddie won an intermediate medal playing with St Catherines in 1994.
Then the defining score of this final unfolded. Fourteen year old Sean O’Donoghue charging through, picking his spot, and well away from Paul Flynn between the Kiltha posts for the Saints and game’s only goal. Score standing at 1-09 to 0-08 right at the end of the third quarter. Later adding a crucial point, O’Donoghue along with William Leahy intrinsically linked with Cathal Dineen who duly shot over the score of the match from a difficult angle. Scores like these win you matches.
Ever threatening Jack Leahy split the posts. But apart from further Sice pointed frees, Catherine’s defence held firm with Eoin O’Riordan, Gearoid O’Brien, Fionn O’Connell and Darragh Galvin excellent. Michael O’Dwyer had the last point towards the finish.
Afterwards board chairman Sean Twohig (Erins Own) with treasurer Michael Mulry (Aghada) also present issued the winning cup to successful captain Mark Geary.
Scorers: H Draper (0-07 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-08), S O’Donoghue (0-01), T Hartnett (0-02) and C Dingen (0-01). Kiltha Óg scorers - C Sice (0-03 frees) (0-02 ’65) (0-05), J Leahy (0-01 free) (0-04), D Leahy, N Geaney and M O’Dwyer (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, E O’Riordan, G O’Brien, N Sheehan, M Geary (captain), D Galvin, F O’Connell, C England, K Wallace, H Draper, W Leahy, C Dineen, D Temple, T Hartnett, S O’Donoghue. Subs: S Cotter for D Temple (33’), B O’Connor for N Sheehan (45’).
Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Semi-final div 1 Rebel Óg North U14 HC
St Catherine’s 1-11 Aghabullogue 0-06
An unfortunate clash with the twenty one equivalent when this semi-final of the division one Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship went ahead at Grenagh on Monday evening, September 2 last.
Catherines, ahead at 0-07 to 0-04 at half-time, were recording a second victory of significance over the opposition in just short of three months. Overcoming the challenge of Aghabullogue in the league final back in early June. By the time you read this report they may well have played either Clyda Rovers or Watergrasshill in the divisional final.
Scorers - K O’Donoghue (1-02), D Morrison (0-03) O Fitzgerald, S Cotter and C Sheehan (0-02 each). St Catherines team: D O’Connell, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, C Leamy, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan, D Murphy. Sub: C Hayes for D Murphy. Also K Kelleher, C Feeney, J Bryan, T Barry, A Bryan, J Leahy and C McCarthy. Referee: Cathal Egan (Clyda Rovers).
Round 8 G1 Rebel Óg Central U13 PHL
Inniscarra 2-13
St Catherines 1-04
An early start for this round eight U13 premier hurling league tie when played at the endearing Ballyanly venue at 10.30am on Saturday morning last.
Despite conceding to an early Ben O’Connell goal Catherines were motoring well and the strong and influential play of Diarmuid O’Donovan, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Diarmuid O’Connell, Conor Hayes, Dylan Murphy and John Temple would see them ahead at 1-03 to 1-02 to twenty eight minutes and in boxing parlance head to their respective corners together on a half time scoreline of 1-03 a piece.
Such a different story on the turnover. Driven on by Niall Buckley and Sean Linehan from the halfback line with Aogan Quinlivan very good around the middle and Alex Neilon a threat up front and Inniscarra took over after that.
Scorers: J Temple (1-01), D O’Connell (0-02 frees) and D Murphy (0-01). Inniscarra scorers: A Neilon (1-01), B O’Connell (1-0), A Quinlivan and N Buckley (frees) (0-03 each), S Murphy and C Ahern (0-02 each), S Linehan and D O’Brien (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, J Leahy, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, C Pietropaolo, T Barry, D O’Connell, C Hayes, S Cotter, D Murphy, A Bryan, J Temple, C Leahy, G Sheehan. Subs: S Wallace for A Bryan (’36), C Murray for J Leahy (41’), J Leahy for S Cotter (45’).
Referee: Peter Cotter (Dripsey).
What we have in
fixtures for you
Tonight (Thursday) September 12 at Ballynoe round nine G3 U12 premier hurling league v Carrigtwohill at 6.45pm. Saturday, September 14 at Lisgoold round four intermediate hurling championship v Eire Óg at 2pm. Sunday, September 15 final Rebel Óg North division one U14 hurling championship v Watergrasshill at 6pm, venue Ballygiblin.
Monday, September 16 at Ballynoe round seven division two Rebel Óg East U16 football league v Fr at 7pm. Monday, September 16 at Riverstown round nine G1 U13 premier hurling league v Sarsfields at 7pm.
Late news from Monday night last
Result
Group one - Match C East Cork junior B hurling championship, Youghal 1-18 St Catherines 1-07 (Report in next week’s notes).
Lotto
Results from the most recent weekly lotto draw also held at the Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night last, September 9. Numbers drawn were 4, 10, 20 and 24. No €3,200 jackpot winner. While the consolation winners on the night were - Maura O’Sullivan, Mohera, Castlelyons; Katie Kearney, Ballybride, Conna; Carmel Warren, Ballybride, Conna; Lane grandchildren, Curraheen, Conna and James Ahern, West Street, Tallow.
Next draw with a jackpot of €3,400 will be at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, on Monday night, September 16.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe, are St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Fermoy v Fr O’Neills match in Ballynoe on Sunday
Originally set for three weeks ago and now the eagerly awaited clash of Fermoy and Fr O’Neills in the third round of the premier intermediate hurling championship goes ahead this forthcoming weekend. Throw in at Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua on Sunday, September 8 will be at 3pm.
Round 9 division 2 JHL
St Catherines 0-07 Bride Rovers 4-17
A litany of scores from Conor Barry while receiving able support from Colm Power saw Bride Rovers easily win out this round 9 division 2 junior hurling league tie when played under lights at Ballynoe on Monday evening, August 26 last. Thus ending their league campaign.
Scorers: K Dineen (0-04 frees), J Hurley, S O’Donnell and C Hickey (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, S Walsh, James Casey, C Aherne, R English, E Kenneally, P Ryan, J Hurley, C Hickey, R Condon, John Casey, S O’Donnell, K Dineen, J Mulcahy and J Lane. Referee: Andrew Dorgan (Watergrasshill).

This week’s juvenile match report
Semi-final 13- a-side Rebel Óg East division 3 U14 FC
St Catherines 4-07 White’s Cross 1-03
It all pointed to a close encounter. A half-time score of 1-02 apiece supporting that view for this semi-final of the 13- a-side division 3 U14 football championship, when played in calm and dry conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 28.
But Catherines improved greatly on the turnover. Their cause much boosted with a well taken goal from team captain and man of the match candidate Oisín Fitzgerald. A duo of Diarmuid O’Connell points, one from open play adding to the tally. Eddie Coughlan replied with a pointed free for the opposition as the score stood at 2-06 to 1-03 to the end of the third quarter.
Catherines pulled away from there on in. Ciaran Pietropaolo and Sean O’Donoghue with his second in time added on well-worked goals. Going in search of more but despite the concession of four, goalkeeper James Buckley wasn’t easily beaten. Ronan Healy and team captain Ruairi Quinlan were also very good for White’s Cross. Final is down for the end of September and Carrig na bhFear, Lisgoold and St Colmans are still involved.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (2-00), C Pietropaolo (1-02), O Fitzgerald (1-01), D O’Connell (0-01 free) (0-02) N Sheehan and K Kelleher (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, D Morrisson, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, C Hayes, O Fitzgerald (team captain), C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher, S O’Donoghue, D O’Connell, R O’Donoghue and C Sheehan. Subs: S Cotter for C Sheehan (46), C McAuliffe for D O’Connell (’48), C Leamy and D Murphy for E O’Driscoll and K O’Donoghue (both ’55), C Feeney for K Kelleher (56’). Also J Leahy, T Barry, C McCarthy, C Dunning and A Bryan.
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Glenbower Rovers).

Round 8 G3 Rebel Óg central U12 HL
Cobh 0-09 St Catherines 6-14
St Catherines were full value for a resounding win from this round eight G3 Rebel Óg Central U12 hurling league tie played on Cobh’s second choice pitch. It’s situated just beyond the main pitch then head up towards the water tower and it lies virtually overlooking and parallel to O’Connell Park, and went ahead at 11.30 on Sunday morning last.
Shane O’Donoghue was in irreplaceable early form at full forward with a hat-trick of goals inside the opening quarter including a brace after just ninety seconds as the visitors eased themselves into a half time lead standing at 4-12 to 0-02.
Thomas Dee and Julian Pietropaolo became the seventh and eight different players to tally on the turnover against a now much improved Cobh. Before a duo of fourth and final quarter points from John Temple saw him assume the role of scorer in chief.
Scorers: J Temple (0-02 frees) (0-01 65’) (1-08), S O’Donoghue (3-01), T Dee and J Pietropaolo (1-00 each), G Sheehan (0-02 frees), C Hickey, T Clancy and K O’Donoghue (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: A Cotter, C O’Driscoll, F McCreedy, C Murray, J Pratt, J Pietropaolo, T Clancy, J Temple, J Kenneally, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan, T Dee, D Turley, S O’Donoghue, C Hickey. Also: L Moore, C Barry and J O’Connor.
Referee: Michael Franklin (Midleton).

Sympathy
We offer our condolences to club registrar Pat and all the Hartigan families on the death of Christy Morrison in Kilkenny last week.

Cork teams
It’s billed as the greatest day in Irish sport and last Sunday didn’t disappoint. Doing its utmost to confirm that theory with two draws unfolding. Cork coming good in extra time. Those goals we spoke about last week again standing them in good stead. A third coming in the early stages of those extra minutes of massive value as the rebels go on to claim their first All-Ireland minor football title in nineteen years. Making it a rewarding summer for the red jersey and adding to their inaugural U20 title won in Portlaoise a month ago. Cork know how to beat the Dubs!
Well the drive for five is still alive! But only just. Kerry awarded a ridiculous penalty. But justice was done when keeper Cluxton with an outstretched hand denied Paul Geaney at a time when the Kingdom looked to get a foothold on matters. But then the Dubs can only blame themselves. Jonny Cooper already on a yellow (and having his hands full with the tall David Clifford) should have been moved if not indeed taken off altogether. Sure enough there is the concession of a second yellow and off he goes just before the interval. I tell you Tom O’Sullivan was one lucky boy on the change of ends. It’s all to play for with the replay on Saturday week at 6pm.
It was a weekend starting out with Cork beating Galway for the Arrabawn Cup in the U15 hurling tournament final at Boherlahan on Saturday evening last. Club players Gearoid O’Brien and Kyle Wallace on the starting line up there.
Best of luck to Russell Rovers and Carraig na bhFear along with Dungourney’s Jim Hennessy when the East Cork junior A hurling final goes ahead this weekend. Throw in is at 6pm on Sunday evening coming, September 8 and the venue will be Lisgoold.

What we have in fixtures for you Friday, September 6 East Cork intermediate hurling championship quarter final for the Abernethy Cup v Sarsfields. Time and venue TBC. Friday, September 6 round 6 G1 U13 hurling league v Ballincollig (away) at 8pm (provisional). Sunday, September 8 at Ballynoe premier intermediate hurling championship third round Fermoy v Fr O’Neill’s at 3pm. Sunday, September 8 at Lisgoold East Cork junior A hurling championship final Carraig na bhFear v Russell Rovers at 6pm. Tuesday, September 10 division two Rebel Óg east minor hurling championship final v Castlelyons, time and venue TBC. Also watch out for junior B hurling championship v Youghal.


Late news from Monday night last
Round 3 group 1 U21 A hurling championship - Youghal 2-22 St Catherines 3-11. Semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship - St Catherines 1-11 Aghabullogue 0-06. Match reports will appear in next week’s notes.

Lotto
Results from the most recent lotto draw held at McAuliffe’s Ballynoe, also on Monday night last, September 2. Numbers drawn were 1, 14, 19, 28. There was no winner of the €3,000 jackpot. While the consolation winners were: Jim Kearney, Ballybride; Conna, Eoin and Cathal Sheehan, Glentrasna, Ballynoe; Pat Clancy, Monagown, Conna; Diarmuid Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons and Liam Rice, Ballinlegane, Ballynoe.
Next draw with a jackpot now standing at €3,200 will be at The Big Tree, Aghern, on Monday night, September 9.
Sponsors: T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Saints win their third round tie.

Intermediate
hurling
championship round 3

St Catherines 3-14 Castlemartyr 3-11

Granted there was a few scary moments towards the finish, but overall the Saints had done enough in winning out this intermediate hurling championship third round tie when played before a sizeable crowd at Lisgoold on Friday evening last.

Both teams were sizing each other up with Michael Kelly and Shane O’Brien exchanging four points, all from placed balls, through the opening nine minutes before proceedings were raised a notch with Joe Stack goaling the opposition into the lead. This was cancelled out within 60 seconds by a Conor Kearney leveller. Yet Brian Mulcahy and Pa Roche were among the scorers as the Saints edged their noses to the fore through the second quarter and coming up to the break when ahead on a half time score of 1-9 to 1-5.

Just like the last match against Barryroe the Saints made an explosive start to the second half, Daniel Mangan picking out Ben O’Brien who duly found the net from close range within 90 seconds at the change of ends. Stack pointed two beauties for the opposition, likewise Shane Cotter on target for the Saints before enjoying a really lucrative period midway through the fourth and final quarter.

A lengthy Eoin Davis free reached substitute Niall O’Regan who forced his way through before crashing home a third Saints goal. Rory Galvin and Daniel Mangan added back to back points with the score now building up and ahead on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-09 to 57 minutes.

Castlemartyr made it awkward with two late goals, one from a placed ball from substitute Barry Lawton. Thankfully the Saints had done enough and were safely over the line.

Scorers: S O’Brien (0-06 frees), C Kearney, B O’Brien and N O’Regan (1-00 each), S Cotter (0-03), D Mangan (0-02), B Mulcahy, P Roche and R Galvin (0-01 each).

Castlemartyr scorers: M Kelly (0-06 frees) (0-07), B Lawton (1-00 free) (2-00), J Stack (1-02), M Cosgrove and D Moran (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: E Davis, J Neville, L O’Connor, K Neville, C Hegarty (captain), E Wallace, D Lonergan, S O’Brien, S Cotter, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, D Mangan, C Kearney, P Roche and B O’Brien. Subs: N O’Regan for C Kearney (T) (15’), N O’Regan for P Roche (50), W Walsh for C Kearney (57), S O’Regan for N O’Regan (59). Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).

Cork teams

There were nine scores in the opening eight minutes of play in the inaugural All-Ireland U20 hurling final at LIT Páirc Na nGael stadium on Limerick’s Ennis Road on Saturday evening last, but the concession of four goals meant rebel prospects of adding to the hard earned football title claimed in Portlaoise three weeks previous were in early tatters.

As the week advances all conversation will centre on the Dubs and can they retain their title? It is the sixth time in GAA history that a team is striving for five in a row of titles. Seamus Darby’s late goal undoing the Kingdom in 1982. A stunning Lar Corbett hat trick derailing Cody’s Cats in more recent times. But back in the day Cork couldn’t do it in the forties. Kerry also in the thirties. Dublin defeated Wexford in the 1919 Leinster football semi-final. Wexford were on the five in a row trail at that time. So teams have come close. But no team yet has attained that magic achievement. We now see if the impossible will unravel before our very eyes. Before that, rebel focus centres on the county minor football against Galway in the All-Ireland U17 final.

Standing to Cork against Kerry, Monaghan and Mayo, who defeated Galway in the Connacht final, is their uncanny ability to etch out goals. In the end it might come down to that. Here’s hoping. That’s what I’m basing my theory on anyway. Rebels Abu!!!

No joy for the rebelettes. Losing out to reigning title holders Dublin by a six point narrow in the second of last Sunday’s semi-finals. Dublin now face Galway in this year’s TG4 All-Ireland ladies Gaelic football final. It’s on in Croke Park on the afternoon of Sunday, September 15.

So now we have Dublin in the drive for five to retain Sam and going for three in a row in the ladies football. Not to be outdone Galway are going for three All-Irelands in the next three weeks.

This week’s juvenile news

Semi-final Rebel Óg East division 2 U16 football shield

St Catherines 2-07

Erins Own 3-03

An exciting, close and entertaining contest is what unfolded. Billed in the notes for the Wednesday but as time progressed this semi-final of the Rebel Óg East U16 football shield was moved and played in Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, August 20 last. This is a new introduction to the schedule. It’s for teams beaten in the first round of the championship. Erin’s Own lost out to Killeagh/Ita’s likewise Fr O’Neill’s overcame the challenge of the Saints at Aghavine on July 24th last.

It was the home team taking the lead. Cutely assessing the merits of the breeze it was full forward Tom Hartnett kicking over an exquisitely taken point on eight minutes, but second quarter goals from Cian Jeffers and Sean O’Donoghue, one of three players on the pitch with the same name saw the visitors take advantage and they were ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 2-01 to 0-03.

But Catherines were back into it straight away. Substitute Denis Temple and William Leamy were involved before Conor England, playing his first match since the championship loss, drilled in his and the Saints first goal within sixty seconds of the turnover. A third Erins Own goal finished off by midfielder Anesh Spawni would see two evenly matched teams still together at 2-04 to 3-01 right at the end of the third quarter.

Each team taking it in turns, trying to assume control. We thought substitute Adam O’Donnell had achieved just that with the lead point once more on fifty eight minutes. End of the excitement? Not on your life!

Right on the stroke of full time Erins Own were awarded a penalty. Denied by an Evan Philpott block, his third penalty save of the season. With the rebound also off target Catherines place in the final was secure.

Scorers: C England (1-04 frees) (2-04), T Hartnett, K Wallace and A O’Donnell (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, N Sheehan, E O’Riordan, S O’Donoghue, D Galvin, H Draper, M Geary, C England, K Wallace, C Dineen, W Leamy, G O’Brien, S Cotter, T Hartnett and G Leahy. Subs: A O’Donnell, D Temple and O Fitzgerald for S Cotter, G Leahy and C Dineen (all second half). Also C Sheehan, J O’Callaghan, W McAuliffe, C Feeney, C McAuliffe and R O’Donoghue. Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).

Round 2 Rebel Óg central GL U13

hurling league

St Finbarrs 0-10

St Catherines 0-07

Victory for the Barrs from this round 2 GI U13 hurling league tie when played in Togher on Thursday evening last. A very similar end scoreline from the U12 league tie played at Ballynoe 14 months previously. This is an ongoing competition with a few games still to be played.

Scorers: S Cotter and D O’Connell (frees) (0-02 each), J Temple, D O’Donovan and D Murphy (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, J Leahy, E O’Driscoll, C McCarthy, T Barry, C Pietropaolo, C Dunning, C Hayes, D O’Connell, S Cotter, D Murphy, D O’Donovan, J Temple, C Leamy and G Sheehan. Subs used: A Bryan, S Mulcahy, S Wallace and C Murray. Referee: Cathal Egan (Glen Rovers).

Willie Ryan U12

hurling tournament

St Catherines went unbeaten through their campaign in group two of the Willie Ryan U12 hurling tournament when played in perfect weather conditions at Rostellan on Saturday last. First match against Ballygiblin finished a draw on a scoreline of 0-05 each. Before overcoming Blackrock (1-03 to 0-00). Then edging out Carrigtwohill (1-04 to 1-03) in the final group two encounters.

Placing St Catherines in the semi-final where they would unfortunately lose out to host club Aghada on a scoreline of 1-06 to 0-07. Aghada themselves losing out to Bride Rovers (1-07 to 0-04 in the final.

Consolation for the Saints overcoming Ballygiblin (4-03 to 2-03) in the plate final. Scorers in the plate final:

J Temple (1-00 penalty, 2-00), C Hickey and J Kenneally (1-00 each) and G Sheehan (0-03 frees). Panel of players: Gearoid Sheehan, Jake Pratt, John Temple, Conor Murray, Shay Wallace, Cillian Hickey, Stephen Mulcahy, Callum O’Driscoll, Julian Pietropaolo, Kyle O’Donoghue, Shane O’Donoghue, Tristan Clancy, James Kenneally, Liam Kilmartin, Alan Cotter and Sean Walsh.

Next on your fixture list

Sunday, September 1 rd8 G3 Rebel Óg central premier U12 hurling league v Cobh (away) at 11.30am. Monday, September 2 at Grenagh semi-final division 1 Rebel Óg North U14 hurling plate Kilara Óg v Whitechurch at 6.45pm. Wednesday, September 4 final Rebel Óg East division 1 U16 hurling championship v Kiltha Óg. Time and venue tbc. Wednesday, September 4 group one junior B hurling championship v Youghal. Time and venue tbc.

Lotto jackpot at €3,000

You can now play St Catherines GAA weekly lotto draw online. There are two ways to play. One is log on to https://play.clubforce.com/ and type st catherines gaa under find your lotto and click the search button. Or download the clubforce app to your phone (from the app store or google play) and select St Catherines GAA. Once you are logged in you may then play for five, ten, twenty five or fifty draws at the usual cost of just €2 per draw. You can buy one or more lines for each draw and you will receive email details to your phone each week advising you of the winners.

Did you know that St Catherines field over forty adult and juvenile teams incorporating hurling, football and camogie? With membership approaching seven hundred your support is critical in ensuring that we continue to support over three hundred playing members as well as our army of mentors and volunteers. So don’t delay, why not try it out today. You’ve nothing to lose and you could be the next winner of our club lotto jackpot.

Now we’ve been behind since the bank holiday. Starting to update you with what emerged from The Winner’s Enclosure on Monday night, August 19 last. Numbers drawn were 3, 19 and 24. There was no winner of the €2,600 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were: Maria Collins c/o Tom Morrison; Conor Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Tom Tobin, Rathdrum, Ballynoe; Annemarie Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe and Paddy Williams c/o Kal’s.

Moving on with the results from the most recent draw which was held at the Plough, Curraglass on Monday night last, August 26. Numbers drawn being 2, 8, 27 and 30. €2,800 jackpot not won. Consolation winners were – Tom Fitzgerald, Ballynoe; Jim Roche, Castlebrook, Conna; Maura O’Sullivan, Mohera, Castlelyons; Noreen Moroney, Conna and Carol Earley, Church View, Ballynoe.

A draw for an accumulated jackpot of €3,000 goes ahead at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe, on Monday night, Septembers 2.

Sponsors

T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

No definite date for intermediate hurlers

Look, here we are at 10.30am on Sunday last. Putting the finishing touch to this week’s report. An entire programme of games going awry in the previous days and as of now don’t have a definite date for the Catherines v Castlemartyr clash in the third round of the intermediate hurling championship. One will probably emerge as the week progresses. There is also a definite change of date for the meeting of Fr O’Neills and Fermoy in the third round of the premier intermediate hurling championship. Originally down for Saturday evening coming, August 17, at 7pm. Now postponed until the afternoon of Sunday, September 8 at Pairc Naomh Caitriona, Baile Nua with a 3pm throw-in. Thanks to both teams for keeping us up to date on what was happening.

This year’s East Cork junior B hurling championship will be played on a round-robin basis. Catherines placed in pool one along with Carrigtwohill and Youghal. Starting off with the Carrigtwohill match on this forthcoming Sunday morning, August 18 at Lisgoold. Throw-in will be 12noon. League form wouldn’t be great. But how often have we heard that a poor rehearsal makes for a good show!!! Best of luck to manager Kevin Galvin, fellow selectors Jim Lane and Laurence O’Connor and the entire panel of players broadening our horizons, and what a goalscoring, joyful, rewarding trip the county minor footballers are on. A number of players on successful county teams have shown up against the Saints in club championship games in recent times. Remember the Sunday we played Buttevant at Killavullen in the Rebel Og minor B football championship of 2017. Even as a fifteen year old Michael O’Neill prominent in that match.

Man of the match in the recent All-Ireland U20 football championship final was Cathail O’Mahony of Mitchelstown. Go back three years and the Catherines /Ballygiblin county minor hurling semi-final in Fermoy midfielder on that team was Cathail O’Mahony. Another prominent player on that team was Mark Keane now based down under and playing Aussie Rules.

Remember the evening we were in Castlemartyr playing Nemo Rangers in a Rebel Og East U16 hurlers final. Finished a draw at 1-16 to 4-07. All four Nemo goals finished off that day in 2017 by Patrick Campbell. Thankfully Catherines winning the replay at Trabeg about two and a half weeks later. Man of the match in the Cork/Mayo semi-final the same Patrick Campbell, who declared the girls winning the ladies minor All-Ireland title with a win over Monaghan the previous bank holiday Monday, proved a great inspiration.

Cork will now play defeated Connacht finalists Galway in this year’s All-Ireland minor football final, having defeated provincial winners in both Monaghan and Mayo along the way. Galway now trying for a double, playing Kilkenny in this forthcoming weekend’s equivalent hurling decider, having stopped Kerry’s quest for six in a row of football titles along the way. Kerry beaten by Offaly in the drive for five senior football titles in 1982 must now play the part of party poopers themselves as they now face the Dubs in the most eagerly awaited of All-Ireland senior football finals at headquarters on the afternoon of Sunday, Septembers 1.

We wish the best of luck to Cork who play Galway in the All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final at the LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Saturday evening coming. It’s Kilkenny v Tipp in the other.Then on Sunday it’s the All Ireland hurling finals at Croke Park. That will be compulsive viewing.

On the weekend after that it’s the All-Ireland U20 hurling final. A repeat pairing from the Munster final with Cork and Tipp again in action. As we now know from last week it too will be on in Pairc na nGael. Throw-in at 6pm on the evening of Saturday, August 24th. Irrespective of code - hopefully it’s a case of Rebels abú!!!

Condolences

On behalf of St Catherine’s GAA Club, we express our sympathy to club secretary Eleanor Galvin on the sad death of her father Jimmy Leigh in Fermoy last weekend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

Rebel Óg East

Semi-final division one U16 hurling championship

St Catherines 3-9 Killeagh/Itas 1-12

Goals at psychologically crucial stages laid the platform for a Saints success from this semi-final of the Rebel Óg East division one U16 hurling championship, when played at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 7 last. Both teams striving to settle down, searching for the scores that might give them the edge in a thus far evenly fought contest with the teams together on two occasions, including at 0-4 each to nineteen minutes. When a probing delivery wasn’t dealt with and ideally placed Denis Temple slapped the sliotar to the net for a classic corner forward’s goal four minutes later. Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-4 to 0-5.

Points were being exchanged on the turnover before a brace of back to back Tom Hartnett goals had the home based team on a solid footing. Harry Draper, accurate from placed balls, adding to the tally. Likewise Evan Lane and Daniel Walsh for the opposition. But the scoreline of 2-8 to 0-9 in no way reflected the competitive element now being displayed. Nathan Sheehy, Eoin O’Riordan, Cathal Bryan and Darragh Galvin as a defensive unit were being tested to the core.

Killeagh desperately trying for openings and rewarded when following a surging Paudi Mackey run, Jamie Fogarty with a powerful finish, right across Evan Philpott’s path to the roof of the Saints net, made for an uncomfortable finish. St Catherines grateful for a late Cathal Dinneen point.

St Catherines team: E Philpott, N Sheehan, E O’Riordan, C Bryan, B O’Connor, D Galvin, M Geary (team captain), K Wallace, W Leamy, G O’Brien (0-1/’65), H Draper (0-6/5f), C Dineen (0-1), D Temple (1-0), T Hartnett (2-1), S Cotter. Subs: A O’Donnell for D Temple (51), O Fitzgerald for B O’Connor (52), C Sheehan for S Cotter (55). Also on panel: F O’Connell, C McAuliffe, G Leahy, W McAuliffe, J Mulcahy, J O’Callaghan, S O’Donoghue, C England, C Feeney, K O’Donoghue and D Morrison.

Referee: Brian Murphy (Carrigtwohill).

Semi-final division two minor hurling league

Aghada 2-14

St Catherines 0-11

Aghada were confirming success from the regular group stages of the competition when winning this semi-final of the division two minor hurling league, played in stormy Rostellan on Saturday evening last. Killeagh based referee Arthur Murphy throwing-in the sliotar exactly on time for a 6.30pm start.

With the home team leading on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-5 to 0-5. Points from a Ciaran O’Brien ‘65 and second half substitute Evan Philpott from play trimmed the deficit to the minimum within three minutes of the turnover. But with their two top forwards, Jamie O’Hanlon and Eoin Motherway, who added their second goal on fifty three minutes doing the bulk of the scoring, Aghada were able to stretch it out. Despite late points from Kevin Barry and Adam O’Brien the damage was done.

Aghada scorers: J O’Hanlon (0-04 frees) (0-07), E Motherway (1-03), M Ahern, K Keane, A Slye and S Whyte (0-01 each).

St Catherines team and scorers: E Sheehan, J Hayes, E O’Riordan, D Galvin, M Geary, C O’Brien (0-1/’65), D McDonnell, G England, A O’Brien (0-2), J O’Keeffe, K Barry (0-7/6f), H Draper, C Dineen, T Hartnett, J Duncan. Subs: E Philpott (0-1) for J O’Keeffe (second half), W McAuliffee for J Duncan (44’).

Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).

What we have for you in fixtures

Sunday, August 18: Lisgoold: group one junior B hurling championship v Carrigtwohill, 12 noon; Wednesday, August 21: Ballynoe, semi-final division two U16 football Shield v Erins Own, 7pm.

Lotto

Being a bank holiday last week’s lotto draw was held over until Tuesday night, August 6 at The Big Tree, Aghern. Numbers drawn were 4, 16, 24 and 30 and a then accumlated jackpot of €2,200 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners on the night were: Paddy Williams, c/o Kal’s; P Egan, c/o PH, Conna; Kevin Galvin, Lacken; Lizzie O’Leary, c/o HOC and Rebecca Gregan, Clarecastle, Co Clare.

Sponsors

T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Intermediate championship resumes this weekend

Three months on from an opening day loss to Cloughduv and the county intermediate championship resumes this upcoming weekend. St Catherines play Ballyroe in a second round clash fixed for Ballincollig on Friday evening, August 2 with a 7.30pm throw-in. It will be the third meeting between the teams in a relatively short period of time.
Catherines earning a last four place following a quarter-final victory in the autumn of 2013 - a match we looked back on last week. This time around it’s a third round meeting on Friday evening July 4, 2014. Both previous championship clashes were on in Páirc Uí Rinn.
Catherines shading it at 0-05 to 0-03 to nineteen minutes. Yet it was the opposition who had edged their noses in front and were ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-07 to 0-06.
Ballyroe were stretching their narrow advantage with the lead standing at 0-09 to 0-06 at thirty minutes and again to 0-11 to 0-08 at the end of the third quarter. Kieran Griffin’s fourth point of the night and all from play saw it at 0-13 to 0-10 onto fifty three minutes.
On each occasion the Saints, now unfortunately a man short, strove manfully in their efforts to claw back the various deficits. It was exciting. It was tense. It was 0-13 to 0-12 with about five minutes to go. Still anyone’s game. Very much in the melting pot. John O’Donovan’s fifth point widened the margin ever so slightly on entering injury time. Catherines pressed. But to no avail. Barryroe advancing. Final score being 0-14 to 0-12.
We wish players panel and all mentors the very best of luck for Friday evening. Catherines easily winning the league fixture between the teams on the first day of the season back on Sunday, February 14 last at Ballynoe. League and championship chalk and cheese. How often have we heard it?!
Just briefly looking down the road if we may. Castlemartyr are waiting in the wings to play the winners in round three. Should it be the Saints it will be on in Lisgoold. Otherwise it goes to Ballinora. Provisionally fixed for August 17.
St Catherines team 2014 v Barryroe: Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Ed Keneally, James Neville, Daniel Mangan, Liam O’Connor, Conor Kearney, William Walsh, Shane Cotter, Padraig O’Connor, Shane Kearney, Brian Mulcahy, Patrick Roche, Sean O’Farrell and Eoin Condon. Subs were Brian Davis and Cal Aherne.
Fixtures
Friday, August 2 at Ballincollig, intermediate hurling championship second round v Barryroe at 7.30pm. Monday, August 5 at Ballynoe, round eight division two junior hurling league v Cobh at 7pm.
Round four division two junior hurling league
St Catherines 1-11 Carraig na bhFear 2-17
Carraig na bhFear were deserving of the points on offer from this round four division two East Cork hurling league tie, when played in dull overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, July 22 last. James O’Driscoll, Brian Sheehan, Tom Hill and Jack Aherne were among the point scorers. Shane Farrell polished off the goal at twenty one minutes. Enough to establish a lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-13 to 0-03.
Catherines, emptying out the bench as the contest progressed, were much more involved on the change of ends. Ronan Clancy, Will Walsh, John Mulcahy, Ed Kenneally and Aaron Long among others all split the posts. Noel O’Brien was the goalkeeper on thirty four minutes for a Saints outfit for whom Robert English and Shane O’Regan tried hard at the back. But the margin was always too wide.
Scorers: N O’Brien (1-03), K Dinneen (0-02 frees), J Hurley, R Clancy, W Walsh, J Mulcahy, E Kenneally and A Long (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Sheehan, R English, J Casey, P Tobin, S O’Regan, E Kenneally, W Walsh, R Clancy, O O’Neill, J Hurley, J Mulcahy, C Hickey, K Dinneen, L Beecher and N O’Brien. Subs: R Condon for L Beecher (22’), K Geary and P Ryan for O O’Neill and C Hickey (both second half), A Long for N O’Brien (51’), A O’Brien for J Hurley (54’) and S Leamy for P Tobin (56’). Referee: PJ Aherne (Carrigtwohill).
Round two division two junior hurling league
Killeagh 5-10 St Catherines 3-11
St Catherines then making a solid start to this round two division two junior hurling league tie played in overcast Killeagh on Sunday evening last.
Goals ninety seconds apart from Kevin Dineen and Noel O’Brien from the twenty sixth minute setting up a lead on a 2-06 to 2-05 half-time scoreline. In fairness Killeagh were frequently wasteful of possession as a trio of Dan Landers goals had them up at 4-08 to 2-11 to fifty seven minutes.
Kevin Dinneen again resurrected flagging hopes when goaling a Saints’ free. But Darragh Motherway rounded off the goals coming very near a Killeagh outfit for whom Colm Crowley also melted midway through the opening half.
Scorers: K Dineen (1-01 frees) (2-03), N O’Brien (1-02), S Kearney (0-03), P O’Connor, J Hurley and J Mulcahy (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Sheehan, D Wallace, J Casey, P Tobin, K Geary, S O’Regan, A Long, A Mulcahy, R English, L Beecher S Kearney, J Hurley, K Dineen, P O’Connor and N O’Brien. Subs: S Leamy for S Kearney (11’), S Kearney for R English (22’), E Aherne for E Sheehan (second half), R English for P Tobin (40’). Referee: PJ Dennehy (Sarsfields).
Intense week of intercounty GAA activity
First things first. A number of southern productions are hinting at a repeat pairing later on following last week’s provincial U20 hurling final at Thurles. They might be right. But could we also present the argument that there could be an ALL Leinster clash? Something that has been overlooked altogether. It seems naïve and very narrowminded reporting. Some of it coming from regarded scribes.
By the time Cork are done with Kilkenny my God they will know they have been in a match. Even though one believes the Rebels are semi-finalists before even coming near to fluffing the potential to be in that team.
Manager DJ Carey declared Kilkenny v Wexford was a good match. But wouldn’t pair up to a Cork/Tipp clash. Conveniently ignoring their dismissal of Galway, All-Ireland champions of two years ago along the way. It’s not false news, but he was being economical with the truth. You play to your strengths!
Although there was controversy at the end, one still believes Kilkenny were deserving of the senior semi-final. If only for the start they made when they repeatedly choked and suffocated any impending threat from the Shannonsiders.
Limerick made a commendable recovery and might well have reached the holy grail only to be denied by a stupendous Eoin Murphy block, top custodian in the game and herculean Huw Lawlor defending. Remember he wasn’t even fullback at the start of the Leinster championship. And what about the performance of Padraig Walsh?
While the second semi-final was equally as gripping and tenacious where we had terrific goals, disallowed goals and confusion. Lots of confusion. It might be oversimplifying it but having come back from a man down and a deficit of five points, Tipp were deserving of the accolades.
What a double over the weekend for the Rebel county. Starting off with a memorable two point victory over Tyrone in the All Ireland U20 football semi-final. Cork also defeating Ulster champions Monaghan in the All-Ireland minor football quarter-final. All part of a triple header at Tullamore with reigning title holders Kerry overcoming the challenge of Tyrone also on the bill.
Cork now face Dublin in the All-Ireland U20 football final. Full forward Ciaran Archer has now scored 5-14 in his last two championship outings. Munster and Connacht dominate the minor ranks. Kerry, now in the ranks for six All-Irelands in a row, are facing Galway. While Cork meet Mayo in the other semi-final.
In domestic matters, a league double for Blackrock. Defeating Sarsfields in the division one decider. Overcoming the challenge of Kildorrery in division four of the intermediate hurling league final.
Congratulations to Mike Walsh who took charge of the East Cork junior A football championship decider. Erins Own edging out Cobh in the final played at Watergrasshill last Sunday.
Your Juvenile Report
Round one division two Rebel Óg East U16 football
championship
Fr O’Neills 2-05
St Catherines 1-07
Defeat was the end result from this round one division two Rebel Óg East U16 football championship tie when played in dull, overcast albeit dry and humid conditions at Ahavine on Wednesday evening, July 24 last.
Fr O’Neill’s shot into a four point lead through the early opening exchanges. In their first service attack team captain Tom Hartnett opened the Saints account with a sweetly taken goal from a sublime finish. Full forward William Leamy pointed straight away, levelling matters at 1-01 apiece to seven minutes. But this wouldn’t be reflective of the rest of the tie. Both sides struggling to find the posts in a championship tie where defences largely dominated with the visitors marginally ahead on a half-time scoreline of 1-04 to 1-03.
Just introduced substitute Denis Temple adding to that within seconds of the turnover. In a surging breakaway attack Michael Wall and James Mellerick combined before Paddy O’Leary chased home his second goal. Midfielder Adam O’Mahony quickly tagging on a point with Fr O’Neills now ahead at 2-04 to 1-05. Twelve minutes elapsed in the second half.
Conor England successful with his second free and Gearoid O’Brien from play tied it all up again at 2-04 to 1-07 just to the end of the third quarter. Each side taking it in turns to breach the defensive rearguard. Ben O’Connor putting in a savage shift for the Saints.
In the end it all came down to a John Swayne 45 duly collected by goal scorer O’Leary whose point scoring effort seemed to take an age before duly landing inside the left of Evan Philpott’s posts for the match winning score on fifty nine minutes. O’Neill’s won the resultant kickout. Successfully running down the clock. Fr O’Neill’s now play Erins Own or Killeagh Itas. While the Saints go into the shield following a first defeat in a competitive fixture since losing their opening league match up in Mayfield on the afternoon of Saturday, March 2. Not in the script.
Scorers: T Hartnett (1-00), C England (0-03 frees), G O’Brien (0-02), W Leamy and D Temple (0-01 each). Fr O’Neill’s scorers: P O’Leary (2-01), J Swayne, S Finn, M Wall and A O’Mahony (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Evan Philpott, Cathal Bryan, Eoin O’Riordan, Ben O’Connor, Nathan Sheehan, Harry Draper, Mark Geary, Darragh Galvin, Conor England, Gearoid O’Brien, Tom Hartnett (team captain), Cathal Dineen, Stephen Cotter, William Leamy and Adam O’Donnell. Subs: Oisín Fitzgerald and Denis Temple for Cathal Dineen and Adam O’Donnell (both second half), Cathal Sheehan for Conor England (49’). Also: Ger Leahy, William McAuliffe, James Mulcahy, James O’Callaghan, Colm Feeney and Cathal McAuliffe. Referee: Christopher Scanlon (St Colmans).
Fermoy U10 hurling tournament
St Catherines overcame the challenge of Lismore in the U20 hurling tournament final organised by Fermoy GAA Club on Saturday, July 20 last. Lismore shaded it and were ahead on a half-time scoreline of 0-05 to 0-03. But Catherines were the stronger outfit thereafter. At the final whistle emerging victorious on a 0-09 to 0-05 scoreline.
They had recorded victories along the way against Kilara Óg, Ballycastle Gaels and Bride Rovers. While Lismore successfully negotiated the group made up of Fermoy, Ballyhea and Ballybacon. Mentors were manager Paul Higgins along with fellow selectors Tom Morrison, Mike Walsh and Padraig Dillon.
Panel of players: Sean Walsh, Alan Cotter, Eoghan O’Mahony, Shay McCarthy, James O’Connor, Shane O’Riordan, Eoin Dillon, Tomas Morrison, Ronan O’Donoghue, Aodhán Burke, Nathan Curtin, Billy O’Connor, Tadhg Walsh, Cathal Higgins, Cillian McCarthy and Oisín Morrison.
Congratulations to Grange
Delighted to see Grange attain their recent success. Beating Goleen in the county junior B football championship final. A first success at county level for forty years. They don’t come easy! Grange regularly play the Saints when a football challenge is required and vice versa. Congratulations and enjoy!
Camogie loss
Commiserations to the girls. Unlucky loss in extra time when their county senior camogie championship first round tie against Killeagh was played at Castle Road in Mahon on Wednesday evening, July 24 last. They now face the losers of Carbery and Cloughduv in the second round of the SE Systems sponsored championship.
Sympathy
We offer our condolences to the family and the Castlelyons club on the sudden death of Chris Hegarty, following an accident at work. His father Michael was a board referee back in the eighties and nineties.
Lotto
Results from the most recent lotto draw held at McAuliffe’s Bar, Ballynoe on Monday night last, July 29. Numbers drawn were 18, 19 and 22 and there was no winner of a then basic jackpot of €2,000. Consolation winners being: Billy Hurley, Conna, Sean O’Farrell, Rebecca Kenny, Aglish, The girls c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna and Kit Ahern, Conna.
Just take a note that being a bank holiday the next draw with a jackpot of €2,200 will be held over until Tuesday night, August 6 at The Big Tree Bar in Aghern.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

U21 hurlers lose out to
Carrigtwohill
Round 2 section 1 East Cork U21 A hurling championship
Carrigtwohill 0-19 St Catherines 1-8
Previous winners over Youghal, Carrigtwohill recorded a second victory in this round 2 section 1 divisional U21 A hurling championship game when played in Dungourney on Saturday evening last. Both teams weren’t settling down and were off target with their finishing, just 3 points being registered from play as Carrigtwohill would lead 0-5 to 0-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Excellent points from Owen O’Neill and David McDonnell for the Saints meant that two point cushion still separated the teams, with the opposition now ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-9 to 0-7.
Carrigtwohill had a greater spread of scorers with team captain Liam Gosnell ever reliable from placed balls. There was a brief semblance off hope when Eoin Wallace released Ben O’Brien to crash home the Saints and the game’s only goal. Carrigtwohill ahead at 0-17 to 1-8 on 52 minutes. Responding to the concession of the goal with late points from aforementioned Gosnell and Kitan Oke.
Scorers: B O’Brien (1-1), R Galvin (0-3 frees), D O’Neill, D McDonnell, P Lonergan, E Davis (0-1 each).
Carrigtwohill scorers: L Gosnell (0-11, 0-8 frees, 0-1 65), M Kidney, K Oke (0-2 each), D McCann, S Walsh, O Baverstock, D Crotty (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: Eoin Davis, Philip Keane, Eoin Wallace, Robert English, Shane O’Regan, Ciaran O’Brien, Kieran Neville, Ben O’Brien, Owen O’Neill, David McDonnell, Rory Galvin (captain), Danny Lonergan, Conor Hickey, Luke Beecher, Niall O’Regan. Subs: Gavin England for Niall O’Regan (26’), Adam O’Brien for Conor Hickey (40’), Kieran English for Luke Beeher (55’), James Hayes for David McDonnell (59’). Also Eoin Sheehan and Kevin Barry.
Referee: Ger Scully (Killeagh)
St Catherines v Barryroe 2013
St Catherines are fixed to play Barryroe in the second round of this year’s intermediate hurling championship, down for Ballincollig on the evening of Friday, August 2nd. It will be the third meeting between the teams in a condensed seven year period, the first ever clash being an intermediate hurling championship quarter-final at floodlit Pairc Ui Rinn on Friday evening, September 23rd, 2013.
Current team manager Sean O’Farrell was a major influential figure on proceedings from full forward, scoring a first half goal in setting up a lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-6 to 0-7, then firing over an audacious point just seconds into the changeover. He supplied the key pass for Matthew Mulcahy who duly added another, before sending an unstoppable drive to the roof of Billy O’Donovan’s posts. St Catherines ahead at 2-8 to 0-8 on 33 minutes.
Barryroe responded with four unanswered points of their own, including a brace from Kieran Griffin, playing at wing forward. Team captain Shane Cotter, Brian Mulcahy from the seated stand side of the ground and a duo from Shane O’Brien placed balls all pointed for the Saints to lead at 2-11 to 0-12 on 52 minutes. John O’Donovan goaled from a free before a late Tadhg Harrington goal-bound effort rose above Ed Aherne’s posts, making for a nervy finish. St Catherines winning on a scoreline of 2-13 to 1-14.
Next week a brief look back to a third round meeting in the summer of 2014.
Catherines line out 2013: Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Conor Hegarty, James Neville, Cal Aherne, Shane Fitzgerald, Liam O’Connor, Daniel Mangan, Shane Cotter, Eoin Condon, Shane Kearney, Matthew Mulcahy, Brian Mulcahy, Sean O’Farrell, Shane O’Brien. Subs used: Patrick Roche, Padraig O’Connor, William Walsh.
Challenge matches
Coinciding with the two away juvenile matches on Monday, July 15th was a high scoring share of the spoils with Ring of Waterford in an intermediate hurling challenge at Ballynoe. A sort of a return visit being paid with the end result being of a freakish nature, Catherines having been to the West Waterford Gaeltacht on the afternoon of Saturday, 23rd March.
Same could be said about a friendly for the junior hurlers based in division two for league purposes and who will play in the East Cork junior B hurling championship this summer. Points from Kevin Dineen, John Mulcahy and Owen O’Neill allied to a tally of 1-4 from Richard Condon helping to set up a lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-9 to 0-8 when playing Glen Rovers of Melleray on Tuesday evening, July 16th last.
Second half points from Shane Kearney kept the momentum going, helping the Saints get over the line on a winning score of 1-17 to 2-12. Referee for the intermediate match was Mike Walsh, likewise Jime Hennessy of Dungourney taking charge of the junior game the evening after.
Cork football
Another period of time producing results of the mixed variety. Cork started well against Tyrone, early goals from Luke Connolly and James Loughrey helping to establish a 2-4 to 0-5 half-time lead.
Tyrone turned it around, winning by 3 points. But still a totally different end result from the 16 point hammering dished out by the same opposition over 12 months ago.
Defeats in the championship inflicted by Kerry at provincial level and by Dublin and Tyrone from the bigger picture. Still that final match in the super eights against Roscommon at Pairc Ui Rinn on the afternoon of Sunday, August 4th looks a hard sell. Overall though, performances through the championship were much improved and highly respectable, frequently making a mockery of the new-found division three status. For the first time in many years the expectancy level will go up.
Cork denied Kerry a clean sweep of Munster titles, already laying claim to the senior, junior and minor finals they were thwarted in no uncertain terms in the U20 decider at Pairc Ui Rinn last Thursday evening. Okay, some Kingdom players of the age are on the senior panel and you can’t play the two. But they’re coming off the back of five years in a row of minor success and have plenty of players. A healthy and reassuring win for the Rebel county and we wish them the very best of luck for the future. Incidentally, the equivalent hurling final was due for Thurles last Tuesday evening, July 23rd and will have been played by the time you read these notes. Here’s hoping for a twenty double!
- Juvenile Details -
Rebel Og East match report
Round 6 divison 2 U16 football league
Kiltha Og 3-4 St Catherines 3-9
St Catherines worked hard to secure the points on offer this this round 6 division 2 U16 football league tie when played in calm, overcast conditions at Dungourney on Monday evening last, July 15th.
Gearoid O’Brien scored the opening goal for the visitors on ten minutes, while Tom Hartnett was central to the action as the contest progressed, converting 3 first half points. His goal-bound effort denied by both netminder and upright before the perfectly placed William McAuliffe forced in the rebound after 24 minutes, setting up a half-time lead on a 2-6 to 1-1 scoreline.
Kiltha Og were much better in the second half and asked a lot more questions than before. Eoin O’Riordan, Mark Geary, Harry Draper and Darragh Galvin were up to the task with the status quo more or less maintained at 2-9 to 2-4 on 48 minutes. A peach of a cross-field Kyle Wallace delivery was first timed to the net by an alert Stephen Cotter. At this stage Paul Flynn and Jack Leahy were to the fore for the opposition. Niall Geaney adding a third goal on 54 minutes, but that was as close as it would get.
Scorers: S Cotter (1-1), T Hartnett (0-4), G O’Brien, W McAuliffe (1-0 each), C England (0-2 frees), W Leamy (0-1) and K Wallace (0-1 free).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, C Bryan, E O’Riordan, B O’Connor, M Geary, H Draper, D Galvin, C England, K Wallace, C Dineen, T Hartnett, G O’Brien, W McAuliffe, W Leamy, A O’Donnell. Subs: N Sheehan, S Cotter, G Leahy for C Bryan, W McAuliffe, A O’Donnell (half-time), D Morrison for B O’Connor (45’), C Sheehan for C Dineen (49’). Also J O’Callaghan, C McAuliffe, C Feeney.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Glenbower Rovers)
Division 3 13-a-side U14 football league semi-final
St Catherines 1-8 St Colmans 2-7
St Catherines prospects of attaining a double, having taken the division one hurling title in the northern division with a final victory over Aghabullogue at Grenagh early last month were terminated by St Colmans when this 13-a-side division 3 Rebel Og East U14 football league semi-final was played in dull, overcast and windy conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last.
Catherines were on the back foot for many parts of the opening exchanges, yet little cameo roles from Ciaran Leamy, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Darragh Morrison, Evan O’Driscoll, with Kieran Kelleher and Ciaran Pietropaolo carrying the ball into opposition territory meant the half-time scoreline of 0-3 apiece seemed justifiable enough.
But St Colmans, a combination of Cloyne and Russell Rovers, assumed control and goals from James O’Brien and Adam Lee just four minutes apart meant the scoreline was standing at 2-4 to 0-7 on 58 minutes. But the Saints finished strongly. Sub Dylan Murphy finding Diamuid O’Connell close in to drill home a well worked goal. Nathan Sheehan quickly pointed a free. Unfortunately time ran out. The other semi-final involves White’s Cross and Carraig na bhFear.
Scorers: D O’Connell (1-1), K O’Donoghue, N Sheehan (0-3 each, 0-2 frees each), S Cotter (0-1).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C Leamy, E O’Driscoll, D O’Donovan, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, K Kelleher, K O’Donoghue, D O’Connell, C Sheehan, S Cotter. Subs: C Hayes for C McAuliffe (second half), C Dunning and C McCarthy for S Cotter and C Leamy (both 53’), C Feeney and D Murphy for K O’Donoghue and C Sheehan (both 57’). Also A Bryan and T Barry.
Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton)
Round 6 division one U12 football league
Aghada 2-12 St Catherines 1-3
A James Kenneally goal allied to the strong play of Shane O’Donoghue, Tristan Clancy and Gearoid Sheehan helped the Saints to a half-time lead of 1-2 to 0-3 when this round 6 division one U12 football league tie was played at Rostellan on Monday evening last, July 15th.
But maybe having been to Ballinhassig and Croke Park in the previous days was having an effect and Aghada dominated on the resumption
Scorers: J Kenneally (1-0), G Sheehan (0-2), T Clancy (0-1).
St Catherines team: J O’Connor, J Pratt, C Murray, S O’Donoghue, S Aherne, F McCready, D Pietropaolo, J Temple, G Sheehan, T Dee, T Clancy, J Kenneally, B Aherne, D Turley, S Wallace. Also: K O’Donoghue, C O’Driscoll, C Barry.
Referee: PJ Aherne (Carrigtwohill)
Juvenile Fixture List
Wednesday, July 31st – Division 4 Rebel Og East minor football championship semi-final v Castlelyons at 7.30pm, venue TBC.
Wednesday, July 31st at Ballynoe, round 7 division 1 Rebel Og East U12 football league v Killeagh/Itas at 7.30pm.
Club meeting
Next parent club meeting will take place on the evening of Thursday, August 15th. That will be a busy weekend as Pairc Naomh Caitrionaigh, Baile Nua is the appointed venue for the eagerly awaited pairing of Fr O’Neills and Fermoy in the third round of the premier intermediate hurling championship at 7pm on Saturday evening, August 17th.
Lotto results
A combination of 1, 3, 16 and 17 enable a duo labelled ‘Up the Rebels’, Ballynoe to winning the jackpot of €4,000 following the most recent weekly lotto draw held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night last, July 22nd. Consolation winners on the night were: Aisling O’Reilly, c/o R Higgins, Ballynoe; Mgt O’Regan, Ballynoe; Patrick Moroney, c/o Kal’s; Bill and Therese O’Keeffe, Ballynattin, Ballynoe and Tommy Hurley, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern.
A draw will be held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Mondy night, July 29th for a now basic jackpot of €2,000.
Sponsors
T~A Building ~ Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

A week of mixed results for the county
We started out this segment of the report in the absence of last weekend’s inter county programme being finished. There’s too much to do. Let’s get started. Read a couple of hundred words and a clear picture will have emerged.
There no doubt but that the two Cork v Tipp matches in the province two years ago were terrific and exciting. It being the last year of minor entailing under eighteens. Cork edged the replay at Páirc Uí Rinn. You had a sense of something being achieved. With the subsequent final against Clare nothing more than a virtual anti-climax with Thurles packed to the rafters less than a week later. A win confirmed through last week U20 semi-final.
Cork annihilated Waterford in the equivalent football tie at Clonakilty later in the week. Now our two greatest rivals are waiting in the wings when it comes to dishing out the medals. Kerry tonight (Thursday, July 18th) at Páirc Uí Rinn. Next Tuesday evening (July 23) Cork play Tipp in the Munster U20 hurling decider in Tom Semple’s field. Both should be good.
Three months ago the Cork footballers were in the doldrums. Relegation and a division three league campaign awaiting them early next spring. Talk of Dublin and super eights could be something out of a Roddy Doyle novel. Not so Cork only falling away near the end after another respectable performance.
With that hurling loss to Kilkenny greater emphasis now on those U20 matches in the search for new players to reinforce the senior set up.
Mention too of last weekend’s senior hurling matches and the appearance of St Catherines and Carrick stock at half-time in the U11 and 12 ‘give respect get respect’ Go Game hurling exhibition. A great honour and experience for this young team. Continuing a rewarding year for juvenile recognition with Ciaran O’Brien a regular on the county minor hurling team. Ciaran Pietropaolo taking part in the Primary Go Game in Limerick back in mid-May. Then Gearoid O’Brien (captain) and Kyle Wallace were part of the provincial winning Rebel Óg East U15 hurling team allied to a spate of players in winning St Colman’s outfits. All very encouraging.
Four mentors were included in an eleven strong party of players. They were Brian Sheehan, Joe Pratt, Mark O’Driscoll and Dino Pietropaolo. Manager Brian Sheehan thanked Jury’s Croke Park Hotel for food for players and mentors before the game. Players were Shane O’Donoghue, Shay Wallace, Conor Murray, Jake Pratt, Julian Pietropaolo, Gearoid Sheehan, John Temple, James Kenneally, Tristan Clancy, Callum O’Driscoll and Kyle O’Donoghue.
All in all a busy time for this particular squad, having spent Saturday afternoon on invite in Ballinhassig with a football league match v Aghada scheduled for Rostellan on Monday evening last. Match report next week.
Round one round robin east Cork U21A HC
St Catherines 1-13 Watergrasshill 0-21
A virtuoso scoring performance as good as we have encountered for many years from top players and now county hero Shane O’Regan laid the platform for the end result. Although billed for Castlelyons, this round-robin round one divisional U21 A hurling championship tie went ahead in perfect conditions at sunny Rathcormac on Saturday evening last, with the Saints making the perfect start. Owen O’Neill with a peach of a pass picking out team captain Rory Galvin to finish off the game’s only goal on eight minutes. Continuing to hold the upper hand and this time goalscorer Galvin picked out midfielder Kieran Neville to point a beauty. Setting up a lead on a scoreline of 1-05 to 0-02 to twenty minutes. As the eventual victors finished the half strongly, parity was restored for a second time on an interval scoreline of 1-05 to 0-08.
Again the Saints were edging it through the third quarter and beyond. Goalkeeper Eoin Davis was razor sharp from placed balls. As eye-catching scores from Danny Lonergan and Conor Hickey with one of the points of the hour, saw the lead standing at 1-12 to 0-12 to forty nine minutes. Minor player Ciaran O’Brien added a well worked point to maintain that three point advantage as many minutes later. Little did we realise it would be the final time to raise a flag of any colour as the ’Hill went on the rampage with eight unanswered points including five from O’Regan, eleven alone in the second half and a total of fifteen in total. Phenomenal scoring. Next up for the Saints are Carrigtwohill.
Scorers - E Davis (0-05 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-06), R Galvin (1-02), N O’Regan, K Neville, D Lonergan, C Hickey and C O’Brien (0-01 each). Watergrasshill scorers – S O’Regan (0-05 frees), (0-01 ’65) (0-15), D Dennehy and J Gowen (0-02 each), C Roche and S Desmond (0-02 each).
St Catherines team - E Davis, P Keane, E Wallace, K Geary, R English, C O’Brien, S O’Regan, D Lonergan, K Neville, A Long, R Galvin (captain), D McDonnell, O O’Neill, N O’Regan and C Hickey. Subs: K Barry for D McDonnell (38’), A O’Brien for A Long (58’). Also K English, J Hayes and G England.
Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).
Round six division four Ref FM sponsored IHL
St Catherines 1-15 Kildorrery 2-19
St Catherines did well in hauling in an earlier six point deficit from this round six division four intermediate hurling league tie played in summerlike conditions at Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, July 9 last.
Eoin Wallace, now at midfield, finishing off the Saints goal on twenty one minutes. A brace of Brian Mulcahy points to which Shane O’Brien added another from a placed ball, saw parity restored for a fourth time and a contest which saw two teams upsides each other at 0-05 each to twelve minutes saw the score now standing at 1-08 apiece. James McEnery had earlier scored the opposition goal and Kildorrery were back into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish when the prolific Peter O’Brien pounced for a second goal after twenty seven minutes. Thus setting up a lead standing in a half-time scoreline of 2-08 to 1-08 in their favour.
Dylan Kent, William Fouhy and Shane Fitzgerald added further points on the turnover. Extending the margin to 2-15 to 1-11 right at the end of the third quarter. O’Brien confirming that seven point margin at the finish. Pointing from a free right at the death confirming an end scoreline of 2-19 to 1-15 in Kildorrery’s favour.
Kildorrery now are in a strong place in the group while the Saints will need results to go their way if a league final place is to be secured.
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-7 frees) (0-08 frees), E Wallace (1-00), B Mulcahy (0-03), S Cotter (0-02), R Galvin and P Roche (0-01 each). Kildorrery scorers: P O’Brien (0-05 frees) (1-09), J McEnery (1-0), D Kent and C Harrington (0-02 each), S Kelly, S Fitzgerald, W Fouhy, J O’Sullivan and L Kelly (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Davis, E Wallace, D Lonergan, K Neville, S O’Regan, C Hegarty, J Neville, Shane O’Brien, W Walsh, S Cotter, B Mulcahy, N O’Regan, P Roche, R Galvin and P Keane. Subs: Stephen O’Brien for C Hegarty (28’), J Hurley for P Keane (44’). Also C Aherne and J Mulcahy.
Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
Round four division two Rebel Óg East MHL
St Catherines 0-11 Whitechurch 1-19
Visitors Whitechurch were deserving of the points on offer from this round four division two Rebel Óg East minor hurling league tie when played in showery conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, July 10. A half time lead of 0-09 to 0-06 would surely have been greater if availing of all first half chances presented to them.
Catherines enjoyed their most rewarding period on the changeover and points from Conor England, Kevin Barry and Harry Draper (free) trimmed the margin to a point when Victor Ugwah forced in the opposition’s and the game’s only goal. Establishing a lead on a 1-11 to 0-10 scoreline to forty one minutes.
Whitechurch were much the better team from there on in. Points from Ruairi Dennehy, Michael Mullins and the prolific Cillian Egan all adding to their tally.
Scorers: H Draper (0-04 frees), K Barry (0-03), T Hartnett, C Dineen, C England and G England (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Sheehan, M Geary, E O’Riordan, J Hayes, D McDonnell, C O’Brien, G England, K Barry, K Wallace, A O’Brien, H Draper, G O’Brien, C Dineen, J Duncan and T Hartnett. Subs: C England for M Geary (second half), J O’Keeffe for J Duncan (39’), W McAuliffe and E Philpott for C Dineen and E Sheehan (both 46’), G Leahy for A O’Brien (54’).
Referee: Paula Kearney (Killeagh).
Round two division one
Rebel Óg north U14 HC
St Catherines 3-10 Whitechurch 3-03
St Catherines survived an arduous Whitechurch test in picking up their second brace of points from division one of the Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship when played in Ballynoe on Monday evening, July 8 last. A Daniel Hallissey goal on thirteen minutes cancelled out by Darragh Morrison for the home based team just before the interval set up a Saints lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-04 to 1-01.
Further goals from Brian Egan just after the break and Darragh O’Connell meant an evenly contested championship tie saw the teams level at 1-04 to 2-01 to thirty two minutes and again at 2-05 to 3-02 right at the end of the third quarter.
Staunch defending stood the home team in good stead at the business end of a clear struggle. Cian Dunning, Evan O’Driscoll, Ciaran Leamy and in particular Nathan Sheehan to the fore. There was the huge work rate put in around the middle from Oisín Fitzgerald and Ciaran Pietropaolo. That little bit of daylight being created and scoring opportunities being availed of. Shane Cotter with an exquisite point on the run while Kian O’Donoghue’s free taking from distance was unnerving. Cathal Sheehan crashed in his second goal - a real net bursting effort right at the finish. Setting up a well-earned Saints success on a mildly flattering end scoreline of 3-10 to 3-03. Next up is a trip to Watergrasshill in August.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (0-05 frees) (0-07) C Sheehan (2-00), D Morrison (1-02) and S Cotter (0-01). St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C Leamy, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, R Kelleher, O Fitzgerald, C Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan and D Murphy. Subs: C McCarthy and C Hayes for J Bryan and D Murphy (both second half). Also C Feeney and A Bryan.
Referee – Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
What we have in fixtures for you
Friday, July 19 at Ballynoe division three Rebel Óg East U14 football league semi-final v St Colmans at 7.30pm. Saturday, July 20 group one round two U21 A hurling championship v Carrigtwohill at 7.30pm. Venue TBC. Monday, July 22 round four division two junior hurling league division two v Carrig na bhFear at 7.45pm. Venue – Ballynoe.
Lotto
St Catherines GAA Club lotto can now be played online. There are two ways to play. 1 log on to https: play.club.force.com and type St Catherines GAA under find your lotto and click the ‘search’ button. 2 Download the clubforce app to your phone (from the app store or google pay) and select St Catherines GAA.
A number of recent events have delayed your lotto details. Most notably the June bank holiday and the fortieth anniversary Mass for Fr Michael Fitzgerald. Then there was Mike McAuliffe’s death on the week the draw was due for McAuliffe’s. So this week we update your lotto details.
Starting with the Fisherman’s Rest on Monday night, July 8 last. Numbers drawn were 2, 10, 28 and 30 and there was no winner of the €3,600 jackpot. Consolation winners being: ECR and R c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, Siobhan Cronin c/o the Big Tree, Johnny H c/o The Big Tree, Ben/Kalia Tobin, Shanakill, Curraglass and Marie Walsh c/o Kal’s.
Moving on to the results from the recent draw which was held at the Winners Enclosure, Conna on Monday night last, July 15. Numbers drawn were: 1, 17, 27 and 28 and the jackpot of €3,800 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners on the night were Mrs B, Conna, Michael A Leamy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Margaret Kiely, Glanworth, Noelle Egan, Conna and Ann Cotter c/o PO. A draw will be held for a now accumulated €4,000 jackpot at The Plough Bar in Curraglass on Monday night, July 22.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe, are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Successful annual Kellogg’s Cúl Camp
One hundred and eighty boys and girls from the parish attended the annual week long Kellogg’s Cúl Camp held in the pitches in Ballynoe from Monday, July 1st last.
Many thanks to all the locals who helped out in so many different ways, including parents Susan Sheehan, Kate O’Riordan, Cathy Cotter, Tracey O’Driscoll, Margaret Fitzgerald, Marion Morrison, Lisa Moore, Clodagh Jones, Marie O’Donoghue, Marie Coakley, Paula Sheehan, Majella Pietropaolo, Martina O’Connor, Elaine O’Donovan and Deirdre Twomey.
Head coach Noel O’Brien introduced Castlelyons and county senior hurling star Niall O’Leary as a guest to the camp on Friday morning last. Niall was a welcome visitor and endeared himself to all young participants, signing jerseys and hurleys, whatever they wanted. Taking part in a question and answer series as well as posing for photographs with the various groups.
Other helpers/coaches were Sean O’Farrell, Eoin Wallace, Sarah Barry, Aoife Hurley, Laura Hayes, Robert English, Owen O’Neill, Linda O’Donnell, Eoin Sheehan, Niamh O’Regan, Ciaran O’Brien, Sam Dunning, James Hayes, Eoin O’Riordan, Kyle Wallace, Darragh Galvin, Harry Draper, Evan Philpott, Hazel Sheehan, Cliona Dunning, Nadine Pratt, Chloe Draper, Áine Twomey, Eryn Dillon and Sarah Mae Clancy. Special thanks to ‘Waxer’ Tom Murphy for having both pitches and their surrounds in pristine condition. It is very much appreciated. As is the contribution of club registrar Pat Hartigan who is always very supportive of the camp.
We waited for a while. But when it arrived the summer of 2019 made for unforgettable, subliminal conditions all week. Camp co-ordinator is St Catherines juvenile GAA club secretary Imelda O’Connell. Roll on 2020!
Action on the
juvenile pitches
St Catherines 2-05 Mallow 2-05
A share of the spoils was a fair, honest and justifiable result from this rd7 G3 Rebel Óg Central organised U12 premier hurling league tie when played in near perfect conditions at Ballynoe on Thursday evening last.
Catherines marginally shading it and ahead on a 1-03 to 0-03 half-time scoreline. Grateful when a delightful cross field delivery from Shay Wallace picked out John Temple who duly slotted home his second goal just three minutes into the changeover. Recording the Saints and the game’s opening score. Goaling direct from a placed ball inside the first minute.
Mallow though were always competitive. John Murphy was excellent at wing forward and when Paddy Murphy added their second goal now fifteen minutes into what are twenty five minute halves they were ahead on a scoreline of 2-05 to 2-04.
Staunch defending from Fionn McCreedy, Sam Aherne, Cathal Murphy and in particular Julian Pietropaolo managing to keep an eager opposition attack at bay with the home team rewarded with a late pointed free. Tally now a respectable return of nine points from six league matches played. Returning to football for their next outing.
Scorers: J Temple (1-04 frees) (2-04) and G Sheehan (0-01 free). Mallow scorers: J Murphy (1-02 frees)(1-05) and P Murphy (1-00). St Catherine’s team: A Cotter, F McCreedy, C Murray, S Aherne, J Pietropaolo, J Pratt, J Temple, T Clancy, J Kenneally, G Sheehan, S Wallace, A Mulkerrins and C Hickey. Also: C O’Driscoll, T Dee, J O’Connor T Moore, K O’Donoghue, B McKee, B Aherne, D Turley and S O’Donoghue.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Round one round robin division one Rebel Óg North U15 hurling championship
St Catherines w/o Blarney Scr.
Intermdiate hurling win
Round ten division four intermediate hurling league tie played in sunny yet deceptively breezy conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, July 1st last.
With the wind to their backs they would force a two point lead on a half time scoreline of 0-10 to 0-08. Which is how it stayed, Although some excellent Patrick Roche points to which free taker Shane O’Brien added to tied it all up at 0-10 each and again at 0-11 each to thirty five minutes before O’Brien again had it down to the minimum with an opportunistic score on fifty six minutes when with Ian Barry Murphy and Neal Buckley, prominent man of the match Shane Tarrant closed out the scoring when pointing from a placed ball right on time.
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-05 frees) (0-06), P Roche (0-03), N O’Regan, B Mulcahy, O O’Neill, S Cotter, B Mulcahy, N O’Regan, B O’Brien R Galvin and P Roche. Subs: O O’Neill for W Walsh (second half), Stephen O’Brien for B O’Brien (54).
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Fixtures
(Correct at time of submitting notes)
Saturday, July 13 East Cork round-robin group one. U21 A hurling championship v Watergrasshill at 7pm. Venue TBC. Monday, July 15 at Rostellan round six division one Rebel Óg East U16 football league v Kiltha Óg at 7.30pm.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy to the entire family and the Killeagh club in general on the recent bereavement incurred by the Scullys and O’Rourkes. Olivia is currently juvenile club secretary. Her brother Kieran is a previous chairman of the parent club. Also Ger is a well-known referee at divisional and county level. David ‘Junior’ Scully has been attending board meetings and East Cork conventions along with his friend Sean Murphy for as long as we can remember as we pass on those condolences to Celine, Mattie and the McAuliffe family, Ballynoe. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Cork teams
Authorities will now be chuffed at the improved form being displayed by the Rebels. Bringing a more balanced look to what initially seemed to be a lopsided group two as the eagerly awaited super eights section for the All Ireland senior football championship kick-starts into action this upcoming weekend.
It can’t be denied that Cork have shown visible improvement thus far. Steamrolling their way past Limerick first day out. They wouldn’t be rated that highly. But remember they had recorded a five point win over Tipperary at the outset of the provincial championship. Tipp had given the Rebels untold problems through the age groups over the years and were All Ireland senior semi-finalists in the recent past. Then came the high profile clash with the Kingdom. Knocking Laois out of the competition in a round four qualifier at Thurles on Saturday evening last. Hitting them for four goals. Meaning a haul of ten now recorded from three championship matches so far.
Now you feel Cork are going into battle with two of the game’s standard bearers this forthcoming weekend. First up the clash with reigning title holders Dublin who are in the midst of their five-in-a-row campaign in the football. Cork play Tyrone on neutral soil the week after that. Finishing up with a home fixture against Connacht champions Roscommon.
Maybe they have slipped from grace a little. But Kilkenny will provide a searching test for the Rebels in the senior hurling quarter-final. First major meeting between the rivals in six years. Cork winning the 2013 quarter final in Thurles. On a day when Henry Shefflin saw red. Remember, football throw-in against the Dubs will be 7pm on Saturday evening. Hurling on Sunday against the Cats is at 2pm. Both matches will be in Croke Park.
It was a terrific week all told for Cork. Putting paid to Limerick’s chances of securing all three provincial hurling titles with a seven point victory in the twenty quarter final at Páirc Uí Rinn. They were a good minor team only two years ago. Losing the All-Ireland final to Galway, Only two players seemed to have vanished off the radar in that time. While there has been the emergence of Shane O’Reagan. Now raising the profile for this weekend’s round-robin one group one divisional U21 hurling championship tie between the Saints and Watergrasshill. Following a tally of 1-06 at county level last week. No venue was appointed when submitting the notes.
Best of luck to the panel of players. Billy Neville is team manager. Ably assisted by fellow selectors Tim O’Connor, Kieran Morrison and Martin O’Keeffe. Other teams in the group are Youghal and Carrigtwohill, making up group two of the East Cork U21A hurling championship are Aghada, Castlelyons and Sarsfields. While Cork now play Clare in the Munster U20 hurling championship semi-final. It’s all happening, can it continue? All will be revealed.
Lotto
We were back to our traditional slot for the weekly lotto draw at The Big Tree Bar in Aghern on Monday night, July 1. Numbers drawn were 3, 16, 23 and 30. There was no winner of the €3,400 jackpot. Consolation winners being: S Daly c/o PH Eoin Kearney, Ballymurphy, Conna, Martha O’Brien, Carrigmore, Conna, Ned Fitzgerald, Castlelyons and Dan Cotter
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsor.

John West Féile Peil in Leitrim and Sligo
Just three weeks on from the hurling equivalent which being part of one of the two host counties saw Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh used as a venue and last weekend saw three hundred and fifty eight teams play their opening 2 rounds in 91 venues as the Clár Féile John West Peil na nÓg descended on the province of Connacht. 208 boys and 150 girls Gaelic football teams were pressed into action. Competing for the first time were the U14 boys from Western Australia. Based in Annaduff, Co Leitrim for their opening duo of games as the Saints in turn lost out to the host venue on a scoreline of 3-8 to 1-3 and to Geraldine’s GFC of Co Louth (5-05 to 1-01).
St Catherines then met their host families for the weekend and returned to their homes for an evening meal in Gortletteragh when by Saturday morning last was now one of 179 venues in use as the competition resumed. Gortletteragh won the third and final match in group C in what was div11 entailing 16 teams in total. It ended on a scoreline of 4-05 to 2-03.
Finishing fourth in the group St Catherines then headed to Scarden, Co Sligo which is roughly 70 minutes of a drive from Gortletteragh Park where they made their exit from the shield competition. Losing out to the third team from Group D in St Josephs of Westmeath on an end scoreline of 3-04 to 2-01.
Now this young team have no time to wallow in the pangs of disappointment. Currently in the throes of an intensely busy season. Indeed by the time you read this report we’re due to have played Blarney in round one of the round robin div1 Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship at Ballynoe last night (Wednesday, July 3). Facing Whitechurch at the same venue next week (see fixtures). Just take note that the fourth team in the group - Watergrasshill - have already recorded a ten point victory over Whitechurch. While looking further through the schedule and St Catherines are paired to meet St Colman’s in the semi-final of the div3 Rebel Óg East U14 football league. A match down for Ballynoe on Friday evening, July 19. Throw in will be 7.30pm.
St Catherines U14 panel: Ciaran Leamy, Diarmuid O’Connell, Cian Dunning, Evan O’Driscoll, Sean O’Donoghue, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Nathan Sheehan, Oisín Fitzgerald, Darragh Morrison, Cathal McAuliffe, Kian O’Donoghue, Cathal Sheehan, Shane Cotter, Kieran Kelleher, Conor Hayes, Colum Feeney, Jake Bryan, Dylan Murphy, Timothy Barry, Jack Leahy, Gearoid O’Ceallacháin McCarthaigh, Cian McCarthy and Adam Bryan.
Closing out the competition on Sunday evening last saw the handing over of the John West Féile flag to the 2020 hosts Donegal, Tyrone and Derry.
Rd6 div1 Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league
St Catherines 2-17 Fermoy 0-07
In the warmest weather of the season thus far it was the Saints collecting the points on offer from this rd6 div1 Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league tie in sunny conditions, when played in Ballynoe on Monday evening, June 24.
It was an even enough contest at the outset. Cillian Fitzpatrick accurate from placed balls from anywhere around the middle of the pitch for the opposition. Cathal Dinneen and Conor England among the scorers for the home based team as a league tie which saw the teams together on five occasions including at 0-05 each to twenty minutes gradually opened up. After both goalkeepers, Evan Philpott and Shane Coughlan had more telling point blank saves. Catherines shading it on a half time scoreline of 0-10 to 0-06.
Tom Hartnett continued as he left off on the change of ends. Hitting over an array of points. Bringing his overall tally to seven and all from general play. As two of the subs introduced made immediate contributions. Gearoid O’Brien goaling with virtually his first touch. Then when a Harry Draper effort cannoned off the crossbar back into play Cathal Sheehan, ideally placed, hammered home the breaking ball. Eoin O’Riordan closed out the scoring very near the finish. Pointing from distance and confirming a Saints victory over a youthful Fermoy outfit for whom Brian Shanahan, Corey Ivory, Calvin O’Sullivan and Noah Sherwood also did their best.
Scorers: T Hartnett (0-07), M Draper (0-04 frees) (0-05), G O’Brien and C Sheehan (1-0 each), C England (0-01 “65”) (0-03), C Dinneen and E O’Riordan (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, J O’Callaghan, E O’Riordan, C Bryan, O Fitzgerald, D Galvin, M Geary, K Wallace, C England, D Morrison, H Draper, C Dinneen, G Leahy, T Hartnett and C Feene. Subs: B O’Connor, K O’Donoghue, W Leamy, J Mulcahy and N Sheehan for J O’Callaghan, G Leahy, C Dinneen, C Feeney and C Bryan (all second half). C Sheehan for D Morrison (41’), G O’Brien for O Fitzgerald (42’).
Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Juvenile Fixtures
Tonight (Thursday), July 4 at Ballynoe rd7 G3 Rebel Óg central U12 hurling league v Mallow at 7.30pm. Wednesday, July 10 at Ballynoe div1 round robin rd2 Rebel Óg North U14 hurling championship v Whitechurch at 7.30pm.
Rd9 div4 Intermediate Hurling League
Argideen Rangers 2-14
St Catherines 3-11
It finished all square between Argideen Rangers and St Catherines when this rd9 div4 intermediate hurling league tie was played in ideal mid-summer conditions at Timoleague on Tuesday evening, June 25. With the visitors marginally shading it on an interval scoreline of 1-06 to 0-07.
A John Sheehan goal had Argideen back in the mix. With the Saints in the ascendancy with a two goal strike midway through the third quarter. Both the beneficiaries of placed balls which weren’t dealt with. A Shane O’Brien delivery first timed to the net by Pa Roche. When again just sixty seconds later Daniel Mangan crashing in his second goal when latching on to a lengthy Eoin Davis free. Setting up a lead on a scoreline of 3-07 to 1-09 now eleven minutes into the second half.
A well taken goal from substitute Darragh O’Donovan on fifty four minutes and a spate of points from reliable free taker John O’Callaghan saw two well matched teams tied for the sixth time with a share of the spoils a fair and justifiable end result.
Argideen Rangers scorers: J O’Callaghan (0-08 frees), J Sheehan and D O’Donovan (1-00 each), E Loughnane (0-03), F Butler (0-02) and J J Butler (0-01). St Catherine’s scorers: D Mangan (2-01), S O’Brien (0-06 frees), P Roche (1-00), B Mulcahy and R Galvin (0-01 free) (0-02 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, Stephen O’Brien, C Hegarty, K Neville, W Walsh, Shane O’Brien, E Wallace, S Cotter, L O’Connor, R Galvin, P Roche, D Mangan, O O’Neill, N O’Regan, B Mulcahy. Sub: P Keane for O O’Neill (49’). Also: P O’Connor, S Walsh, P Clancy and J Neville.
Referee: Michael Collins (Clonakilty).
Adult Club Fixture
Tuesday, July 9 at Ballynoe rd6 div4 Intermediate Hurling League v Kildorrery at 8pm.
Cork teams
Well now the picture concerning the Rebels is much clearer. Having lost out to Laois in the Joe McDonagh Cup final, curtain-raiser to the Leinster senior hurling final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon last and Cork will now play Westmeath in a preliminary quarter-final of the All Ireland senior hurling championship.
While in the draw for rd4 of the All-Ireland senior football qualifiers which went out live on RTE Radio One on Monday morning last and Cork are paired with Laois.
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy to the family on the recent death of Mike McAuliffe, Rathdrum, Ballynoe. Also to the Carrs on the sad and untimely departure of their mother Kitty. Condolences also to Mike and Marie Mellerick, Conna on their recent sad family bereavement.
Lotto
Due to a death in the family last week’s lotto draw was held back until Tuesday night, June 25 at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe. Numbers drawn were 14, 19, 28 and 30. There was no winner of the €3,200 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were: Maire Kenneally, Kilcoran, Conna; Mo O’Connor, Ballybride, Conna; Noreen O’Flynn, Kildinan, Rathcormac; Sharon Morrison, Castlebrook, Conna and Breda Clancy, Ballytrasna, Fermoy.

Sponsors
T+ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Bad day in Ennis
A poor day for the Rebels in Cusack Park, Ennis, starting off with a one point loss to the Banner county in the opening round five Munster minor hurling championship tie. Cork’s only defeat of the campaign, but due to the proximity of other teams means elimination, this setting up a Clare/Limerick provincial final.
Likewise seemingly unfancied Clare inflicted a five point loss in the senior decider that followed, but with Tipperary overcoming the challenge of reigning All-Ireland and league champions Limerick at Thurles meant Tipp waltzed into the Munster final where they will now meet Limerick again. Limerick and Cork having superior scoring difference to Clare which came into play with the three teams finishing up with four points on the table. If told that back on May 12th Cork supporters would have grabbed it with both hands. Cork finishing third and clearly work to do.
But for now the focus of attention shifts to the Munster minor and senior football finals, both against Kerry and scheduled for Pairc Ui Chaoimh on this forthcoming Saturday evening, June 22nd. Minor game at 5pm with the senior to follow at 7pm. Cork won’t win the senior decider, nor would they be expected to. But what would be essential is that a performance comes from the Rebels. Anything that makes up for last year’s shambolic showing at the same stage of the competition would be welcomed.
Munster Poc Fada
Now just minutes too late for inclusion in last week’s notes was the news that St Catherines first team goalkeeper Eoin Davis was successful in the county senior poc fada decider. Holding off Seamus Cronin from Inniscarra and Colm Crowley in the senior section final which was held on Garryvoe Beach on Tuesday evening, June 11th last.
With the Munster decider then taking place early on Saturday morning last, a change this time around from the Michael Cusack Centre just outside of Ennis with Kerryhead Mountain, Ballyheigue, Co Kerry being this year’s venue. Victory went to Ronan Taffe of Tubber, representing Clare, taking 33 shots in completing the course. Three more than Colin Ryan of Limerick in second, with Eoin Davis third on 38 shots. A wonderful effort from the 20 year old Conna man.
Feora Mountain is located in the townsland of Tiduff in Ballyheigue parish. This area is the location of the Kerryhead Peninsula. It forms the mouth of the River Shannon with Loop Head to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Tralee Bay is to the south. It’s a total area of over 400 acres and is what’s known as a commonage with over 20 local farmers having equal claim to the land.
Senior winner and runner-up now go forward to represent Munster in the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada finals on Saturday, August 3rd in the Cooley Mountains in Louth.
Division One Rebel Og North U14 Hurling League final
St Catherines 4-5 Aghabullogue 2-7
An age group continuing to extol plaudits for the juvenile section of the club. Although billed in last week’s column for the Clyda Rovers pitch in Mourneabbey but as the week progressed there was movement afoot. This division one Rebel Og North U14 hurling league final was being switched, relocated and played at Grenagh on Friday evening last at 7.30pm.
My God we were fortunate with the weather. Black grey, off-white clouds adorned the skies going up the hill to the playing pitch. It seemed the weather men were right, we were in a downpour. Thankfully it held off with this underage league final concluded in a blaze of late evening sunshine. Such is the summer of 2019!
Both teams found the net in the opening exchanges. Yet all three goals seemed preventable as the Saints by and large were keeping it tight at the back with Evan O’Driscoll hurling up a storm at fullback. Outside of him a meat triangle of play taking in Sean O’Donoghue, Ciaran Pietropaolo and Oisin Fitzgerald kept it moving with the Saints shading it and marginally ahead on a half-time score of 2-2 to 1-3.
Three Darragh Morrison points, including a brace of frees, moved the scoreboard on, score standing at 2-5 to 1-5 at the end of the third quarter. In just over a four minute spell the decisive and match winning scores unfolded.
Shane Cotter, who scored the second goal after just ten minutes, careered in along the end line. A delivery across in front of the posts and in the twinkling of an eye Dylan Murphy with the deftest touch glanced home the ball. Excitement had hardly died down when a ’65 caused panic and Kian O’Donoghue, ideally placed, lashed in the rebound. 25 minutes gone in the second half and ahead at 4-5 to 1-5. You couldn’t ask for better than with the way it was panning out.
In fairness to them Aghabullogue tried their utmost to the finish, laying siege to the Saints posts in the closing stages. Indeed they recorded the last three scores of the match. James Lane and Colm Gillespie were very good and 2-5 out of their total of 2-7 came from those players.
Don Forde, an officer with Rebel Og North, thanked the Grenagh club in making their pitch available. Also John O’Leary, the referee and his team of officials, while all underage leagues in the division are sponsored by Kelly Bros. He then presented the winning cup to St Catherines captain Darragh Morrison.
Aghabullogue, from the newly created mid-region and St Catherines from the east location playing out a Rebel Og North league final. To the fellows with the creamy pints in the corner of the bar it’s the decision of the gradings committee in enforcing the soft border rule. Sure what about it! Though it’s a bit comical isn’t it.
Now for this young squad of players it’s off to Gortletteragh, Co Leitrim for the Feile na Peil competition. They won’t be back a wet week when we’re into the U14 hurling championship. Played on a roundrobin basis, Catherines will have home ties against Blarney and Whitechurch before travelling to Watergrasshill for the final group match towards the middle of August.
Scorers: D Morrison (1-4, 0-2 frees), K O’Donoghue (1-1, 0-1 free), S Cotter (1-0), D Murphy (1-0).
St Catherines team: D O’Connell, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, C Leamy, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, D Morrison (captain), C McAuliffe, S Cotter, S Sheehan, D Murphy. Subs: C McCarthy and C Hayes for O Fitzgerald and D Murphy (both 58 minutes). Also on panel: C Feeney, A Bryan, J Leahy, J Bryan, G Ó Ceallachain McCartaigh.
Referee: John O’Leary (Mallow).
Feile na nGael – a reflection
One was genuinely concerned about 90 minutes from throw-in. Dark clouds which were hanging around since midday began to kick into action, unleasing a shower of gargantuan proportions. Thankfully it passed off and by 5.30pm the opening day of matches in group A of the 2019 Feile na nGael were under way at Pairc Naomh Caitrionaigh Baile Nua.
Host venue St Catherines narrowly overcoming the challenge of Carlow representatives Mount Leinster Rangers starting off. Likewise St James of New Ross defeated Kilara Og from Rebel Og North. St James were resident in the parish while the competition was ongoing.
In the swap around at 6.30pm St Catherines proved too strong for Kilara Og, while St James and Mount Leinster Rangers shared the spoils. Group completed on the Saturday morning. St Catherines edging out Wexford opposition. Mount Leinster winning in Kilworth against Kilara Og as all four clubs then headed off to Killeagh for the cup and plate sections of the competition.
Apart from the action between the four white lines, the organisation of Feile itself was a big success. It’s a huge club effort with some people having a demanding schedule in ensuring everything was being kept up to speed. We can’t mention them just in case someone is overlooked, but they know who they are.
Many thanks to the ladies who organised the tea and sandwiches for the open air at the conclusion of the action on the Friday evening. Rarely can they be so welcome.
Four teams incorporating three counties from two provinces with one aim of enjoying each other’s company. It’s the kind of camaraderie that extols what this great organisation is about.
Then it brought back memories of the 2005 and 2006 Feile competitions, both held in Cork with Baile Nua again a venue.
St Catherines lost both of their opening matches in 2005. Staying in the parish that weekend were Ballinkillen of Carlow, who defeated the host team on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-7. Also losing out by 0-9 to 0-3 in Fermoy on the morning of Saturday, June 18th before defeating Glenariffe Oisin of Antrim on a 2-2 to 0-3 scoreline in their final match.
Glenariffe were back to us 12 months later, defeating the Saints 2-13 to 1-3 which meant subsequent wins over Tooreen of Mayo (3-7 to 2-5) and Glanworth (2-6 to 1-1) wouldn’t be enough to stay in the competition.
2005 Feile panel
Edmond Aherne, Conor Lane, Denis Lane, Paddy Lee, Richard O’Dea, Patrick Roche, Stephen O’Brien, Paul England, Rory O’Connor, Conor Hegarty, Kevin Walsh, Brian Mulcahy, Conor Kearney, John Hurley, Colm Aherne, Donal McAuliffe, Stephen Mills, Seamus Wade, William Walsh, Riche McGrath, Alan O’Mahony, Mark Buckley and Daniel O’Brien.
2006 Feile panel
Paddy Lee, William Walsh, Stephen Mills, Richie McGrath, Michael Wade, Patrick Roche, Fiona Cotter, Conor Kearney, Daniel Mangan, John Hurley, Matthew Mulcahy, Richard O’Dea, Fionnola Neville, Colm Aherne, Daniel O’Brien, James Neville, Patrick Fitzgerald, Mark Buckley, Cathal Galvin, Eoin Kearney and Aaron Neville.
Round five division one Rebel Og East U12 football league
St Catherines v Passage
St Catherines went down to a heavy loss against a clearly good Passage outfit. They had defeated Dublin visitors Trinity Gaels in a hurling challenge just over 24 hours previous and maybe were a bit tired for this round five division one Rebel Og East U12 football league tie when played in Ballynoe on Monday evening, June 10th last.
Just in passing can we say Daniel Turley made some very smart saves between the posts and with limited supply Tristan Clancy scored the points. In the word of the Van Morrison classic, “oh my Mama told me there would be days like this”.
Scorers: T Clancy (0-2, 0-1 free).
St Catherines team: D Turley, S O’Donoghue, C Murray, T Dee, S Aherne, J Pratt, J Pietropaolo, G Sheehan, J Kenneally, T Clancy, C Hickey, C Barry, C O’Driscoll. Also K O’Donoghue and L Kilmartin.
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Og)
Adult club match played
Round seven
division two East Cork junior hurling league
St Catherines 1-12
Midleton 2-20
St Catherines were into the swing of things almost straight away. Kevin Dineen goaling a long range free on six minutes of this round seven division two junior hurling league tie, when played in dry overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, June 11th last. Exquisitely converted points with Niall Walsh among the Magpie scorers and likewise Shane Kearney and John Mulcahy for the home based team saw Midleton marginally shade it on an interval scoreline of 0-10 to 1-6.
An evenly contested league tie advanced with the scores level on two occasions, including at 1-10 to 0-13 at the end of the third quarter.
But a Harry Wall goal on 49 minutes to which Padraig O’Shea and Mark O’Keeffe added further points would see clear daylight emerging. A Conor O’Neill goal right at the death all but completed the scoring.
Scorers: S Kearney (0-6, 0-3 frees), K Dinneen (1-1 frees), N O’Brien (0-3, 0-1 free), J Mulcahy (0-2).
St Catherines team: E Sheehan, James Casey, E Kenneally, S Leamy, J Hurley, R Clancy, C Hickey, W Walsh, A Long, S Kearney, J Mulcahy, L Beecher, K Dinneen, N O’Brien, S Walsh. Subs: John Casey for R Clancy (21mins), K English for John Casey (27mins), D Wallace for S Walsh (45mins).
Ref: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
What we have for you in fixtures
Saturday, June 22nd at Pairc Ui Chaoimh – Munster football finals Cork v Kerry, minor 5pm, senior 7pm.
Monday, June 24th at Ballynoe – round six division one Rebel Og East U16 hurling league v Fermoy, 7.30pm.
Tuesday, June 25th – division four intermediate hurling league v Argideen Rangers at 8pm, venue to be confirmed.
Condolences
Two families steeped in the Gaelic tradition suffered recent bereavements. Deepest sympathy to the family on the death of Christine Hartnett, Ballynoe and to the Leahy family, Upper Aghern on the sad passing of David. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anamacha dilse.
Lotto
With the 40th anniversary ordination Mass for Canon Michael Fitzgerald, PP Mitchelstown being said in Ballynoe on Monday evening, June 10th at 7.30pm it was decided to defer the weekly lotto draw to Tuesday, June 11th at the Winners Enclosure, Conna. Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 12 and 22. There was no winner of a them accumulated jackpot of €2,800. The consolation winners were Ber Motherway, Condonstown, Dungourney; D~E syndicate, c/o Winners Enclosure, Conna; Jack Cotter, Boulta, Ballynoe; Jim O’Brien, c/o PH, Conna and Rebecca Gregan, Clarecastle, Co Clare.
Church gate
collection
Can we use this opportunity to remind patrons that the annual juvenile club church gate collection will be taken up after all Masses throughout the parish this forthcoming weekend.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Feile weekend
Hitherto unbeaten, St Catherines lost out to Glen Rovers in the quarter-final of the knockout cup competition. Catherines had successfully negotiated group A stages of this year’s Feile na nGael competition, starting off at 5.30pm in Ballynoe on Friday evening last with a hard earned 0-5 to 0-2 victory over Carlow representatives, Mount Leinster Rangers.
All group matches are 15 minutes a-side, with a five minute break in the middle. Running concurrent was a 2-6 to 1-2 success for St James of New Ross over Kilara Og, success on an end scoreline of 3-6 to 1-2 from the second match at 6.30pm, which saw Mount Leinster and St James share the spoils at 2-2 to 1-5, a round two tie being played at the same time.
St James, who were based in the parish over the weekend, then making a return to the Ballynoe pitch early on Saturday morning for the key round three match with the sliotar being thrown in exactly at 10am by Midleton based through Knockshegowna from North Tipp affiliated Shane Hodgins. The other referee in the parish at the weekend was James Daly from Youghal. Again the Saints managed to secure the win, on an end scoreline of 0-6 to 1-1.
Glen Rovers eliminated the Saints on an end scoreline of 2-3 to 1-2 in the quarter-final of the cup competition which was played at 3pm in Killeagh on Saturday afternoon last. Still going well at the time were Trim and JK Brackens.
But now St Catheriens must just get on with it, starting off this weekend with a divison one Rebel Og North U14 hurling league final against Aghabullogue, that’s set for the Clyda Rovers pitch in Mourneabbey. An especially busy month of June will end up with a trip to Gortletteragh, Co Leitrim for the national Feile na Peil competition.
Feile panel: 1 Diarmuid O’Connell, 2 Ciaran Leamy, 3 Evan O’Driscoll, 4 Cian Dunning, 5 Diarmuid O’Donovan, 6 Sean O’Donoghue, 7 Ciaran Pietropaolo, 8 Oisin Fitzgerald, 9 Nathan Sheehan, 10 Kian O’Donoghue, 11, Darragh Morrison, 12 Cathal McAuliffe, 13 Kieran Kelleher, 14 Cathal Sheehan, 15 Shane Cotter, 16 Jake Bryan, 17 Conor Hayes, 18 Colum Feeney, 19 Timothy Barry, 20 Dylan Murphy, 21 Adam Bryan, 22 Cian McCarthy, 23 Jack Leahy, 24 Gearoid Ó Ceallachain McCarthaigh.
Next on your juvenile fixture list
Friday, June 14th at Mourneabbey, division one Rebel Og North U14 hurling league final v Aghabullogue at 7.30pm.
Monday, June 17th at Ballynoe, round 7 Rebel Og Central U13 hurling league v Douglas at 7.30pm.
Adult Club matches played
Round 7 division 4 intermediate hurling league
Sarsfields 1-20
St Catherines 3-15
St Catherines had to work ferociously hard in attaining the points on offer when winning this round 7 division 4 intermediate hurling league tie by the slimmest of margins. Played at Riverstown in showery yet deceptively warm conditions at 4.15pm on Sunday evening last.
Making important inroads to both the start and end of the opening half, Brian Mulcahy with the vital touch for the first goal on four minutes before Niall O’Regan crashed in the second on 28 minutes and parity was restored on an interval scoreline of 0-11 to 2-5.
Vital score was Eoin Davis goaling a penalty on 36 minutes, as the play ebbed and flowed as the second half advanced. Killian Roche, Tommy Mullins, Donal Roche and Dylan Walsh on target for the home team. Likewise, Rory Galvin, Daniel Mangan and Shane O’Brien from placed balls for the Saints. Throw in a stupendous point from an outrageous angle from second half substitute Brian Davis into the mix as well. Catherines holding on for a one point win, thus keeping a decent league run on the move.
Scorers: B Mulcahy (1-4), S O’Brien (0-6 frees), N O’Regan and E Davis penalty (1-0 each), R Galvin (0-3, 0-1 free), D Mangan and B Davis (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: E Davis, Stephen O’Brien, D Lonergan, K Neville, S O’Regan, Shane O’Brien, W Walsh, S Cotter, C Kearney, R Galvin, R Clancy, D Mangan, B Mulcahy, N O’Regan, P Roche. Subs: B Davis for P Roche (37), J Mulcahy for R Clancy (53), S Walsh for B Davis (56).
Referee: Liam Barry (Ballincollig)
Round 5 Division 2 East Cork junior hurling league
Cloyne 0-24
St Catherines 0-10
It was the home team holding the upper hand from this round 5 division 2 hurling league tie, when played in sunny yet cold conditions at Cloyne on Thursday evening last.
Free scoring Cloyne led 0-8 to 0-4 at the break, St Catherines relying on the accuracy of Ronan Clancy and Noel O’Brien from placed balls for opening half scores. Doing their utmost and scores from William Walsh, John Mulcahy and a brace of points from second half substitute Shane Kearney would keep the momentum going.
Midfielder Ashley Walsh was man of the match and contributed a litany of points, be it from general play, frees and one well struck sideline cut on 33 minutes. He received able support from Paul O’Sullivan and Kyle Nugent. Cloyne contrinbuted ten points of the concluding dozen scores of the match, comprehensive victors on an end scoreline of 0-24 to 0-10.
Scorers: R Clancy (0-4 frees), S Kearney and N O’Brien (0-2 each, frees), W Walsh and J Mulcahy (0-1 each).
St Catherines team: M Walsh, J Casey, E Kenneally, C Hickey, E Sheehan, R Clancy, J Hurley, W Walsh, A Long, K English, J Mulcahy, L Beecher, A O’Brien, N O’Brien, S Walsh. Subs: S Kearney for A O’Brien (second half).
Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Cork hurling
Though by no means were both teams excellent but it was still a satisfactory evening for Rebel followers on the banks of the Lee, starting off with nothing more than a workmanlike victory over the Deise in the opening round four tie in the roundrobin provincial minor hurling championship.
Could it be the 17 factor but this team has shown nothing like the form displayed against Tipp in the second half of the first match, which seems such a long time ago now. Still a win is a win and the tally now for this bunch elevates to five points form three matches.
So to the expected showpiece with an attendance for the senior encounter that followed moving on to 26,521.
Cork against the wind made an explosive start, with a Patrick Horgan goal on five minutes. Hardworking Alan Cadogan adding the second on 36 minutes as the Rebels went in at half-time ahead on a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-11. Cork weren’t shaking off Waterford though and Shane Bennett added their second goal. Emptying the bench and Cork really spread it out in the last 7 or 8 minutes or so, thus bringing their overall tally of scorers to an even dozen.
Next up is a ferociously difficult trip to Ennis.
Sympathy
Condolences to the family on the death of Joe Moroney in Tallow recently. Liam Moroney played championship hurling for the Saints in 1987. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday last week’s lotto draw was delayed until Tuesday night, June 4th at the Fisherman’s Rest, Conna. Numbers drawn were 3, 7, 12 and 26. There was no winner of the €2,600 jackpot. Consolation winners being Ann Finn, c/o HOC; Margaret Murphy, Conna; Tom Walsh, c/o PO; Marie Walsh, c/o Kals and Shane O’Brien, Mogeela, Curraglass.
Last Monday night, June 10th at St Catherine’s Church, Ballynoe was the 40th anniversary ordination Mass of Canon Michael Fitzgerald, a native of Ballynoe and now parish priest of Mitchelstown. To facilitate such an undertaking we decided to postpone the weekly lotto draw until Tuesday night last, June 11th at Winners Enclosure, Conna. Winners will be notified. Details on posters, with results to appear in this publication next week.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel

Cath’s will play Barryroe in round two


Two teams who have shared success from both of their previous outings are set to meet. St Catherines and Barryroe are paired together in the second round of this year’s county intermediate hurling championship. Catherines, defeated by reigning county and provincial junior champions Cloughduv in the previous round, faced Barryroe in the back-to-back years of 2013 and 2014. Winning the first match prior to tasting defeat against Éire Óg in the 2013 semi-final.
Barryroe beaten by Glen Rovers already this term exacted revenge twelve months later. Preceding a relegation final loss to Dripsey. Winners are drawn to play Castlemartyr in the third round. Catherines defeated Barryroe in their first league match back on Sunday February 24th at Ballynoe. While the most sought after pairing in all of the county will be Fr O’Neills and Fermoy in the third round of the premier intermediate hurling championship.
Round Eight Division Four Intermediate Hurling League
St Catherines 2-15
Éire Óg 0-11
A brace of Niall ‘Crouch’ O’Regan goals in just over a ninety second spell from the fifth minute laid the platform for a comprehensive Saints victory from this round eight division four intermediate hurling league tie when played in near perfect conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last. On it went to 2-07 to 0-04 for the home based team at the break, against an Éire Óg outfit for whom ace free taker Eoin O’Shea tallied their first point from open play on thirty seven minutes. A trio of booming long range pointed frees from keeper Eoin ‘Mick’ Davis including two in the second half hour were a feature of the hour for the Saints.
Thus recording their fourth victory of the campaign with league fixtures against Sarsfields, Argideen Rangers and Aghabullogue upcoming.
Scorers: N O’Regan (2-00), S O’Brien (0-05 frees), D Mangan and E Davis (frees) (0-03 each), B Mulcahy and R Galvin (0-01 free) (0-02 each).
Éire Óg Scorers: E O’Shea (0-05 frees) (0-07), K Hallissey (0-03) and K Riordan (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, S O’Regan, D Lonergan, K Neville, S Cotter, C Hegarty, W Walsh, S O’Brien, B O’Brien, R Galvin, R Clancy, D Mangan, C Kearney, N O’Regan and B Mulcahy. Subs: B Davis for S Cotter (42’), O O’Neill for B O’Brien (49’), B O’Brien for C Hegarty (57’).
Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Junior Hurling Challenge
St Catherines are based in division two of the East Cork junior hurling league with an imminent series of games upcoming against Killeagh (A), Carrigtwohill (H), Carraig na bhFear (A), Castlelyons (A), Cloyne (H), Midleton (A), Cobh (H) and Bride Rovers (H). They played a challenge game on Wednesday evening, May 29. Melleray’s playing pitch is plush indeed, almost part of the famous abbey’s grounds. Talk about an idyllic setting! They possess neat clean and tidy dressing rooms, a kitchen and a hall and all are part of the local community centre.
They are affiliated as Glen Rovers, their colours are gold and green and they play in the West Waterford junior hurling league. They promote a well-established local lotto and are an endearing and welcome bunch. Shane Kearney landed five well-struck points. A majestic score from a Kevin Dineen sideline cut among his first half haul of four points. Kieran English scored the goal on ten minutes with the visitors upsides the hosts on an interval scoreline of 1-10 to 2-07.
Now favoured by the conditions and the opposition almost completely took over after that. Adding 1-09 without reply with PJ Kiely, Rory Heffernan and Michael O’Rourke to the fore. Aaron Long had the Saints first point of the changeover on fifty minutes. While Johnny Hurley contributed the first and last points of the hour. At the end it was 3-18 to 1-2 for Glen Rovers in a junior hurling challenge game refereed by Tommy O’Sullivan of nearby Cappoquin.
Juvenile Match Played
Round Six G1 Rebel Óg Central U12 Hurling League
Bride Rovers 1-08
St Catherines 3-07
A win for the Saints. Recording a well-earned success from this round six G1 Rebel Óg Central organised U12 hurling league tie when played at Pynes field in Rathcormac on Thursday evening last. Although by now a man short it was still 0-05 to 0-04 for the home-based team at half time in a thus far evenly fought contest.
Igniting to life when the sweet striking John Temple goaled for the Saints just three minutes into the second half. The Bride Rovers response was emphatic. Running up a tally of 1-03 without reply, the goal coming from top scorer Thomas O’Riordan on thirty-five minutes. Yet the visitors were sticking to their task. Sam Aherne at wingback and Jake Pratt in the middle of the field getting in vital clearances, securing the break so badly needed when James Kenneally goaled the equalising score.
By now the play had opened up much more. Julian Pietropaolo was killing the Rovers with powerful defence splitting runs. One of which yielded the third and match winning goal near the finish.
Can we pass on our good wishes to selector Mark O’Driscoll currently hospitalised. Hurry on Mark and return to that line where you are badly missed. St Catherines play Passage next in the U12 football league. Mallow are visitors for the next hurling league game the week after.
Scorers: J Temple (0-02 frees) (1-04), J Pietropaolo (1-01), J Kenneally (1-00), A Mulkerrins and G Sheehan (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: A Cotter, S O’Donoghue, C Murray, F McCready, S Aherne, T Clancy, S Wallace, J Temple, J Pratt, J Kenneally, G Sheehan, J Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, A Mulkerrins and C Hickey. Also: C O’Driscoll, B McKee, D Turley, L Kilmartin, L Moore and C Barry.
Referee: Shane O’Donoghue (Ballygiblin).
Focus On Cork
While last Saturday nights result from Páirc Uí Rinn was reassuring one can’t help but feel that the Munster football final set for Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the evening of Saturday, June 22 will still be a hard sell. Especially as the crucifying inflicted by the Kingdom exactly twelve months previously still lingers in the memory.
It also will be a Cork/Kerry minor final on the same evening. Guaranteeing both Rebel teams at least two more matches. There you are you see – defeatist attitude already! As the attention switches back to the camán and sliotar this weekend. Cork and Waterford, minor and senior at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening. Followed by the Limerick and Clare pairing again minor and senior at the newly christened LIT stadium on Sunday afternoon in the round four series of matches in the round Robin Munster senior hurling championship.
Féile na nGael Weekend
St Catherines play Carlow representatives Mount Leinster Rangers when their Féile na nGael campaign begins this weekend at Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua. Throw in Friday evening at 5.30pm. Playing our neighbours from Araglen and Kilworth exactly one hour later when the Kilara Óg fixture takes place at 6.30pm. Staying in our parish for the duration of the matches over the weekend will be St James of New Ross. With St Catherines meeting the Wexford representatives in their third and final group A game on Saturday morning at 10am.
Later that same day it’s off to Killeagh for the cup and shield sections of the competition. Finals are down for Ballincollig on Sunday, June 9. Now we haven’t much time to elaborate. But St Catherines do have a respectable Féile record, winning the Féile B county final of 1989 beating Ballyhea in the final at Ballinlough. Best achievement subsequently was losing the B final of 1997 to Cloughduv at Páirc Uí Rinn. But made up for that to an extent when beating the mid-Cork representatives in the county final country section at Mayfield later that summer before overcoming the challenge of City representatives Brian Dillons in the county final proper.
In those days all Féile encounters were played as full matches. Win and move on the next day to another game. Maybe a week or two later lose and you’re out. Nowadays Féile is only an over-glorified blitz where a series of games each entailing fifteen minute halves could be played over a series of hours. Still it’s the only way to run it, as you must balance the age groups and season as a whole.
1989 Féile Winning Line Out
Michael O’Brien, Richard Cotter, David O’Connell, Brendan Noonan, Ger Lynch, Jim Lane, Kevin O’Connell, Oliver Lynch, Johnny Sheehan, Michael Hegarty, Dessie Lucey, Martin O’Keeffe, Michael Dorgan, Kieran Morrison, and Brian Cotter. Also on the panel were: Mark Spillane, Paul O’Connell, Aidan Hickey, Robbie Hamilton, Pat Morrison and Paddy Lane.
1997 Féile na nGael Finalists
Ger Leahy, Kevin O’Sullivan, Bill Aherne, Niall O’Riordan, Matthew Harpur, Richard Lynch, Alan Keane, Pádraig Dillon, Allan Carr, Dave Barry, Colin Hogan, John Beecher, Niall Kearney, Liam Kearney, Annette Fitzgerald. Also on panel were: Tomás Casey, John Casey, Davy Condon, Pádraig O’Connor, John Mulcahy, Brian Hogan, Seamus Noonan, James O’Keeffe, Damien Byrne, Ian Hegarty and Stephen Collins.
Peil na nÓg
Following a plethora of games in Ballyhooly and two qualifiers later in Mayfield and St Catherines now go forward to the National Peil na nÓg finals and will be based in Gortletteragh, Co Leitrim at the end of June. They were previous county B Peil na nÓg winners in 1988.
1988 Peil na nÓg Panel
(Wouldn’t be sure if positions are right). Robbie Hamilton, Pat Fitzgerald, Martin Sheehan, Patrick Sheehan, Richard Sheehan, Kieran Hickey, Johnny Sheehan, Eoin O’Riordan, Tom Morrison, Brian Cotter, David O’Connell, Kieran Morrison, Jim Lane, Dessie Lucey and Oliver Lynch. Also: Michael Dorgan, Mark Spillane, Mark Lane, James Fitzgerald and James O’Connell.
Best of luck to all panels, players and mentors. Hopefully the Féile na nGael and Peil na nÓg teams of 2019 will move on to the pages of history.
Fixtures
Thursday, June 6 Round Five Division Two Junior Hurling League v Cloyne (away) at 8pm. Friday, June 7 Féile na nGael at 5.30pm in Ballynoe. Saturday, June 8 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh – Cork v Waterford championship matches – Minor at 5pm Senior at 7pm. Sunday, June 9 at Riverstown Round Seven Division Four Intermediate Hurling League v Sarsfields at 3pm. Tuesday, June 11 at Ballynoe Round Seven Division Two Junior Hurling League v Midleton at 8pm.
Exams
We wish all club players and students everywhere all the best in the state second level examinations.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday this week’s lotto draw with a jackpot of €2,600 was held over until Tuesday night last, June 4 at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Rebels back in the mix
Cork are back, even though as legendary manager Jimmy Barry Murphy declared after winning the 1999 All-Ireland final “they haven’t been away you know”. They now have the bones of three weeks to analyse knocks and injuries incurred before facing Waterford in a round four fixture down for Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening, June 8. Throw-in will be 7pm. If you’re not going, it will be live on Sky Sports.
Earlier in the week Cork might well have earned a final place with a four point win over Clare in the provincial minor football championship. Alas the equivalent hurling team weren’t great last Sunday. Indeed they were fortunate to secure a share of the spoils. A late pointed free from the largely reliable Darragh Flynn forcing the draw, coming almost five minutes overtime.
This time around Ciaran O’Brien donned the number two jersey. A big day too for Ciaran Pietropaolo of St Catherines GAA Club and Ballynoe NS, who was part of the Cork team in the Munster GAA primary hurling game. As the focus shifts to legendary Scottish rocker Rod Stewart.
Junior football challenge
St Catherines, who face neighbours Castlelyons in an imminent second round championship clash, saw preparation continue with a visit from our friends just south of Fermoy when Grange arrived for a junior football challenge. Because of pitch booking it went ahead under the lights in Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, May 15 at 8.15pm and was refereed by Stephen Pratt of Tallow.
Grange were enjoying a monopoly and recorded the first six points without reply to 23 minutes. However, a John Casey goal revived the home challenge, reducing the margin to three point at half time, trailing 0-8 to 1-2.
Kieran English had them ahead when goaling from close range just six minutes into the second half, but Grange were always in contention and Alan McNamara, John Roche and Noel Barry were able to dissect the posts.
William Walsh with the perfect finish had the home team into a narrow lead they wouldn’t relinquish and they were able to round off the scoring with a trio of unanswered points from Rory Galvin, Ed Kenneally and Thomas O’Donnell in turn.
The end scoreline stood at St Catherines 3-8 Grange 0-14. Thanks to Grange, who are almost perennial visitors for the game and best of luck to them in the future.
This week’s juvenile column
13-a-side Rebel Óg East rd5 div3 U14
football league
St Colman’s 0-5 St Catherines 0-4
It was a case of strong defensive rear guard for both teams as the Saints surrendered their unbeaten record when going down by the slimmest of margins to St Colman’s in this rd 5 Rebel Óg East division 3 U14 football league tie when played in showery conditions at Shanagarry on Friday evening last.
Darragh Morrison, Nathan Sheehan and Cathal McAuliffe to the forefront for the visitors as a brace of Oisín Fitzgerald points, including one from play on 13 minutes, meant a 0-3 to 0-2 deficit at half time. Try as they might they couldn’t claw back the margin in those hectic late minutes.
Scorers: O Fitzgerald (0-2, 0-1 free), K Kelleher and N Sheehan, free (0-1 each). St Catherine’s team: E O’Driscoll, D Morrison, C Hayes, D O’Connell, N Sheehan, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, K Kelleher, S Cotter, K O’Donoghue, C Leamy, C Sheehan and C Feeney. Subs: D Murphy for C Feeney (second half), C McCarthy and J Leahy for C Leamy and S Cotter (both 49 minutes). Also present C O’Ceallacháin McCarthaigh.
Focus on U12s
Rd4 Rebel Óg East div1 U12 football league
St Catherines 1-2 Kiltha Óg 2-4
St Catherines only just emerged victorious from their first competitive fixture against Erins Own back on March 16th last. Subsequent losses incurred by Glenville and Carrigtwohill in turn, also going down to Kiltha Óg when this round four Rebel Óg East division one U12 football league tie went ahead in sunny, albeit bitterly cold conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening last, May 13.
Kiltha Óg assumed supremacy at the outset of a free-ridden, low scoring encounter. Strong play from Fionn Daly, Oran Murphy and Conor Morgan had them ahead on a 2-2 to 0-2 scoreline at the end of the opening 25 minute half.
St Catherines tried their utmost to claw their way back into it. Shane O’Donoghue, Conor Murray and Julian Pietropaolo defending well. Tristan Clancy won a share of ball up front. Eye-catching scores from Kyle O’Donoghue and John Temple were forthcoming but it wasn’t enough.
Scorers: J Temple (1-0), K O’Donoghue and T Clancy, free (0-1 each). St Catherine’s team: T Dee, S O’Donoghue, C Murray, C O’Driscoll, J Pietropaolo, S Aherne, J Pratt, J Temple, J Kenneally, K O’Donoghue, T Clancy, C Hickey, L Moore, G Sheehan and S Wallace. Also B Aherne, B McKee, C Barry, F McCreedy.
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Rebel Óg Central G3 U12 hurling league rd 4
Shandrum 0-6 St Catherines 3-6
St Catherines maintained their solid start, going on to record a well-earned nine point victory from this Rebel Óg Central organised round 4 G3 U12 hurling league tie played in Newtownshandrum on Saturday afternoon last.
Whatever breeze was blowing favoured the visitors in the first half. Gearoid Sheehan with a brace of brace to which John Temple added two more from placed balls and nippy wing forward James Kenneally also found the range. A quintet of scores preceding a valuable Julian Pietropaolo goal on 23 minutes, forcing a lead on a half time scoreline of 1-5 to 0-3.
Ally Mulkerrins’ goal ninety seconds into the second half was invaluable, just providing that bit of a cushion as the opposition came in search of a return, mainly through JD Egan, Eoin Sheedy and Liam O’Mahony. But time and again they were to be denied by the excellence of ten year old Alan Cotter between the posts, making several telling blocks – a point commented on by the opposition selectors at the game’s end. If Alan was saving them it was Ally who was scoring them at the other end, adding a second goal just before the finish. This confirmed the win on a scoreline of 3-6 to 0-6.
Scorers: A Mulkerrins (2-0), J Pietropaolo (1-0), G Sheehan (0-3, 0-1 free), J Temple (0-2, 0-1 free) and J Kenneally (0-1). St Catherine’s team: A Cotter, F McCreedy, C Murray, S Aherne, T Clancy, S Wallace, J Temple, J Pratt, J Kenneally, G Sheehan, J Pietropaolo, A Mulkerrins, T Dee. Also: C O’Driscoll, S O’Donoghue, L Kilmartin, C Barry, K O’Donoghue, B McKee and L Moore.
Referee: Davy Copps (Ballyhea).
Definite juvenile fixtures
Tonight (Thursday), May 23 at Shanballymore – Rebel Óg North division one U14 hurling semi-final v Clyda Rovers at 7.30pm; Friday, May 24 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg Central round five G3 U12 hurling league v Youghal at 7.30pm; Sunday, May 26 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg Central GI U13 hurling league round 5 v Bishopstown at 11.30am.
Adult fixtures
At adult level there may be junior A football championship v Castlelyons and junior hurling league division two v Cloyne. Watch club texts for fixtures.
Condolences
Sympathy to the family including our field man Thomas ‘Waxer’ Murphy and wife Clare on the sad passing of Richard Tanner in Conna last week. Our condolences are also offered to William Kearney and family in Conna on the death of Eileen’s mother Teresa in Tallow recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nanamacha dílis.
Lotto details
We were back in our usual slot for the weekly lotto draw head at The Plough Bar in Curraglass on Monday night, May 13 last. Numbers drawn were 5, 8, 11 and 19. There was no winner of a then basic €2,000 jackpot, while the consolation winners were Martha O’Brien, Carrigmore, Conna; K Mangan, c/o PH, Conna; Laurence O’Connor, c/o PH, Conna; Fionn and Eoin McCreedy, c/o Kals, Conna and Mo O’Connor, Ballybride, Conna.
St Catherines GAA Club lotto can now be played online. This is the hassle free way to support your club lotto – and guarantee your entry every week.
Did you know that we field over 40 adult and juvenile teams, between hurling, football and camogie? With our membership approaching 700, your support is critical in ensuring that we continue to support our 300 playing members as well as our army of mentors and volunteers.
So don’t delay, why now try it out today? You’ve nothing to lose and you could be the next winner of our club lotto jackpot.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Footballers lose out to O’Neills
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Sponsored East Cork Junior A Football Championship
Round 1
Fr O’Neills 1-15 St Catherines 0-06
Fr O’Neills confirmed a result from the same stage of last year’s competition, recording a clear cut victory from this divisional A football championship first round tie, when played in sunny conditions at Dungourney on Saturday evening last.
They made the perfect start with Jason Hankard finishing off the lead and game’s only goal on five minutes. In all seven different players contributed on the scoreline as the opposition surged to a sizeable lead on a half time scoreline of 1-08 to 0-01. It was a bit better on the turnover with Rory Galvin, Shane Cogan and Daniel Mangan finding the range. But the margin was too wide. Hopefully Richard Galvin’s injury isn’t too serious. We await second round draws in the intermediate hurling and junior A football championships.
Fr O’Neills scorers: J Hankard (1-02), C Broderick (0-04), S McCauley and T Mellerick (0-02 each), J Mellerick, J Barry, A Kenneally, R Cullinane and D Harrington (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s scorers: R Galvin (0-02 frees 0-03), D Mangan (0-01 free) (0-02) and S Cogan (0-01).
St Catherines team: E Davis, S O’Brien, J Mulcahy, P Keane, J Neville, R Galvin, W Walsh, P O’Connor, P Roche, S O’Donnell, E Kenneally, B Davis, S Cogan, D Mangan and Richard Galvin. Subs: C Kearney for B Davis (second half), A O’Brien for Richard Galvin (38’), K Neville for J Neville (43’).
Referee: James Hennessy (Dungourney).
East Cork Junior Football League div3 rd3
Russell Rovers 4-12 St Catherines 0-03
Final competitive game pre championship was this rearranged round three division three junior football league tie when played in Shanagarry on the afternoon of bank holiday Monday, May 6 last. Catherines short regulars, having played intermediate hurling championship just three days previous where injuries were incurred. They did well to put out a team at all. Russell Rovers were on top from the outset leading on a half time scoreline of 1-06 to 0-01. Jack McGrath and man of the match Luke Murray shared the goal scoring honours between them against a weakened Saints outfit for whom Eoin Davis, William Walsh, Richard Galvin, Shane Cogan and Laurence O’Connor did best.
Scorers: L O’Connor, W Walsh and S Cogan (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, J Casey, J Mulcahy, P Keane, C Hickey, P Roche, W Walsh, P O’Connor, S O’Donnell, B Davis, A Carr, Richard Galvin, A O’Brien, S Cogan and L O’Connor.
Referee: Brian Murphy (Carrigtwohill).
Big Games in Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Eagles singer Glenn Frey had a major solo hit back in the day labelled ‘The Heat Is On’. On Sunday afternoon next Cork senior hurlers face into a make or break situation. Win and their season could be back on track. If not well then it could be over, depending on how other results go. Their opponents are reigning All-Ireland champions and newly crowned league winners Limerick.
Idle last Sunday, as they were free for the first weekend, as this most eagerly awaited provincial senior hurling championship started out. One believes very few changes will be forthcoming as the likelihood would be the majority of the line out will be given another chance. But Cork will be looking for big improvements from Mark Coleman, Darragh Fitzgibbon and Daniel Kearney. Three of the top players from the last few seasons not alone in Cork but nationwide. Tipp had their homework well done here. While clearly we will have to wait as the week evolves to see what happens with Bill Cooper. This is a big week. A huge game awaits next Sunday in Páirc na nGael.
A week of mixed fortunes at minor level. Starting off with an annihilating from Kerry in the round robin football championship. Next up are Clare. But last Sunday they were positively outstanding in the equivalent hurling championship. Accolades could be presented all over the field. But what about Jack Cahalane at full forward and the points scoring of Darragh Flynn on a minor team which featured St Catherine’s player Ciaran O’Brien at left corner back. Colin Walsh looked impressive when introduced and should start next match. Overall they were very good. Of course the weather was excellent last weekend. So there were no problems with the playing surface. Let’s hope that continues as we await the arrival of Rod Stewart.
Juvenile Notes
Round four Rebel Óg east division two U16 football league
St Catherines 2-13 Killeagh/Itas 1-05
St Catherines kept the momentum going with a well-earned victory over Killeagh/Ita’s from round four of the Rebel Óg East division two U16 football league when played in Ballynoe, on bank holiday Monday evening, May 6 last. Thus bringing their tally not to eight pints from five league matches played. A first half goal from top scorer Conor England edging the home team ahead on a half time scoreline of 1-07 to 1-02. William McAuliffe added a second on the turnaround confirming the win against a Killeagh/Ita’s outfit who inflicted a heavy loss on the Saints in last summer’s Coiste organised U15 B football championship.
Scorers: C England (1-04), T Hartnett (0-04), W McAuliffe (1-00), M Geary and D Temple (0-02 each) and K O’Donoghue (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, C Bryan, E O’Riordan, J O’Callaghan, B O’Connor, H Draper, D Galvin, C England, M Geary, C Dineen, T Hartnett, W Leamy, A O’Donnell, F O’Connell and G Leahy.
Subs: D Morrison for C Bryan, S O’Donoghue for J O’Callaghan, N Sheehan for B O’Connor, O Fitzgerald for H Draper, E O’Donoghue for C Dineen, W McAuliffe for A O’Donnell, S Cotter for F O’Connell, D Temple for G Leahy, C Feeney for W McAuliffe. Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League
Division One Round 3
St Catherines 2-10
Cobh 3-04
Playing well in picking up the points on offer from this round three Rebel Óg East division one U16 hurling league tie when played in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. Wing forward Gearóid O’Brien notched seven first half points including six from placed balls. Cobh staying in contention and a goal from Jay MacCrossan Donnachie on twenty-six minutes reduced the margin between the teams to two points. St Catherines picking it up again and leading again on an interval scoreline of 0-12 to 1-04.
Managing to up it considerably on the changeover. Tom Hartnett blessed with incredible pace, careers through the heart of the opposition defence finishing off a peach of a goal. Three unanswered points from hardworking midfielder Conor England followed from all angles of the pitch. Extending the advantage to 1-16 to 1-04 at the end of the third quarter. Maybe a flaw in the Cobh psyche was a preoccupation with going for goals. Yet cameo roles from Cathal Bryan, Darragh Galvin and Mark Geary would keep them at bay in a defence well marshalled by Eoin O’Riordan from full back.
Cobh have a classy player in fourteen year old Polish native Timmy Wilk. Remember him from last year’s county U13 league semi-final. There’s no shame at all in standing back and admiring class. Still the Saints knew who they had and organised a decent containing job. He was denied a seemingly certain goal by a stupendous Evan Philpott block from a twenty third minute penalty block. Perhaps the moment of the game as Evan continued his reputation in dealing with one on ones. Remember he saved not one but a retaken penalty against St Colmans in the football league about two months ago.
Still you won’t keep Wilk quiet for a whole game. Rewarded with a well-worked third Cobh goal on forty-nine minutes. Catherines still setting the pace though. Up front there is the delightful first touch and skill level of William Leamy. In top of the ground conditions and maybe relocated to the wing or possible the corner as you feel he doesn’t have the bulk for the centre, one could see him exploding on the scene. Remember his first cousin won an All-Ireland minor medal with Waterford in 2013. In equine terms, it’s in the blood. Harry Draper finished off the scoring. Goaling with a smashing finish right on the sixty minutes, as the curtains come down on the pre-exam segment of the sixteen and minor leagues from both codes.
Scorers: G O’Brien (0-08 frees) (0-10), H Draper (1-04), T Hartnett (1-02, C England (0-03) and C Dineen (0-01). St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, C Bryan, E O’Riordan, J O’Callaghan, B O’Connor, M Geary, D Galvin, K Wallace, C England, G O’Brien, W Leamy, C Dineen, T Hartnett, H Draper and F O’Connell.
Subs: D Temple and N Sheehan for B O’Connor and J O’Callaghan (Both second half), A O’Donnell for C Dineen (51’), W McAuliffe and G Leahy for C Bryan and W Leamy (both 57’), C Feeney for F O’Connell (60’). Also: K O’Donoghue and C McAuliffe. Referee: Willie Wallis (Aghada).
Rebel Óg East Thirteen a side U14 Football League
Division Three Round Four
St Catherines 6-09 Carraig na bhFear 0-03
Early scores from Kian O’Donoghue, Shane Cotter and Seán O’Donoghue set the Saints on their way from this thirteen-a-side round four Rebel Óg East division three U14 football league tie, when played in Ballynoe at 7.15pm on Friday evening last. A shower just before hand making underfoot conditions greasy and slippery. By half-time it stood at 5-05 to 0-02. As the home based selectors used up the opportunity to empty out the bench and three of those substitutes Conor Hayes, Colum Feeney and a late Dylan Murphy goal all made the scoring register. So now it’s four out of four and next up is a visit to St Colman’s this weekend.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (1-00 penalty) (2-02), K O’Donoghue (1-03), S Cotter (1-01), K Kelleher and D Murphy (1-00 each), C Hayes, C Feeney and O Fitzgerald (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, D Morrison, D O’Connell, N Sheehan, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, C Pietropaolo, C Sheehan, S O’Donoghue, K Kelleher, S Cotter and K O’Donoghue. Subs: C Feeney, C Hayes, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy and C Dunning for S Cotter, K Kelleher, D O’Connell, C Pietropaolo and E O’Driscoll (all second half), D Murphy for S O’Donoghue (39’), A Bryan for C Sheehan (40’), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for N Sheehan (45’), J Leahy for O Fitzgerald (45’). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Rebel Óg East U12 Football League
Division One Round Three
Carrigtwohill 3-05 St Catherines 2-04
Running concurrent with the aforementioned U16 football league match in Ballynoe was this round three Rebel Óg East division one U12 football league tie played in Carrigtwohill also on bank holiday Monday evening, May 6.
Catherines off to a solid start and an early well-taken John Temple goal on four minutes helping to establish a narrow lead on a half time scoreline of 1-02 to 0-03. Unfortunately the Saints weren’t making full use of possession. Seemingly taking a pass too many as Carrigtwohill were proving more economical with their finishing and unfortunately late scores from Tristan Clancy and Liam Moore proved only of a consolation nature.
Scorers: J Temple (0-01 free) (1-02), L Moore (1-00), G Sheehan and T Clancy (0-01 each). St Catherines team: B Aherne, S O’Donoghue, C Murray, C O’Driscoll, J Pratt, F McCreedy, T Dee, J Pietropaolo, T Clancy, J Kenneally, J Temple, C Hickey, K O’Donoghue, G Sheehan and S Wallace. Also: D Turley, L Moore and C Barry. Referee: Ger Scully (Killeagh).
Other Juvenile Notes
Congratulations to Gearóid O’Brien (captain) and Kyle Wallace being part of the Rebel Óg East team winners of the Munster 2019 U15 hurling tournament, which was played recently at Mallow.
A basic foundation course for coaches and mentors and possibly a child wellbeing course will be held in Ballynoe community hall over June 21st and 22nd. Please keep these dates free of games. Note all mentors must be over eighteen years of age.
Annual church gate collection in aid of the juvenile club will take place after all Masses throughout the parish on week ending of June 22nd/23rd. St Catherines are invited to participate in the West Waterford festival of U10 hurling tournament organised by Ballyduff GAA Club for May 24th/25th. U10 mentors are Paul Higgins and Tom Morrison.
St Catherines will play Clyda Rovers in the Rebel Óg North division one U14 hurling league semi-final on Thursday evening May 23rd. Time and venue TBC. St James GAA Club from New Ross, Wexford are visiting hurling team for Féile weekend of June 7th/8th. St Catherines will be based in Gortletteragh, Co Leitrim for Peil na nÓg weekend of June 28th/29th. It’s all happening isn’t it!
What’s on your fixture list
Friday, May 17 at Shanagarry - Thirteen a Side - Rebel Óg East Division Three Round Five U14 Football League v St Colman’s at 7.30pm. Saturday, May 18 at Newtownshandrum – Coiste na nÓg Group Three U12 Premier Hurling League Round Four v Shandrum at 3pm. Sunday, May 19 at Páirc na nGael – Munster Minor Hurling Championship Round Two – Cork v Limerick at 2pm. Sunday, May 19 at Páirc na nGael – Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round Two – Cork v Limerick at 4pm.
Lotto
Last week’s winner of €4,600 lotto jackpot because of the bank holiday saw the draw held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna on Tuesday night, May 7 was Seán Cronin, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, winning combination of numbers being 1, 3, 8 and 11. Congratulations and well done. Consolation winners on the night being: Angela O’Donoghue, Glenbeigh, Ballynoe, Noely Ahern, Monty’s Meadow, Conna, Marie O’Donoghue, Boulta, Ballynoe, while Cian Dunning, Boulta, Ballynoe emerged twice from the draw drum.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Intermediates lose in Páirc Uí Rinn

County Intermediate Hurling Championship – First Round
Cloughduv 0-17
St Catherines 0-15

Cloughduv emerged victorious in the tussle involving the county junior champions from the past two seasons in this county intermediate hurling championship first round tie, when played under the lights at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday evening last.
Cloughduv would lose a wing back to a straight red card on eighteen minutes. But responded well to the sending off and fired over four unanswered points, a hat-trick from Brian Verling including a brace from placed balls before Daniel Mangan narrowed the gap in time added on. Trimming the deficit to the minimum with Cloughduv still to the good and leading on a half-time scoreline of 0-09 to 0-08.
It was an evenly fought third quarter with two well-matched teams level on three occasions including at 0-12 each to forty two minutes. With ace free taker Shane O’Brien accurate from placed balls taking in frees and sixty fives, Aidan Murphy and Mark Walsh extending the advantage with the opposition ahead by a three point margin on as many occasions as the fourth and final quarter advanced. Standing at 0-17 to 0-14 to fifty four minutes. Kieran Neville pointed a beauty from distance. Richard Galvin went on a mazy run, parted to Brian Mulcahy but a goalbound effort was kept out by Jonathan Buckley. We await the second round draw.
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-06 frees) (0-03 – 65’) (0-09), B Mulcahy and D Mangan (0-02 each), B O’Brien and K Neville (0-01 each). Cloughduv Scorers: B Verling (0-08 frees) (0-10), D Corkery (0-02), J Ryan, M Verling, D O’Sullivan, A Murphy and M Walsh (0-01).
St Catherines team: E Davis, E Wallace, L O’Connor, J Neville, C Hegarty (captain), D Lonergan, S Cotter, Shane O’Brien, C Kearney, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, D Mangan, Richard Galvin, P Roche and N O’Regan. Subs: K Neville for L O’Connor (4’), B O’Brien for P Roche (second half), Stephen O’Brien for E Wallace (33’), T O’Donnell for N O’Regan (48’), P Keane for S Cotter (50’).
Referee: Ciaran O’Regan (Ballyhea).
Intermediate Hurling League – Division Four – Round Eleven
Midleton 2-15
St Catherines 4-21
All space last week was reserved for the preview. So this time around we revisit the round eleven division four intermediate hurling league tie played in Clonmult Park on Tuesday evening, April 23 last. A Niall O’Regan goal had the Saints ahead at 2-06 to 0-03 to thirteen minutes. A lead standing at 2-11 to 1-06 by half-time.
An under strength Midleton battled away and twice on the resumption had the deficit trimmed to a four point margin including at 2-14 to 2-10 to forty one minutes. But a Brian Mulcahy goal and Richard Galvin with his second lifted the siege.
Scorers: Richard Galvin (2-02), B Mulcahy (1-05), S O’Brien (0-03 frees) (0-06), D Mangan and R Galvin (0-04 each) and N O’Regan (1-00).
St Catherines Ttam: E Davis, J Neville, C Hegarty, Stephen O’Brien, E Wallace, S Cotter, S O’Regan, B O’Brien, Shane O’Brien, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, D Mangan, N O’Regan, P Roche and Richard Galvin. Subs: P Keane for P Roche (second half), T O’Donnell and R Clancy for B O’Brien and N O’Regan (both 50’) and W Walsh for S Cotter (51’).
Referee: Simon Stokes (Tullylease).
Junior A Football Championship
Following the obvious attraction brought about by last Friday night’s match and the focus now immediately transfers itself to this weekend’s junior football championship. St Catherines facing Fr O’Neills in a first round clash fixed for Dungourney. A repeat pairing from exactly the same weekend of twelve months previous, which was played in glorious sunny conditions in Magniers Hill in Youghal. O’Neills altogether too strong, inflicting a sizeable defeat on a 4-14 to 0-05 scoreline.
Catherines rocked the East Cork division with a win over a fancied Glenbower Rovers in the subsequent round before bowing out of contention against Erins Own at Ballinacurra towards the end of May.
Fr O’Neills only lost to Midleton by a point in the East Cork final later in the autumn. They also overcame Ballincollig in the hurling championship three weeks ago. So they have had that bit more time together. For the Saints preparation has not been ideal. Only four football matches have been played thus far and that included a challenge game against Carraig na bhFear back towards the end of January. Losing both league ties played thus far, to Castlemartyr and Dungourney in turn. Both were on in mid-February. Although to be fair a third league fixture against Russell Rovers, which was to be played under the lights at Ballynoe on the night of Friday, March 1st went off because of the weather.
A round three tie rescheduled for its original venue of Shanagarry on bank holiday Monday afternoon, May 6 last. There was an intense series of matches in the round robin U21 football championship. Intermediate hurling league and challenge games were ongoing, so it hasn’t been easy for the footballers.
Round Five Rebel Óg East U16 Football League Division Two
St Catherines 5-08 Fermoy 0-04
St Catherines were wasteful with chances presented in the opening periods of play from this round five Rebel Óg East division two U16 football league tie when played in sunny, yet deceptively windy conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday morning last.
A Ger Leahy goal on four minutes helping them to settle down and able to absorb the effect of Peter Walsh and Brian Shanahan points when still ahead on a half-time scoreline of 1-03 to 0-03. Having played with the first half benefit of that breeze to their backs.
They actually played better against the elements. Making a subliminal start on the resumption. Just introduced substitute Darragh Morrison finishing off an opportunistically presented goal almost straight away. A duo of goals from the very good Tom Hartnett, one from a free, meant the destination of league points had long been decided before game’s end.
Scorers: T Hartnett (1-01 frees) and D Morrison (2-01 each), G Leahy (1-01), M Geary (0-02), A O’Donnell, K O’Donoghue and W Leamy (0-01 each). St Catherines team: E Philpott, C Bryan, E O’Riordan, N Sheehan, B O’Connor, H Draper, W Leamy, M Geary, D Galvin, C Dineen, T Hartnett, A O’Donnell, W McAuliffe, K O’Donoghue and G Leahy.Subs: C McAuliffe for G Leahy (18’), S Cotter and D Morrison for W McAuliffe and C McAuliffe (both second half), G Leahy and C Feeney for K O’Donoghue and A O’Donnell (both 48’).
Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).
Round Three Rebel Óg East Division Three U14 Football League
Whites Cross 0-08
St Catherines 0-09
St Catherines only just secured the victory, edging over the line by the slimmest of margins from this free ridden Rebel Óg East division three U14 football league tie played in dull overcast conditions on an excellent White’s Cross surface at 7.15pm on Thursday evening last.
It was the home team who pointed twice in the opening exchange, Ruairi Quinlan among the scorers maintaining that slender two-point advantage when ahead on a half time scoreline of 0-06 to 0-04. A four point scoring salvo through the third quarter secured it for the visitors. Kieran Kelleher, Shane Cotter, Nathan Sheehan and Kian O’Donoghue all on the mark against a White’s Cross outfit who virtually laid siege to the Saints posts in the closing passages of play.
Scorers: S Cotter and K O’Donoghue (0-02 frees) (0-03 each), K Kelleher, N Sheehan and O Fitzgerald (free) (0-01 each). St Catherines Team: J Bryan, C Hayes, D Morrison, D O’Connell, D O’Donovan, N Sheehan, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, C Pietropaolo, C Leamy, S O’Donoghue, K Kelleher, K O’Donoghue, C Sheehan and S Cotter. Subs: C Dunning and C McCarthy for D O’Connell and D O’Donovan (both 44’), D Murphy for S Cotter (50’), C Feeney for C Sheehan (53’). Also: A Bryan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy and J Leahy.
Referee: David Daly (Brian Dillons).
Munster Hurling Championship
It’s back. Next Sunday afternoon sees the commencement of what surely will be the most eagerly awaited provincial senior hurling championship. Waterford and Clare do battle. Throw-in will be 2pm at Walsh Park. Home games now for the Déise adding much needed spice to an already attractive competition. Then two hours later Munster’s two most successful hurling counties, Cork and Tipperary cross camáns for a 4pm start at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
It goes without saying such is the intensity of the structure and the games that you simply must get at least a point from your home matches. It’s going to be especially precarious for the Rebels. Annihilated by this weekend’s visitors in the league a few short weeks ago. Imagine tasting a defeat and having to pick up the pieces in Páirc na nGael just seven days later. Now there’s a tall order. It might be over simplifying it. But first two weekends will tell us a lot. However, in the best of sporting clichés - “Let the games begin”.
Fixtures
Adult Level
Saturday, May 11 at Dungourney – East Cork Junior A Football Championship first round v Fr O’Neills at 8pm. Sunday, May 12 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh – Munster Minor Hurling Championship - Cork v Tipperary at 2pm also Senior Hurling Championship – Cork v Tipperary at 4pm.
Juvenile Fixture
Friday, May 10 at Ballynoe – thirteen a side – Rebel Óg East round four Division Three U14 football league v Carraig na bhFear at 7.15pm.
Congratulations
Well done to Ballynoe based postman Brian Toomey on winning three bronze medals at the European karate championships in Montenegro recently. Not quite as exotic a venue as the Seamus Spillane trained Wrong Direction won the most valuable point-to-point race ever staged in the country at Dromahane near Mallow on Sunday, April 28 last.
Well done to successful pilot Johnny Hurley, maybe now when things settle down Johnny might find the time to return to Kevin Gavin’s junior B hurling squad, as it’s unlikely there will be any amateur drama for the summer months. A busy man is Johnny Hurley.
Cork GAA Clubs Draw
Not to be outdone as Pat O’Leary, Thorn Hill, Conna won third prize of €3,000 in the April Cork GAA clubs draw.
Lotto Results
Back to its regular slot for the weekly lotto draw held at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night, April 29 last. Numbers drawn were: 3, 5, 16 and 25 and there was no winner of the €4,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners on the night were: Esther Power, Ballynoe, Eimear Doyle, Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, Brian Davis, c/o PH, Conna, Sheila O’Leary and Leo and Juliette Coffey, c/o TVM, Bartlemy. Being a bank holiday, so this week’s draw with a now accumulated €4,600 jackpot was held over until Tuesday night last, May 7th at The Winners Enclosure, Conna.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Castlelyons advance from Ballynoe

Bill Cooper points a free on forty-one minutes. Youghal are now one point ahead. Seconds later Castlelyons lose an influential player to a straight red card. Pressure on as we enter the business end of this county premier intermediate hurling championship first round tie played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday evening last. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Within a minute David Morrison negotiates a path through the opposition defence. He is rewarded with a well-earned goal. Actually the excitement had hardly died down when a delightfully executed cross-field Shane Moroney pass picked out a virtually isolated Alan Fenton to quickly add number two. You would wonder who was the man short! Further points flowed. Michael Spillane and Keith O’Leary among the scorers. In all a tally of 2-04 without reply in an uninterrupted twelve minute spell. Game over!
It was a match that was a success too from an organisational point of view. Greatly helped by favourable weather conditions, which further boosted the attendance. Despite plenty of attractions elsewhere. Gates were well staffed and the parking of cars looked after efficiently. Fiona Sheehan, treasurer St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club co-ordinated programme sellers. We thank Youghal’s Alan Hennessy and Michael Barrett, secretary Castlelyons GAA Club for their co-operation and efficiency in its compilation.
Very shortly now the build-up will start to the Catherines/Cloughduv clash on Friday evening, May 3.

Rebel Óg East Round Three Division Two Minor Hurling League
Carraig na bhFear 0-16 St Catherines 1-18
First win of the campaign for the Saints. Collecting the points on offer from this round three division two minor hurling league tie when played in spring like conditions at Carraig na bhFear on Wednesday evening, April 17.
Off to the perfect start, registering five unanswered points through the opening nine minutes. It was a lead still standing at 0-06 to 0-02 to the end of the opening quarter. But then the opposition almost completely took over. Seán O’Donoghue and Ciaran O’Regan registered on the scoreboard. Timothy Hegarty impressive and unerring with his free taking. Seven points without reply was the return. Before somewhat against the run of play when Kevin Barry was on hand finishing off the Saints and the game’s only goal on twenty two minutes. Parity restored on a half time scoreline of 0-11 to 1-08.
It was to remain level pegging on numerous occasions as the contest progressed. But a four-point scoring burst midway through the second half with contributions from Conor England, Gearóid O’Brien, Tom Hartnett and Adam O’Brien probably sealed the deal.
Next up is a visit to Whitechurch this weekend.
Scorers: K Barry (1-04), C O’Brien (frees) and T Hartnett (0-04 each), G O’Brien (0-02), J Duncan, C Dineen, A O’Brien and C England (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, J Hayes, E O’Riordan, G O’Brien, C O’Brien, G England, D McDonnell, K Wallace, K Barry, A O’Brien, C Dineen, T Hartnett and J Duncan.
Subs: C England for C Dineen (second half), W McAuliffe for J Duncan (51’), E Philpott for E Sheehan (53’), C Roberts for K Wallace (57’). Also on panel: D Galvin and H Draper. Referee: Donal Kickham (Delaneys).
Rebel Óg East Round Two U16 Hurling League Div1
Fr O’Neills 1-07
St Catherines 3-16
Despite the one sided look to the scoreline it was the opposition who made the better start to this Rebel Óg East round two division one U16 hurling league tie.
Originally billed for the Monday but because of some appalling weather was delayed and played at Ahavine twenty four hours later on Tuesday evening, April 16 last. John Swayne goaled for O’Neills in their first attack. Alan O’Mahony and James Murphy added points, making it 1-02 to 0-03 to nine minutes. But the visitors were getting their act together. Mark Geary clearing his lines at wing back and the exchange in the roles provided for Denis Temple and Ben O’Connor worked a treat and parity was restored at 1-03 to 0-06 right at the end of the opening quarter.
Then exercising their first real grip on proceedings when a probing Conor England delivery came back into play off the post and ideally placed Ger Leahy crashed home the rebound. Making it 1-08 to 1-03 on twenty-five minutes and again at 1-10 to 1-03 to the sound of the half time whistle. As it was two wonderful goals both finished off by the pacy Gearóid O’Brien midway through the second half duly settled this league encounter.
Fr O’Neill’s scorers: J Swayne (0-02 frees) (1-04), A O’Mahony, J Murphy and M O’Neill (0-01 each). St Catherine’s scorers: G O’Brien (0-03 frees) (2-05), G Leahy (1-00), T Hartnett and K Wallace (0-03 each), C England (0-02), C Dineen, S Cotter and W Leamy (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, J O’Callaghan, E O’Riordan, C Bryan, D Temple, D Galvin, M Geary, C England, K Wallace, G O’Brien, W Leamy, C Dineen, G Leahy, T Hartnett and B O’Connor.
Subs: N Sheehan, S Cotter and W McAuliffe for J O’Callaghan, D Temple and G Leahy (all second half), K O’Donoghue and O Fitzgerald for D Galvin and C Bryan (both 40’). Also present: S O’Donoghue, H Draper, F O’Connell and C Sheehan.
Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).
Round Two Premier Two U12 Hurling League
St Catherines 4-08 Grenagh 1-09
Safe to say that visitors Grenagh with a deceptively stiffish breeze at their backs were the better team through the opening passages of this round two premier two U12 hurling league tie when played in sunny Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last.
Harry Daly, Shane Morley and Seán Henchion all finding the target and were ahead at the end of the opening twenty five minute half on a 1-07 to 2-01 scoreline. But it all changed utterly on the turn around. Julian Pietropaolo with the lead goal at 3-03 to 1-07 just three minutes into the second half. At the other end Alan Cotter was very sharp between the posts. Conor Murray working hard and outside of them Tristan Clancy hurled an ocean of ball. While John Temple was unerring with his free taking. Victory seemed assured when Ally Mulkerrins completing her hat trick when scoring the fourth Saints goal.
Next up for the U12’s are football in Carrigtwohill and hurling league in Newtownshandrum.
Scorers: A Mulkerrins (3-01), J Temple (0-07 frees) and J Pietropaolo (1-00).
St Catherine’s team: A Cotter, F McCreedy, C Murray, S Aherne, T Clancy, S Wallace, J Temple, J Pratt, J Kenneally, G Sheehan, J Pietropaolo, C O’Driscoll and A Mulkerrins. Also: T Dee, K O’Donoghue, C Hickey, L Kilmartin, B Aherne and S O’Donoghue.
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Thirteen A Side Division Three Peil na nÓg Final. St Catherines 4-03 Ballygarvan 1-05. Semi-finals. Ballygarvan 3-07 White’s Cross 3-05.
St Catherines 0-06 Courcey Rovers 0-03
St Catherines absorbing the concession of two points from the opening exchanges went on to dominate the remainder of the first half. Thus laying the platform leading to a seven-point victory from this thirteen a side division three Peil na nÓg final when played at Mayfield on bank holiday Easter Monday last.
Ciaran Pietropaolo and Seán O’Donoghue among the first half goalscorers in a 3-01 to 0-03 half time lead. Ballygarvan came right back into it and with prominent players in Eamon McCarthy and Eoin Gallagher whittled the margin down to two points not long after the interval. Kian O’Donoghue with his second and a fourth Saints goal late on confirmed the win. St Catherines had earlier seen off a commendable Courcey Rovers challenge (0-6 to 0-03) in the semi-final. Afterwards Eoin O’Mahony of the host venue in the absence of Rebel Óg secretary Donal Whooley now on the way to Kerry for a funeral, made the presentation to team captain Seán O’Donoghue.
Next up St Catherines will represent Cork in the All-Ireland Peil na nÓg finals in Leitrim towards the end of June. Also hosting a Wexford club when the Féile na nGael comes to Ballynoe as part of Cork hosting the event on June 7th/8th and 9th. A selector with Ballygarvan was ex Catherines player Richard Sheehan whose nephew Nathan was on the Saints line out. Referees last Monday were Jason Smyth and Carren Treacy both of Nemo Rangers.
Scorers v Ballygarvan: K O’Donoghue (2-02), C Pietropaolo and S O’Donoghue (1-00 each) and O Fitzgerald (0-01). Scorers v Courcey Rovers: K O’Donoghue (0-03 frees), O Fitzgerald (0-01 free) (0-02) and C Pietropaolo (0-01).
St Catherine’s panel of players: Jake Bryan, Darragh Morrison, Evan O’Driscoll, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Nathan Sheehan, Cathal McAuliffe, Oisín Fitzgerald, Kieran Kelleher, Ciaran Leamy, Seán O’Donoghue, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Cathal Sheehan, Kian O’Donoghue, Timothy Barry, Diarmuid O’Connell, Shane Cotter, Conor Hayes, Colum Feeney, Cian McCarthy, Cian Dunning, Dylan Murphy and Adam Bryan.
Easter Camp
Unfortunately poor weather reared its ugly head for the first scheduled day so the traditional Easter mini-camp went ahead on the pitches in Ballynoe on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday April 17th of last week. There were approx fifty in attendance over the two days. Our thanks to Noel O’Brien, Kieran Neville, James Hayes, Eoin O’Riordan, Erin Dillon, Amy Leahy and Sara Mai Clancy in helping to run an enjoyable and successful event.
Next on your busy juvenile fixture list
Tonight (Thursday), April 25 at Kilworth – Rebel Óg North Round Three Division One U14 Hurling League v Kilara Óg at 7pm. Friday, April 26 at Ballynoe - Round Two Group One U13 Hurling League v Midleton at 6pm. Friday, April 26 Round Four Division Two – Rebel Óg East Minor Hurling League v Whitechurch (away) at 7.15pm (rescheduled).
Lotto
Taking in the Easter bank holiday so this week’s lotto draw with a jackpot standing at €4,200 was held over until Tuesday night last, April 23 at The Big Tree, Aghern.

Sponsors
T + A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Dream over for U21s
St Catherines 0-12
Bride Rovers 3-11
Overriding factor dominating the opening exchanges of the contest was the ratio of scorers emanating from the opposition camp. Always a solid guide as to how a match was unfolding. Even though the teams were level twice through the opening minutes it was DJ Cahill with the first goal on fourteen minutes had the Rovers into a lead they weren’t going to relinquish when this divisional U21 C football championship semi-final was played under the lights in Ballynoe on Friday night last.
As the contest progressed, eight different scorers had contributed to a lead of 1-07 to 0-03 to twenty two minutes. One or two more might have seen capitulation from the home team. But digging deep they responded positively to a clearly ominous situation. Attacking corner back Philip Keane among the scorers and while Gavin England’s opening point of this championship semi-final was a score of beauty nothing would surpass the point of the night finished off by team captain, Rory Galvin playing his first match for a month since coming back from a hand injury. Half time arrives with the Rovers still ahead. But now on a more respectable 1-07 to 0-06 scoreline.
It remained a still-competitive match on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-08 and again at 1-09 to 0-09 through the three quarter stage and beyond. But Rory O’Sullivan’s goal clearly had the Rovers in the ascendency. Catherines trying all their might as points followed through Richard Galvin, Owen O’Neill and youthful substitute Ciaran O’Brien. But there certainly would be no come back from the concession of a third goal finished off by influential midfielder Cian Hogan on fifty two minutes. Bride Rovers will play either Lisgoold or Cobh in the East Cork final.
We thank mentors Padraig O’Connor, John Mulcahy, Laurence O’Connor and Pa Roche for work put in right from the outset.
St Catherines scorers: O O’Neill (0-02 frees) (0-04), R Galvin and Rd Galvin (0-02 each), G England, N O’Regan, P Keane and C O’Brien (0-01 each). Bride Rovers scorers: C Hogan (1-02), C Barry (0-1 free) (0-04), DJ Cahill and R O’Sullivan (1-00 each), G O’Keeney Sullivan, C Ryan, E Roche, J Connor and S O’Connor (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: Eoin Davis, James Hayes, Eoin Wallace, Philip Keane, Shane O’Regan, Thomas O’Donnell, Conor Hickey, Rory Galvin (captain), Aaron Long, Gavin England, Richard Galvin, Kieran Neville, Ben O’Brien, Niall O’Regan and Owen O’Neill. Subs: David McDonnell for Niall O’Regan (second half), Ciaran O’Brien for Gavin England (35’). Also on panel: Kieran English, Eoin Sheehan, Adam O’Brien and Kevin Geary.
Referee: James ‘Dingle’ Daly (Youghal).
Lookback
Going back nine years from U21 age group and Bride Rovers again inflicted pain in overcoming the Saints challenge in the 13-a-side divisional U12 C hurling championship final played in Dungourney on the evening of Friday, September 3, 2010. That being the last year of the old East Cork juvenile board prior to the introduction of Rebel Óg. That Bride Rovers team started with Jack Connor, DJ Cahill, Conleth Ryan and Griffin O’Keeney Sullivan. Winning captain was Jordan Service.
While it’s been all of twenty three years since the Saints played four matches at U21 B football championship level in the one season. Wins over Carrig na bhFear, Glenbower Rovers and Fr O’Neills preceding a final win over Cloyne at Castlemartyr on the evening of Sunday, May 5, 1996.
2010 U12 lineout: Shane O’Regan (captain), Philip Keane, Niall O’Callaghan, Eoin Wallace, Niall O’Regan, Kieran Neville, Rory Galvin, Darren Leamy, Thomas O’Donnell, Richard Galvin, Eoin Davis, Conor Hickey and Luke Beecher. Subs used were: Kevin Geary and Kyle Twomey. Also on that panel were Killian Fox, Cormac Galvin, Owen O’Neill, Shane O’Connor, Kieran English and Shane Spillane.
1996 U21 lineout: Shane Fitzgerald, Jim Lane, Martin O’Keeffe, Mike Dorgan, Bill O’Keeffe, Ger Lynch, Richard Cotter, Johnny Sheehan, Paul O’Connell, Brendan Hickey, Dave O’Connell, Michael Hegarty, Richie Hegarty, Paddy Lane and Brian Cotter (captain). Sub used was: Shane Kearney. Also on panel: Kieran Morrison, Donal Lynch, Ian O’Connell, Pat Morrison, Brendan Noonan, James Caples and Gordon Bryan.
This week’s juvenile report
Rebel Óg East
division one U12
football league – rd2
St Catherines 2-02
Glenville 1-09
Visitors Glenville were winners of this division one Rebel Óg East U12 football league round two fixture played in spring-like conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. Being awarded a trio of forty fives in the opening six minutes a measure of their early dominance. Going on to lead on a half-time scoreline of 1-04 to 1-00.
But the complexion of matters changes a bit on the turnover. James Kenneally finished off the second of his two goals, both from subliminal first touches and parity was restored when following strong defensive Conor Murray play it was Gearoid Sheehan on hand to point the equaliser from a placed ball. But Glenville finished the stronger and with prominent play from Sean Buckley, Shayne Curtin and Mike O’Riordan were first over the line by a four point margin.
Scorers: J Kenneally (2-01) and G Sheehan (0-01 free). St Catherines team: B Ahern, S O’Donoghue, C Murray, S Aherne, J Temple, J Pratt, G Sheehan, J Pietropaolo, T Dee, D Turley, J Kenneally, S Wallace and C Hickey. Also: C Barry, L Kilmartin, K O’Donoghue, M Kearney and C O’Driscoll.
Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Rebel Óg East U16 football league div2 rd3
Erin’s Own 1-04 St Catherines 2-14
A horrible start above in Mayfield preceded a subsequent home victory over St Colmans (Russell Rovers and Cloyne) and saw ever-improving fortunes continue with a well-earned victory over Erins Own when this Rebel Óg East U16 football league div2 rd3 tie was played in Caherlag at 4pm on Saturday afternoon last.
Scorers: K Wallace (1-04), D Morrison (1-01), C England (0-04), T Hartnett and M Geary (0-02 each) and D Temple (0-01). St Catherines team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, D Temple, W McAuliffe, W Leamy, T Hartnett, S Cotter, C England, K Wallace, S O’Donoghue, H Draper, F O’Connell, M Geary, E O’Riordan and N Sheehan. Subs: K O’Donoghue for B O’Connor; O Fitzgerald for D Temple; D Morrison for W McAuliffe and C McAuliffe for S Cotter.
Referee: Ger Scully (Glenbower Rovers).
Juvenile fixtures to hand
Saturday, April 6 Rebel Óg East minor hurling league division two round one v Castlelyons (away) at 1.30pm NB location and time may change. Saturday, April 6 at Ballyhooly Peil na nÓg qualifier. Monday, April 8 at Ballynoe Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league – div1 rd1 v Watergrasshill at TBC.
Club meetings
There will be a juvenile club meeting tonight (Thursday, April 4) at 8.30pm. Executive are meeting on Thursday night, April 11. Next regular parent club meeting is on Thursday night, April 25. Secretary Eleanor will update you on official starting times.
Condolences
It was a sad weekend, with the deaths of two esteemed citizens of the parish. Sympathy to Kal, Noreen, James and Patrick on the death of their mother, Kitty Moroney. Both Kal and Noreen are outstanding lotto supporters. With the Winners Enclosure a regular venue in staging the weekly event. Many the match we fixed with James in his capacity as an administrator with Castlelyons Juvenile GAA Club. Condolences also to the family on the sad and untimely death of Jerry Jones from just outside of Ballynoe village. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dilse.
Lotto results
Returning on March 25th to its regular Monday night slot for the weekly lotto draw at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna. Numbers drawn being 7, 9, 13 and 21. There was no winner of the €3,400 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night were Stephen Cotter, Barrafohona, Vera and Bernie, Ballynoe, Pat Clancy, Monagown, Conna, Ann O’Keeffe, Barrafohona and Patricia Moroney c/o Kals.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Lotto jackpot at €4,000
We’re behind since the celebration of our national feast day. So this week you update your weekly lotto details, starting with the results from the Winners Enclosure on Monday night, April 1. Numbers drawn were 8, 9, 23 and 30. There was no winner of the €3,600 jackpot, while the consolation winners were Philip Keane, Currabeha; Peter O’Keeffe, c/o M’s, Ballynoe; Mike Fitzgerald, Sydney and Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona, whose name emerged twice from the draw drum. When your luck is in!
Moving on with the most recent draw which was held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night last, April 8. Numbers drawn were 2, 12, 14 and 25 and the jackpot then standing at €3,800 wasn’t won. The consolation prize winners on the night were Paudie and Breeda Galvin, Lacken; Leo and Juliette Coffey, c/o TVM, Bartlemy; Marie Walsh, c/o Kal’s; Sean Buckley, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern and Gavan Murphy, c/o Kals.
All of which means next draw at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night, April 15 now has an accumulated jackpot of €4,000.
Pat McAuliffe RIP
Irish listeners but particularly those from his beloved Cork were shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of Pat McAuliffe. He was a regular columnist with The Echo and a few years back rang one Saturday afternoon that he would be coming to Ballynoe the following Sunday evening to cover the St Catherines v Cloyne senior hurling league match, but he wouldn’t make it for the throw-in, requesting coverage until his arrival which was just before the interval. He was extremely grateful and seemed a very nice man.
He was a regular at all major Cork matches throughout the province and beyond, indeed covering GAA matches along with other codes. Being used regularly on the Saturday and Sunday of busy weekends, such was the plethora, especially national league matches to be covered.
He was a regular on RTE radio, right up to his sudden death and frequently delivered the sports news on 2FM. Always had that feeling at the back of my head that he was the DJ for discos organised by Conna Youth Club back in the early nineties. Well you must start somewhere mustn’t you!
Belated sympathy to Cal Aherne and family, Ballynoe on the recent sad passing of his brother Bill. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Challenge matches
With league matches set to resume this weekend St Catherines have being playing a series of intermediate hurling practice matches, travelling to Ring in West Waterford and only on Tuesday night of last week in what were bitterly cold conditions and lost out to Youghal in a challenge match on a scoreline of 2-19 to 2-17.
Just to remind you St Catherines meet reigning county and provincial junior hurling champions Cloughduv in the first round of this year’s intermediate hurling championship. Match pencilled in for Páirc Uí Rinn on the evening of Friday, May 3. Throw-in time will be 7.30pm.
Youghal will return to Páirc Naomh Caitrionaigh, Baile Nua on the evening of Saturday, April 20 where they meet Castlelyons in the first round of the premier intermediate hurling championship. That match has a 7pm start.
But of course there are other teams in the club. This year’s junior hurling manager is Kevin Galvin, ably assisted by Laurence O’Connor and Jim Lane, who will also train and coach the team. They will play in division two of the league and also the East Cork junior B hurling championship later in the year.
Getting a squad together for the first time in a challenge match against neighbours Dungourney at Ballynoe on Saturday last. Dungourney were the better team overall and led at the interval, 2-8 to 0-6. Kieran English, Kevin Dineen and Owen O’Neill made the scoring charts with the opposition winning out on a scoreline of 3-16 to 3-9. Still you must start somewhere!
Adult club fixture
Sunday, April 14 – Intermediate hurling league division 4, round 5 v Blackrock (away) at 2pm.
Underage report
Juvenile matches played. Rebel Óg East minor football league division 4, round 3.
St Catherines 2-6 Castlelyons 7-8: This Rebel Óg East round 3, division 4 minor football league tie was progressing as an even enough contest, when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Monday night, April 1 last. Both teams gaining and regaining the initiative twice before a Gavin O’Neill goal on 28 minutes was enough to establish a four point Castlelyons lead at half-time, 3-3 to 2-2.
A two goal burst from prominent midfielder and top scorer Richard Morrison within a minute of the change of ends all but sealed it. Evan Philpott and Tom Hartnett found the net for the home based team. David McDonnell kicked some well executed points, including one complementary first-half effort. But Castlelyons were better.
Scorers: T Hartnett (1-1), E Philpott (1-0), D McDonnell (0-3, 0-1 free), K Barry and C England (free) (0-1 each). Castlelyons scorers: R Morrison (4-2), E Linehan (2-0), G O’Neill (1-0), C McCarthy (0-3), D Morrison (0-2) and J Kearney (0-1).
St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, J Hayes, J O’Keeffe, M Geary, H Draper, C England, D McDonnell, K Barry, K Wallace, T Hartnett, G Leahy, E Philpott, W McAuliffe.
Many thanks to Denis Walsh for taking charge in the absence of the appointed referee.
Peil na nÓg
A good morning and day’s work as three wins and a draw saw St Catherines emerge from the Peil na nÓg qualifier held in Ballyhooly on Saturday last.
Results: St Catherines 1-6 Ballycastle Gaels 0-0; St Catherines 5-1 White’s Cross 1-1; St Catherines 2-4 Carraig na bhFear 0-0; St Catherines 2-2 Castlelyons 2-2.
Panel of players: Kieran Kelleher, Cathal McAuliffe, Cathal Sheehan, Colum Feeney, Darragh Morrison, Kian O’Donoghue, Oisín Fitzgerald, Sean O’Donoghue, Ciaran Leamy, Conor Hayes, Evan O’Driscoll, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Jake Bryan, Timothy Barry, Dylan Murphy, Adam Bryan and Cian McCarthy. It’s a competition set to resume on Easter Monday at a time and venue to be confirmed.
Juvenile championship draws
Out there now are the draws for this year’s juvenile championships. This week we focus our attention on football.
St Catherines received a bye in a six team Rebel Óg East division 3 U14 football championship, where they will encounter the winners of a real local derby involving Brian Dillons and Whites Cross in the semi-final. Carraig na bhFear are paired with Lisgoold, with St Colmans awaiting the winners in the penultimate round. First round matches are scheduled for the end of July.
An even number of 8 teams constitute the Rebel Óg East U16 division 2 championship, starting on Wednesday, July 24 where St Catherines will meet Fr O’Neills. Other teams involved are Erins Own, Killeagh/Itas, Mayfield, Kiltha Óg, St Colmans and Fermoy.
St Catherines are playing Castlelyons in a four team 13-a-side division 4 minor football championship. Lisgoold and Ballinacurra are on the other side. Patrons are advised that the U12s and U13s play league only. No championship draws are applicable for those age groups. Next week we will hone in on the hurling draws.
Catherines players on successful college teams
A memorable and successful week for Catherines players with their respective colleges on the hurling fields. Cork were the inaugural winners of the All-Ireland U17 hurling championship, beating Dublin in the final at Croke Park on Sunday, August 6, 2017. Included on that team were Eoin Davis, Conor O’Callaghan of Dromtarriffe and Midleton’s Tommy O’Connell. All three paired up again as members of the UL team that conquered LIT in the All-Ireland Freshers One hurling championship final when played at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Thursday afternoon last. Eoin Davis lining out in goals in a final refereed by Cathal McAllister of Aghada.
24 hours previously 3 players from the club made the starting line out as St Colmans, Fermoy proved too strong for Midleton CBS in the Munster PPS U14 A hurling championship final for the Corn Aodh Ui Dhudha. Match played in Mallow. They were Kyle Wallace, Gearoid O’Brien and Sean O’Donoghue, while Fionn O’Connell made an appearance as substitute. Stephen Cotter and Ben O’Connor were other panellists. Congratulations to all players wherever you’re from. A results providing another shot in the arm for hurling in Rebel land.
Juvenile fixtures - busy schedule
Tonight (Thursday), April 11 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg North U14 hurling league division one, round one v Watergrasshill at 6.30pm. Tonight (Thursday), April 11 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East minor hurling league division two, round two v Aghada at 7.30pm.
Saturday, April 13 U12 group three premier hurling league v Fermoy (away) at 2.30pm. Sunday, April 14 Rebel Óg North U14 hurling league division one round two v Charleville (away) at 11.30am.
Monday, April 15 U13 group one premier hurling league v St Finbarrs (away) at 7pm. Monday, April 15 at Ahavine Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league division one round two v Fr O’Neills at 6.30pm. Wednesday, April 17 Rebel Óg East minor hurling league division two round three v Carraig na bhFear (away) at 6.45pm.
East Camp
The increasingly popular St Catherines Juvenile GAA and camogie clubs three day mini Easter Camp will take place in the pitches in Ballynoe from Monday 15th to Wednesday, April 17 from 10am-1pm. It’s open to all primary school children of the parish. Cost is €20 per child, €50 for family of three or more. Hurley, helmet, gumshield, boots, raingear, drink and snack needed. To book text child’s name, age and contact details to Imelda O’Connell, secretary, St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

U21 footballers into semi-final
St Catherines keep the winning run going. Latest success from this section 1 round 3 tie when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last earning them a last fourth place in the East Cork U21 C football championship. A semi-final which according to the planner is down for decision this upcoming weekend.
They started well here scoring three points in the opening five minutes and were five points without reply ahead to the end of the opening quarter. Exercising a greater influence around the middle, an improving Cobh registered the next three points. Although the home based team continued to hold the balance of power when ahead on a half-time scoreline of 0-06 to 0-03. It was a contest going up a notch on the change of ends with a duo of well taken Odhran Kidney Power goals. Both finished off from close range. Giving an otherwise impressive Eoin Davis no chance. Cobh turning it around to lead at 2-03 to 0-08 to forty minutes and again at 2-04 to 0-08 at the end of the third quarter.
Catherines though in fairness responded well to the concession of the goals. Continued to play their normal game. Didn’t panic and were rewarded when substitute Adam O’Brien with the key pass picked out the hardworking Richard Galvin for the equalising score at 0-10 to 2-04 to fifty two minutes. Working on the theory that the best form of defence is attack and the Saints continued to probe and look for openings. Two minutes later they were ahead when attacking wing back. Kieran Neville, who kicked over the game’s opening score on ninety seconds, picked out man of the match Owen O’Neill to bring his tally to eight points, including three from play. His place kicking was unerring and most important of all accurate. We know O’Neill has other sporting interests but he would certainly be of benefit to the junior footballers. Currently struggling for scores. Catherines in winding down the clock were exactly in the right place. Embedded deep in opposition territory when industrious substitute David McDonnell wrapped up the scoring right on time. Two teams from Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill and Lisgoold can emerge from the other side.
Scorers: O O’Neill (0-05 frees) (0-08), Rd Galvin (0-02), K Neville and D McDonnell (0-01 each). St Catherines team: E Davis, J Hayes, K Geary, P Keane, K Neville, T O’Donnell, C Hickey, A Long, S O’Regan, E Wallace, Rd Galvin, G England, O O’Neill, K English and N O’Regan. Subs: D McDonnell for K English (second half), A O’Brien for N O’Regan (49’). Also on panel: E Sheehan and R Galvin. Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
St Catherines
championship draws
Hinted at previously and this week we review championship draws for the club. St Catherines are paired with Cloughduv in the first round of the intermediate hurling. It’s the only pairing down for decision on Friday, May 3rd. Venue will be Páirc Uí Rinn with a 7.30pm throw-in.
St Catherines are based in division two of the divisional junior hurling league. Other teams making up a nine team group are Killeagh, Carrigtwohill, Carraig na bhFear, Cloyne, Castlelyons, Midleton, Cobh and Bride Rovers. While the junior B hurling championship will be played on a round-robin basis. Catherines along with Youghal and Carrigtwohill constitute group one with the top two thus securing a quarter-final place. In the intermediate hurling championship organised by the East Cork board for the Abernethy Cup, St Catherines meet Sarsfields in the quarter-final. Having received a bye from round one.
Again the divisional U21 A hurling championship is played on a round -robin. Catherines located in group one along with Carrigtwohill, Youghal and Watergrasshill. As you are aware ongoing is division three of the junior football league. As we told you last time around fourteen teams make up the divisional junior A football champions. St Catherines drawn against Fr O’Neill’s in the first round. As they were last year, second team are based in group two of the junior C championship. Other teams being Lisgoold, Youghal and Glenbower Rovers. Again being played on a round robin basis. Currently being played off is the U21 C football championship. While both minor hurling and football league and championship draws are under the banner of Rebel Óg East.
Rebel Óg East U14 football league
Div 3 rd2 St Catherines 4-13 Brian Dillons 1-00. In fairness Brian Dillons tried their hearts out. It just didn’t run for them. Darragh Morrison originally won the ball which found its way up to Seán O’Donoghue who at the second time of asking finished off the opening goal for the home team from this Rebel Óg East round two division three U14 football league tie played in spring like conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. By half-time the Saints had moved onto 1-06 and it was looking ominous for the sporting team coming from the northside of Cork City.
Maybe a point was on the agenda. But a probing delivery from Adam Bryan, only just pressed into action, deceived the keeper, ending up in the net just three minutes into the change of ends. Further goals from Cathal Sheehan and Oisín Fitzgerald were forthcoming. Which means the Saints now have full points from their opening two fixtures. While we wish Brian Dillons all the best for the remainder of the season.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (1-03), C Sheehan (1-02), A Bryan and O Fitzgerald (1-01 each), N Sheehan (0-01 free) (0-02), S Cotter, C Leamy, C Pietropaolo and R O’Donoghue (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, C Dunning, D Morrison, E O’Driscoll, C McAuliffe, O Fitzgerald, C Hayes, N Sheehan, D O’Connell, C Feeney, S O’Donoghue, K O’Donoghue, C Leamy, C Sheehan and S Cotter. Subs: A Bryan, C Pietropaolo, D Murphy and T Barry for S Cotter, D O’Connell, C Leamy and C Hayes (all second half). C Leamy for K O’Donoghue (41), also D O’Donovan. Referee Gavin O’Brien (Lisgoold).
National football league
Ouch! Looked at in isolation last Sunday’s win up north would be a praiseworthy effort and indeed it was. But the damage was done and Clare’s win in Thurles sends both Cork and Tipperary down to the third division of the national football league. Clare and Cork each wind up on five points. But the Banner county would have a far superior scoring average. More importantly winning the head to head between the two counties.
Confirmation of parent club fixture
Friday, March 29 at Ballynoe U21 C football championship semi-final v Bride Rovers at 7.30pm.
Sympathy
We offer our condolences to the Lenihan and O’Sullivan families of Ballynoe and Conna on the sad passing of Jim Lenihan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Point to points
It’s a parish with a great affinity and love for our native games and amateur drama. This weekend we wish the best of luck to the organising committee on the staging of Ballynoe point-to-points. Set for their traditional start at Kilavorilla on Sunday, March 31 at 1.30pm.
Lotto results
It was a bank holiday as we celebrated our national feast day meaning last week’s lotto was held over until Tuesday night, March 19 at The Big Tree, Aghern. Numbers drawn being 9, 16, 27 and 28. There was no winner of the €3,200 jackpot. Consolation winners were: Paddy Milward c/o The Big Tree, Martha O’Brien, J ~ J, c/o The Big Tree and Johnny H c/o The Big Tree.
Your juvenile
fixture list
Saturday, March 30 at Ballynoe Rebel Óg East U12 football league division one round two v Glenville at 3pm. Saturday, March 30 at Caherlag Rebel Óg East U16 football league division two round three v Erins Own at 4pm. Tuesday, April 2 Rebel Óg East minor football league division four round three v Castlelyons (away) at 7.15pm.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club.
Watch those clocks
We wouldn’t want you to be late for that match or training session. Just be careful that the time goes forward this weekend. You will notice that extra hour from Sunday evening on. Sure it will suit the point to points down to the ground!

U21 football championship
resumes this weekend
St Catherines will play a fancied Cobh outfit in round three of section one when the divisional U21 C football championship resumes this weekend. Throw-in will be in Ballynoe on this forthcoming Friday night, March 22 with a 7.45pm throw-in.
Both teams are on full points. But it’s a match that will determine pairings for the semi-finals scheduled for the following weekend. Depending on the progress of Midleton CBS through the All-Ireland College’s senior hurling championship. Two teams from a trio of Lisgoold, Bride Rovers and Carrigtwohill will enter the penultimate round from the other side.
Looking briefly ahead and Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh, Baile Nua will play host to the attractive pairing of Castlelyons and Youghal in an opening round tie of the County Premier Intermediate hurling championship. That’s on Saturday evening, April 20 starting at 7pm which is the only tie down for that evening. The Saints themselves face reigning county and provincial junior champions Cloughduv in the first round of the intermediate hurling championship at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday evening May 3. It goes ahead at 7.30pm.
Fourteen teams entered the hat in the draw for the divisional junior A football championship, constituting seven first round matches including that of St Catherines and Fr O’Neills and it will be played in Dungourney on the afternoon/evening of Saturday, May 11. Twenty-four hours later sees the commencement of the Munster senior hurling championship. Cork and Tipperary clashing at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Next week we take a brief look at other East Cork championship ties pertaining to the Saints.
It looks unlikely that there will be another game in division four of a revamped intermediate hurling league played in March. They’re honing in now on getting matches played up to the fixtures date with five points allotted for a win and three for a draw. One point given for playing the match, meaning challenge games are required. St Catherines having to work hard to see off a stubborn Ballysaggart challenge in damp conditions, when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last. Kenneth Cashell although almost losing control finished off the first of his two goals from a placed ball making it level playing at 0-05 to 1-02 to sixteen minutes.
Richard Galvin with a neat finish reignited the challenge for the home team and were back in front when Shane O’Brien goaled a penalty very late in the half with the Saints just shading it on an interval scoreline of 2-06 to 1-05. Goalscorer Galvin then turning provider picking out substitute Conor Kearney to finish off the third goal just on the three quarter mark. Ballysaggart then goaled a penalty and in an evenly contested friendly match played out between two under strength outfits remained competitive from there to the end. Finishing up in a narrow four point win for the Saints on an end scoreline of 3-10 to 2-09. Mike Walsh was on the blower.
Rebel Óg East U16 Football League div2 rd 2
St Catherines 3-10
St Colmans 1-02
Apart from a brief spell through the opening quarter St Catherines went on to be the dominant force from this round two Rebel Óg East division two U16 football league tie when played at midday in Ballynoe on Saturday last. Kian O’Donoghue, Tom Hartnett and Ben O’Connor amongst the scorers, as the Saints turned it around to lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 1-07 to 1-02.
With Harry Draper lording it at centre back and midfielder Kyle Wallace executing a few skilfully taken points, the Saints dominance intensified. Virtually encamped in the Colmans half of the field and victory confirmed following a brace of goals from substitute Denis Temple. Scorers: K Wallace (1-01 frees) (1-05), D Temple (2-00), T Hartnett (0-02), K O’Donoghue, B O’Connor and G Leahy (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, N Sheehan, M Geary, D Morrison, C Bryan, H Draper, F O’Connell, K Wallace, T Hartnett, W Leamy, G O’Brien, C Dineen, K O’Donoghue, S O’Donoghue and B O’Connor. Subs: D Temple for M Geary (19’), A O’Donnell for C Dineen (second half), G Leahy and S Cotter for B O’Connor and K O’Donoghue (both 40’).
Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Rebel Óg East U12 Football League div1 rd1
St Catherines 4-03
Erins Own 3-05
A lot of new names to be familiarising oneself with, as the Saints completed an underage double with a narrow victory over Erins Own in this round one U12 football league division one tie played at 2pm in Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. An evenly contested affair between two well-matched teams. With Erins Own just edging it on a half-time scoreline of 2-02 to 1-03. John Temple scored the goal as early as the fourth minute of what are twenty-five minute halves. Calum O’Driscoll kicked over a duo of points. Cillian Hickey with the first score of the match in the opening seconds.
Trailing 3-04 to 1-03 early on the changeover yet the Saints finished strongly. Their cause greatly boosted with an invaluable goal from a sublime Gearóid Sheehan finish. Reducing the margin still further when Fionn McCreedy neatly tucked away a penalty kick. Very much in the melting pot when Thomas Dee struck for the fourth and match winning goal right at the finish. No time to come back from that.
Scorers: J Temple, G Sheehan, T Dee and F McCreedy (penalty) (1-00), C O’Driscoll (0-02) and C Hickey (0-01). St Catherines Team: B Aherne, J Pratt, C Murray, S Aherne, F McCreedy, J Pietropaolo, J Temple, T Clancy, T Dee, G Sheehan, C Hickey, S Wallace and C O’Driscoll. Also: C Barry, M Kearney, B McKee, S O’Donoghue, K O’Donoghue and L Kilmartin.
Referee: Jim Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
National Leagues
A weekend of mixed results for the Rebel County through the various leagues. It’s possible Cork could be relegated prior to making the lengthy trip up North this upcoming weekend to face Armagh for their final group game in divisional two of the National Football League. Overall it’s been a poor and disappointing campaign with just three points collected thus far following a share of the spoils with Fermanagh. Their only win was in Thurles over Tipperary. Overall competitive Munster finals against Kerry seem a long way away now.
Not really sure of the implications of that win in Nowlan Park, as both counties retain their division one status. Maybe it might decide which groups Cork and Kilkenny play in when the National Hurling League comes round again.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday as we celebrated our national feast day meant this week’s lotto draw with €3,200 jackpot was held over until Tuesday night, March 19th at The Big Tree, Aghern. Results will appear next week.
What’s On This Weekend
Friday, March 22 at Ballynoe - U21 C Football Championship Section One - Round Three v Cobh at 7.45pm. Saturday, March 23rd at Ballynoe - Thirteen A Side Rebel Óg East U14 Football League – Division Three – Round Two v Brian Dillons at 2pm.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Season starting this weekend
Weather permitting this season should kick off this upcoming weekend with the opening sequence of matches in division three of the junior football league. Catherines start off with a home tie against Castlemartyr, while Dungourney are visitors the weekend after.
Fixture
Junior football league division three round one v Castlemartyr at Ballynoe. Exact date and time not available when submitting report.
Award for Orla Cotter
It seems there’s no end to the plaudits as we yet again congratulate Orla Cotter, this time on being the recipient of the Cork 96FM and C103 GAA Sports Star of the Year in association with Rochestown Park Hotel. Another magnificent achievement.
Camogie club fundraiser
St Catherines Camogie Club annual fundraising table quiz will take place at The Big Tree in Aghern on this forthcoming Friday night, February 8. A raffle will be incorporated into the night. Kick off should be around the 8.30pm mark.
Light Up walk
As part of the Ireland lights up campaign with Operation Transformation, St Catherines GAA and Camogie Club will be hosting a light up walk in our grounds every Thursday for the month of February from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Meet outside Neville’s at the bottom of Ballynoe village and don’t forget to bring family and friends.
National Leagues
A double header in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon last with end results which only compounded problems initiated a week previously.
Cork simply must get something from their visit to Ennis on this forthcoming Sunday afternoon if any thoughts of pushing their way out of the second division of the national football league can be entertained. Remember Armagh, Donegal and Meath are also in that group.
Cork hurlers, if you analyse the situation, are now winless since the Munster final last July, from the All-Ireland semi-final onto the Munster League and the opening sequence of games in the national hurling league.
Also another issue again raising its ugly head and it won’t go away and why should it, is the state of the pitch. It must have been a nightmare for the hurlers of Cork and Wexford on Sunday afternoon last. No doubt this will become an issue as the week progresses. Remember they were out reinforcing sods at half-time during the Clare and Limerick matches last summer and they were being played in the height of the warm weather.
Catherines v Cloughduv 1986
When the county championship draws surfaced, we promised you a brief reflection on previous clashes involving St Catherines and Cloughduv, as the county junior hurling champions from 2017 and the reigning county and provincial title holders have been paired to meet in the first round of this year’s county intermediate hurling championship.
Losses to Mallow and Bishopstown meant the Saints were without success on entering the grade following their county junior A win in 1983. Both Catherines and Cloughduv winning the first two championship matches back in the hurling year of 1986, for the Saints beating the Barrs in Castlelyons and Castletownroche in a replay at Rathcormac would set up a quarter-final tie with Cloughduv in the intermediate championship of 1986. The team in the green and gold having tasted victory over Passage and Ballinhassig thus far.
Genuinely felt in the mind this match was played in Ballinlough, good job we checked the official records. It was at Church Road in Blackrock on Saturday evening, July 26, referee Willie Horgan throwing in the sliotar for a 7.45pm start.
Catherines were slow to start, finding themselves four points adrift to the end of the opening quarter, recovering to shade it marginally at the interval by 0-8 to 1-4. Shortly after the break a John G Barry goal allied to which Christy Clancy added a brace of points saw a six point lead open up. Inexplicably only one further point was forthcoming. Cloughduv, with Donald O’Leary, Liam Lynch, Brian McSweeney, Tim O’Riordan and Tim Barry Murphy prominent, rattled off nine points without reply, securing a championship victory on an end scoreline of 1-16 to 1-12, going on to attain outright honours later in the year, beating Erins Own in the final.
Catherines: Willie Murphy, Maurice Hartnett, Pat O’Sullivan, Barrie O’Regan, Kevin Lane, Denis Walsh, Seamus Neville, Denis O’Neill, Cathal Casey, Patsy O’Donoghue, Mike Mellerick,, Pat Clancy, Christy Clancy, John G Barry, John Mangan. No sub used.
We will do another fixture next week.
Scór na bPáistí
St Catherines had a successful weekend in the quarter-finals of East Cork Scór na bPaistí. Nine of the hurling club entries got through from the first quarter-final on Friday night last. Just a shade unlucky was Faye Sheehan, performing ‘Katie’ in the solo singing category. Well, you can’t win them all!
Five of the seven football club entries advanced from Sunday. Just losing out were Siofra Marsh who performed ‘Raglan Road’ in the solo singing section. Not progressing either with their ballad group of Marie O’Connor, Timothy Barry, Zahara Mounir, Katelyn Hickey and Siofra Marsh, singing ‘Fields of Athenry’ and ‘Seamaisín’.
No luck for the camogie club entries in the other quarter-final also on the Sunday. They being Billy Ahern with his rendition of ‘Raglan Road’ in the solo singing section. Also Aimee Kearney reciting ‘If I Were A Lady’ in the storytelling or recitation competition. St Catherines Camogie Club ballad group didn’t’ advance either. The group consisted of Cian Josh, Liam Moore, Roisin O’Regan-Seadon, Jack Tanner and Sophie Lee. They sang ‘Fields of Athenry’ and ‘Seamaisín’. Also bowing out at the quarter-final stage were the question time team consisting of Shane Cotter, John Temple and Sam Ahern
Both semi-finals are down for decision again at Lisgoold Community Hall on this coming Sunday, February 10. Times are 2pm and 6.30pm. This year’s East Cork Scór na bPáistí finals will go ahead at Watergrasshill Community Hall on the afternoon of Sunday, February 17. Starting time will be 2.30pm.
All this went on after the club held its own domestic round of the competition before a large and appreciative audience at Ballynoe Community Centre on Monday night, January 28, organised by club Irish/cultural officer Marie Clancy. Back stage Mary Barry was cool, calm and collected, a massive help as was Edmond Galvin. Master of ceremonies and quizmaster was club PRO John O’Mahony while Jennifer Galvin knew all about those switches, knobs, controls and microphones. You see ‘you can’t beat breeding’.
Judge for the night was Orla Arnold from the Bride Rovers Club. That said we could have done with a little more help, even if it was to put away tables and chairs. Sounds ordinary and basic but oh so necessary. They don’t just appear!
Lotto
Once again we congratulate Jane Barry on her sizeable lotto win. Results from the most recent weekly draw which was held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night last, February 4. Numbers drawn were 11, 21, 24 and 25 and a basic jackpot of €2,000 was not won. Consolation winners were Marie Crowley, c/o Billy O’Neill; Padraig Cotter, Ballynoe; Kate, Olivia and James Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; P Davis, c/o PH and Roy Hartigan, c/o PH.
Next draw for a jackpot of €2,200 will be at The Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night, February 11.
Juvenile Meeting
Just take note a meeting of the juvenile club goes ahead tonight (Thursday, February 7) at 8.30pm.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club.

U21 footballers win again
East Cork U21 C football championship section 1 round 2
Cloyne 0-4 St Catherines 0-9
Two from two for the Saints, a second win coming from the divisional U21 C football championship section 1 round 2 tie played in overcast, albeit mild conditions on the old pitch at Cloyne on Saturday afternoon last. Throw-in was 3pm.
Catherines were the better team from the outset, though weren’t availing of all chances presented and were guilty of the odd very poor finish. As it was Richard Galvin was leading the line well from centre forward, kicking over a brace of well worked points from play and saw one goal bound effort coming off the crossbar and back into play right at the end of the opening quarter. Owen O’Neill converted a duo of points from placed balls as the Saints forced themselves into a lead on a half-time scoreline of five points without reply.
Niall O’Regan with a deft touch added to the tally within three minutes of the resumption, while probably the best point of the lot was finished off by Thomas O’Donnell as the margin stood at nine unanswered points at 43 minutes. Still Cloyne showed grit and spirit playing on their own pitch and from there to the finish laid siege to the Saints posts, though Brian Walsh was their only scorer. Next up are Cobh.
Scorers: Richard Galvin and O O’Neill (frees, 0-3 each), T O’Donnell (0-2, 0-1 free) and N O’Regan (0-1).
St Catherines team: E Davis, J Hayes, M Geary, P Keane, C Hickey, T O’Donnell, S O’Regan, A Long, K Neville, C O’Brien, Rd Galvin, O O’Neill, N O’Regan, K English, B O’Brien. Subs: G England and D McDonnell for C O’Brien and K English (both 36 minutes), A O’Brien for N O’Regan (39 minutes).
Referee: Gavin O’Brien (Lisgoold).
Rebel Óg East 13-a-side minor football league div 4 rd 2
St Catherines 2-1 Lisgoold 3-8
Lisgoold probably laid the platform for this result with a commendable first half performance at the end of which and having played against the elements would find themselves ahead on a half-time scoreline of 1-4 to 0-1, when this Rebel Óg East 13-a-side round 2 division 4 minor football league tie went ahead in wintry conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Tom Hartnett kicking over the Saints point on ten minutes, finding themselves even further behind when Luke Walsh converted a goal from a penalty kick three minutes into the second half.
But there was a response from the home team when the industrious and always hard working James Hayes picked out David McDonnell to crash home a sweetly struck goal from an unstoppable drive, before the same player won a penalty kick which he duly converted himself. This reduced the margin to a scoreline of 2-4 to 2-1 on 37 minutes.
Robbie Kinnane charged through for his second and Lisgoold’s third goal, while Cormac Hallahan contributed some well struck points to secure a deserved victory for Lisgoold.
Scorers: D McDonnell (2-0, 1-0 penalty) and T Hartnett (0-1).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, M Geary, W McAuliffe, J Hayes, D Galvin, J O’Keeffe, T Hartnett, C England, D McDonnell, A O’Brien, H Draper, G O’Brien, E Sheehan. Subs: C Dinneen for W McAuliffe (half-time), G Leahy for H Draper (50 minutes). Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Rebel Óg East 13-a-side U14 football league div 3 rd 1
St Catherines 3-10 Lisgoold 2-5
Running concurrent with the aforementioned U21 football championship match in Cloyne, and the Saints were off to a winning start with a well-earned eight point win over Lisgoold from this division 3 Rebel Óg East 13-a-side U14 football league round 1 tie when played in Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last.
Team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, D Morrison, D O’Donovan, O Fitzgerald, C Hayes, E O’Driscoll, C Leamy, C Sheehan, S O’Donoghue, C Feeney, K O’Donoghue, D Murphy. Also: C Pietropaolo, A Bryan and T Barry.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Glenbower Rovers).
This weekend’s juvenile fixtures
Saturday, March 16 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East U16 football league division 2 round 2 v St Colmans at 12noon; Saturday, March 16 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East U12 football league division 1 round 1 v Erins Own at 2pm (fixtures correct when submitting report).
Scór na bPáistí finals
No success for the Saints from the county Scór na bPáistí finals, which were held at a well-attended Eire Óg GAA pavilion at Ovens on Saturday afternoon last.
Taylor Walsh, representing club and division in the solo dance final, as was Saorla Twomey, with an extract from ‘Jimeen’ in the story telling or recitation category, then teaming up with Isobelle O’Mahony, Leah O’Halloran, Faye Sheehan and Laura Kenneally performing ‘Red is the Rose’ and ‘Ding Dong Dedero’ in the ballad group decider.
Overall it turned out to be a disappointing day for eastern finalists with no county titles finding their way to Imokilly. That signifies an end to Scór competitions for the season. Scór na bPáistí concluding at county final stage, with no provincial or All-Irelands forthcoming. Many thanks to all those who participated incorporating all age groups over a five month period.
Condolences
Belated commiserations to the Maguire family, Conna on their recent sad bereavement while we express our heartfelt sorry to the Tobin family, Rathdrum, Ballynoe on the death of their dad Denis over the weekend, coming as it did just five months after the sad passing of Anna back in early November. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na n-anamnacha dilse.
Juvenile meeting
Items of interest emerging from the most recent juvenile meeting held in the clubhouse in Ballynoe on Thursday night last. First of all the Peil na nÓg qualifiers are down for decision on Saturday, April 6. As you are probably aware, the hurling equivalent takes place this year in Cork. Dates being June 7th/8th/9th. The Easter camp will take place over a three day period on the pitches in Ballynoe, starting on the morning of Monday, April 15 through to April 17.
National leagues
Tipperary beating Cork in the national hurling league could be termed a shock, but the extend of the loss makes for a difficult swallow. Cork now meet Kilkenny in the relegation playoff. But wait – no team will be relegated!
Donegal are visitors to Páirc Uí Rinn this weekend in what will be a vital national league football tie. Not applying pressure but it’s a must win for the Rebels, before embarking on the long trip to Armagh the weekend after.
Lotto
Two names inadvertently escaped the consolation winners from last week’s lotto draw, they being John Ronayne, c/o TVM, Bartlemy and Willie Kearney, Conna. Sorry about that.
As we move on with the results from the most recent draw, which was held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night last, March 11. Numbers drawn were 9, 16, 17 and 23. There was no winner of the €3,000 jackpot. Consolation winners being John O’Mahony, Ballynoe; John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Ann Cotter, Glentrasna, Ballynoe; Fionn and Eoin McCready, c/o Kal’s and Jerry O’Connor, Ballyclough.
Being a bank holiday, as we celebrate our national feast day, next week’s lotto draw with a jackpot now standing at €3,200 will be held over until Tuesday night, March 19 at The Big Tree, Aghern.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club

U21 footballers win again
East Cork U21 C football championship section 1 round 2
Cloyne 0-4 St Catherines 0-9
Two from two for the Saints, a second win coming from the divisional U21 C football championship section 1 round 2 tie played in overcast, albeit mild conditions on the old pitch at Cloyne on Saturday afternoon last. Throw-in was 3pm.
Catherines were the better team from the outset, though weren’t availing of all chances presented and were guilty of the odd very poor finish. As it was Richard Galvin was leading the line well from centre forward, kicking over a brace of well worked points from play and saw one goal bound effort coming off the crossbar and back into play right at the end of the opening quarter. Owen O’Neill converted a duo of points from placed balls as the Saints forced themselves into a lead on a half-time scoreline of five points without reply.
Niall O’Regan with a deft touch added to the tally within three minutes of the resumption, while probably the best point of the lot was finished off by Thomas O’Donnell as the margin stood at nine unanswered points at 43 minutes. Still Cloyne showed grit and spirit playing on their own pitch and from there to the finish laid siege to the Saints posts, though Brian Walsh was their only scorer. Next up are Cobh.
Scorers: Richard Galvin and O O’Neill (frees, 0-3 each), T O’Donnell (0-2, 0-1 free) and N O’Regan (0-1).
St Catherines team: E Davis, J Hayes, M Geary, P Keane, C Hickey, T O’Donnell, S O’Regan, A Long, K Neville, C O’Brien, Rd Galvin, O O’Neill, N O’Regan, K English, B O’Brien. Subs: G England and D McDonnell for C O’Brien and K English (both 36 minutes), A O’Brien for N O’Regan (39 minutes).
Referee: Gavin O’Brien (Lisgoold).
Rebel Óg East 13-a-side minor football league div 4 rd 2
St Catherines 2-1 Lisgoold 3-8
Lisgoold probably laid the platform for this result with a commendable first half performance at the end of which and having played against the elements would find themselves ahead on a half-time scoreline of 1-4 to 0-1, when this Rebel Óg East 13-a-side round 2 division 4 minor football league tie went ahead in wintry conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Tom Hartnett kicking over the Saints point on ten minutes, finding themselves even further behind when Luke Walsh converted a goal from a penalty kick three minutes into the second half.
But there was a response from the home team when the industrious and always hard working James Hayes picked out David McDonnell to crash home a sweetly struck goal from an unstoppable drive, before the same player won a penalty kick which he duly converted himself. This reduced the margin to a scoreline of 2-4 to 2-1 on 37 minutes.
Robbie Kinnane charged through for his second and Lisgoold’s third goal, while Cormac Hallahan contributed some well struck points to secure a deserved victory for Lisgoold.
Scorers: D McDonnell (2-0, 1-0 penalty) and T Hartnett (0-1).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, M Geary, W McAuliffe, J Hayes, D Galvin, J O’Keeffe, T Hartnett, C England, D McDonnell, A O’Brien, H Draper, G O’Brien, E Sheehan. Subs: C Dinneen for W McAuliffe (half-time), G Leahy for H Draper (50 minutes). Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Rebel Óg East 13-a-side U14 football league div 3 rd 1
St Catherines 3-10 Lisgoold 2-5
Running concurrent with the aforementioned U21 football championship match in Cloyne, and the Saints were off to a winning start with a well-earned eight point win over Lisgoold from this division 3 Rebel Óg East 13-a-side U14 football league round 1 tie when played in Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last.
Team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, D Morrison, D O’Donovan, O Fitzgerald, C Hayes, E O’Driscoll, C Leamy, C Sheehan, S O’Donoghue, C Feeney, K O’Donoghue, D Murphy. Also: C Pietropaolo, A Bryan and T Barry.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Glenbower Rovers).
This weekend’s juvenile fixtures
Saturday, March 16 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East U16 football league division 2 round 2 v St Colmans at 12noon; Saturday, March 16 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East U12 football league division 1 round 1 v Erins Own at 2pm (fixtures correct when submitting report).
Scór na bPáistí finals
No success for the Saints from the county Scór na bPáistí finals, which were held at a well-attended Eire Óg GAA pavilion at Ovens on Saturday afternoon last.
Taylor Walsh, representing club and division in the solo dance final, as was Saorla Twomey, with an extract from ‘Jimeen’ in the story telling or recitation category, then teaming up with Isobelle O’Mahony, Leah O’Halloran, Faye Sheehan and Laura Kenneally performing ‘Red is the Rose’ and ‘Ding Dong Dedero’ in the ballad group decider.
Overall it turned out to be a disappointing day for eastern finalists with no county titles finding their way to Imokilly. That signifies an end to Scór competitions for the season. Scór na bPáistí concluding at county final stage, with no provincial or All-Irelands forthcoming. Many thanks to all those who participated incorporating all age groups over a five month period.
Condolences
Belated commiserations to the Maguire family, Conna on their recent sad bereavement while we express our heartfelt sorry to the Tobin family, Rathdrum, Ballynoe on the death of their dad Denis over the weekend, coming as it did just five months after the sad passing of Anna back in early November. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na n-anamnacha dilse.
Juvenile meeting
Items of interest emerging from the most recent juvenile meeting held in the clubhouse in Ballynoe on Thursday night last. First of all the Peil na nÓg qualifiers are down for decision on Saturday, April 6. As you are probably aware, the hurling equivalent takes place this year in Cork. Dates being June 7th/8th/9th. The Easter camp will take place over a three day period on the pitches in Ballynoe, starting on the morning of Monday, April 15 through to April 17.
National leagues
Tipperary beating Cork in the national hurling league could be termed a shock, but the extend of the loss makes for a difficult swallow. Cork now meet Kilkenny in the relegation playoff. But wait – no team will be relegated!
Donegal are visitors to Páirc Uí Rinn this weekend in what will be a vital national league football tie. Not applying pressure but it’s a must win for the Rebels, before embarking on the long trip to Armagh the weekend after.
Lotto
Two names inadvertently escaped the consolation winners from last week’s lotto draw, they being John Ronayne, c/o TVM, Bartlemy and Willie Kearney, Conna. Sorry about that.
As we move on with the results from the most recent draw, which was held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night last, March 11. Numbers drawn were 9, 16, 17 and 23. There was no winner of the €3,000 jackpot. Consolation winners being John O’Mahony, Ballynoe; John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Ann Cotter, Glentrasna, Ballynoe; Fionn and Eoin McCready, c/o Kal’s and Jerry O’Connor, Ballyclough.
Being a bank holiday, as we celebrate our national feast day, next week’s lotto draw with a jackpot now standing at €3,200 will be held over until Tuesday night, March 19 at The Big Tree, Aghern.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club

Weather proves a spoilsport
Intermediate hurling league division four round two:
Kilbrittain 2-03
St Catherines 1-05
Just when we thought that the situation was settling down and the weather rears its ugly head again! Well it is Ireland! First victim of the weekend conditions was the scheduled pairing of St Catherines and Russell Rovers in round three of the division three divisional junior football league. Too late for inclusion in last week’s notes, news of which arrived about ten minutes beyond submission and was agreed between the clubs to be played under the lights at Ballynoe on Friday night last. It was horrendous.
Also falling victim to the weekend setback were a number of attractive fixtures through the various groups in the national hurling league. Most notably the clash of Wexford and Kilkenny at Innovate Wexford Park and that of Cork and Tipperary at Páirc Uí Rinn. Also off was the scheduled Waterford/Galway fixture down for Walsh Park.
Ironically what did get the green light though maybe it shouldn’t have was this round two tie in a revised and rejigged division four of the intermediate hurling league. Credit to the thirty four players or so for surviving this struggle of cold wind and rain at Kilbrittain early on Sunday afternoon last. Throw-in time was 1pm.
Catherines, mainly through the accuracy of trustworthy fee taker Shane O’Brien, shading it on a half-time scoreline of 0-04 to 0-02 in a clear low scoring affair.
But the balance took a significant turn when Maurice Sexton crashed in the game’s opening goal right at the end of the third quarter. Added to when Declan Harrington finished off a second seven minutes later. A Richard Galvin goal for the saints made for an exciting conclusion. But try as they might a leveller wasn’t forthcoming.
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-04 frees), Rd Galvin (1-00) and S Cotter (0-01). St Catherines team: E Davis, P Keane, C Hegarty, K Neville, J Neville, D Mangan, E Wallace, S Cotter, S O’Brien, B Davis, R Clancy, N O’Regan, Rd Galvin, P Roche, T O’Donnell. Sub: C Kearney for B Davis (48’). Referee: Stephen Murphy (Bandon).
Rebel Óg East Div2 U16 football league rd1
Mayfield 5-08 St Catherines 0-05
St Catherines can’t be happy with their performance from this Rebel Óg league tie when played in all kinds of conditions at the opponents venue on Saturday afternoon last. Even though the Saints were ahead through a Tom Hartnett pointed free as early as the second minute were eventually outfought and outplayed by a physically stronger and cuter Mayfield outfit.
Team: E Philpott, D Morrison, K Wallace, N Sheehan, F O’Connell, D Galvin, C Bryan, G O’Brien, C England, K O’Donoghue, T Hartnett, S Cotter, C Dineen, O Fitzgerald, W Leamy.
Subs: A O’Donnell for S Cotter (27’). J O’Callaghan and B O’Connor for K O’Donoghue and C Dineen (both second half). C McAuliffe for C Bryan (37’), W McAuliffe for O Fitzgerald (41’). Also present: S O’Donoghue and H Draper. Referee: Chris Broderick (Na Piarsaigh).
This weekend’s fixture list
Saturday, March 9th at Ballynoe revised thirteen a side Rebel Óg East U14 football league
div3 rd1 v Lisgoold at 2.30pm. Saturday, March 9 U21 C football championship section 1 rd2 v Cloyne (away at old pitch) at 3pm. Sunday, March 10 at Ballynoe Rebel Óg East thirteen A side minor football league div4 rd2 v Lisgoold at 11.00am. Times and dates correct at time of submitting report.
Sympathy
We offer our condolences to the family of Tommy Dinneen, Ballynattin, Ballynoe who passed to his eternal reward last week. The late Tommy played for the club in the fifties and sixties and remained a keen follower of the game over the years. While one remembers his name appearing on occasions as a consolation winner in the weekly lotto draw. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Cheltenham
Throughout next week the sporting focus shifts to the UK where thousands of keen equine followers descend on the Cotswolds for the Olympics of horse racing. Yes indeed it’s the annual Cheltenham National hunt racing festival. Last year we went with the Gordon Elliott trained novice hurdler Samcro to brighten up Irish eyes. He duly obliged though ironically but for a number of factors hasn’t won a race since. He is still a very good horse though and could easily finish up across the water next week.
We feel the class horse representing Ireland next week will be the Joseph O’Brien trained Sir Eric. He will run in one of the two mile novice hurdles probably the champion four year old which normally takes place on the final day in the card, There has been a few keen Irish defectors in the recent build up. Most notably Le Richbourg and Penhill. While pundits on the other side will be all up for Paisley Park in the stayers hurdle. But watch out for Faugheen. He was going well when falling at Leopardstown at Christmas and if he stayed afloat could easily have troubled Apples Jade. Just imagine Samcro and Faugheen charging up that feracuis hill with the winning post in sight. Let the games begin!
Scór na bPáistí
St Catherines will have a trio of participants in the decider following the county semi-finals of Scór na bPáistí from Friday night last. Taylor Walsh will compete in the solo dance category. As will Saorla Twomey with an extract from Jimeen in the recitation or story-telling competition. They will also be represented in the ballad group decider. Numbers performed are ‘Red Is The Rose’ and ‘Ding Dong Dedero’. Members are Faye Sheehan, Laura Kenneally, Leah O’Halloran, Saorla Twomey and Isobelle O’Mahony.
Only just failing to advance were the instrumental music group consisting of Tayah Quirke, Billy McKee, Eilise Cotter and Hannah Norman. Numbers performed were ‘Mo Ghile Mear’ and ‘The Three Flowers’. They were a little unlucky. But you can’t win them all and they do have the consolation of a divisional title.
Patrons please take note there are no provincial or All-Ireland stages in the national schools age group. This year’s County Scór na bPáistí finals are on again at the Éire Óg GAA pavilion on this forthcoming Saturday afternoon March 9. Starting at 2.30pm.
National league
Cork recorded a valuable victory over Tipperary in the national football league at Thurles. But you would imagine are still facing an uphill struggle to hold on to their place in division two. Donegal come to town on St Patrick’s weekend. Before facing the lengthy trip to Armagh. You would imagine at least one win must emerge from those difficult fixtures should survival be forthcoming.
Juvenile meeting
Patrons be advised that there will be a meeting of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club on tonight Thursday, March 7. It’s on in the clubrooms, Ballynoe and starts at 8.30pm. Looking ahead and the club executive meet next Thursday night, March 14. Next regular parent club meeting is on Thursday night, March 28.
Lotto jackpot at €3,000
St Catherines weekly lotto draw now has a jackpot of €3,000. Results from the most recent draw which was held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night last, March 4. Numbers drawn were 4, 13, 15 and 21 and there was no winner of the €2,800 jackpot. Consolation winner were: Mike Mellerick, Conna, Una Sheehan, Glentrasna, Ballynoe and Dick Hegarty, Garrycahera, Ballynoe. There will be a draw at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe, on Monday night, March 11.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club, juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel

Dates, venus and times for county championship
It heightens awareness of their impending arrival as the dates, times and venues for the county championship first round draws entailing both codes were revealed early on Thursday last. Only game down for Friday evening, May 3 is the pairing of St Catherines and Cloughduv in the first round of the imtermediate hurling championship. A clash between the county junior winners from the past two seasons. Fixed for Pairc Úi Rinn with a 7.30pm throw-in. We are currently going back over previous meetings between the sides. This time around a first round clash from Pairc Uí Chaoimh in May in 1992.
Pairc Naomh Caitrionagh has the attractive clash of Castlelyons and Youghal in the first round of the county premier intermediate hurling championship. That goes ahead on the evening of Saturday, April 20. Throw-in is 7pm.
Even before all that are the round-robin matches in the U21C football championship. St Catherines play Youghal on Saturday, February 23. Then it’s Cloyne on Saturday, March 9 and Cobh on Saturday, March 23. Semi-finals are down for Saturday, March 30 and the final for the following Saturday, April 6. County championship games go on over the month. Clearly the junior football league will be ongoing. Making for a busy start to the 2019 playing season.
St Catherines v Cloughduv 1992
This week another clash of significance between St Catherines and Cloughduv unfolds. As the overall make up and shape of the Saints team was changing. Greatly boosted by the U12 winning team of 1987, that team went on to attain county U16B honours in 1990, with St Catherines eventually losing a county minor A hurling final in the early autumn of 1993.
Johnny Sheehan and Kieran Morrison excelled in the Harty Cup final of 1992. Generally accepted as one of the most exciting provincial colleges showpieces of our time, played at Kilmallock on Sunday, March 15, unfortunately wouldn’t bring home the Croke Cup. Losing out in the All-Ireland final to St Kieran’s at Thurles on the afternoon of Sunday, April 26.
By the way included on the St Flannan’s team in the Harty final were future Clare seniors Richard Woods, Fergal Hegarty and as we knew him then, Oliver Baker. One year later Johnny Sheehan and Kieran Morrison were county minors, having made their club intermediate debuts against Cloughduv in a first round clash at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday, May 17, 1992. Throw-in time was 3.50pm, being part of a double header also taking in Inniscarra and Delanys, which preceded it at 2.30pm.
Largely on top in midfield exchanges where James Spillane excelled and with Johnny Sheehan a threat at wing forward. All guaranteed a plentiful supply of ball to an eager Catherines full forward line. Favoured by the wind conditions Catherines had surged to a half-time lead, 0-13 to 0-4, 12 of those points coming from Christy Clancy and Denis Walsh who was picked at full forward.
Cloughduv initiated a mini-recovery on the change of ends, adding four points without reply. Catherines again retaining control, Cathal Casey now the top midfielder. Donal O’Leary adding a delightful point from centre forward. Kieran Morrison’s timely flick producing the first goal and a lead, 1-15 to 0-8 on 49 minutes. Sean Buckley scored the second goal five minutes later. Included on that Cloughduv team were John Grainger, Tim O’Riordan and the Murrays, both Kevin and Paudie. The final score was St Catherines 2-15 Cloughduv 1-9.
On July 25 at Carrigtwohill in the second round Catherines defeated Douglas by a point, 0-12 to 2-5, but in truly awful conditions would lose to Ballymartle in the quarter-final at Caherlag, 2-7 to 0-10 on Saturday evening, September 12.
Team v Cloughduv 1992: John Hartnett, Kevin Barry, Barrie O’Regan, Pat O’Sullivan, Patsy O’Donoghue, Shane O’Connell, Seamus Neville, James Spillane, Cathal Casey, Johnny Sheehan, Donal O’Leary, Christy Clancy, Kieran Morrison, Denis Walsh, Sean Buckley. Also on panel: Eppie Hartnett, Pat Clancy, Paddy O’Leary, Mike Mellerick, Pat Fitzgerald, Batt Sheehan, Mike Walsh, Junior Sheehan, Ted O’Leary, Edward Sheehan, John Mangan, Ger Morrison and Billy Neville.
East Cork Junior Football League Division three, round one
St. Catherine’s 0-03 Castlemartyr 5-15
Goals from Cian Hayes and Colm Beausang in the early stages had Castlemartyr off to a flyer in this opening division three junior football league tie, played in sunny yet still cold conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday afternoon last. A partial response saw Rory Galvin and Padraig O’Connor find the target before Shane Cogan pointed the score of the hour after twenty three minutes but a half-time deficit of 3-06 to 0-03 couldn’t be breached. Castlemartyr running out easy winners after that.
St. Catherines team and scorers: E Davis, J Casey, J Mulcahy, P Keane, J Neville, P Roche, S O’Brien, S O’Donnell, P O’Connor (0-1), S Cogan (0-1), E Wallace, T O’Donnell, D Wallace, R Galvin (0-1f), B Davis. Sub: R Condon for J Casey (second half). Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Fixture
Friday, February 15 at Ballynoe East Cork Junior Football League division three, round two v Dungourney, 8pm.
Scor na bPaisti
St. Catherines had eleven entries that successfully negoiated the divisional Scor na bPaisti semi-finals when held over two sittings, afternoon and evening at Lisgoold Community Hall on Sunday last, only just losing out in the Leiriu or novelty section for those representing the hurling group were Conor Hayes, Sarah Hannon, Tayam Quirke, Hannah Norman, Ciaran Leamy, Eilise Cotter, Michael Foley and James Cotter their act was entitled ‘The Battles of Independence’.
Likewise Chloe Carr representing the football set up didn’t progress with an extract from ‘Angela’s Ashes’ in the story telling or recitation competition, or Eillie Barry playing the bodhran in the solo instrumental music catergory. Best of luck to all finalists for this year’s East Cork Scor na bPaisti finals, which are on in Watergrasshill Community Hall on Sunday afternoon next, February 17, starting at 2.30pm.
National Football League
Following last Sunday’s excursion to Ennis, Cork now have every chance of moving out of division two in the National Football League, straight down to the third division!
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy to our good friend David Hoare of Castlelyons GAA Club on the sad passing of his mother Kathleen at the weekend. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis.
Drama in Ballynoe Community Centre
We are deviating from our brief, but what wonderful entertainment was put on by the Blood in the Alley Theatre Company in association with Cork County Council and The Arts Council presenting The Fit Up Theatre Festival . Ballynoe Community Hall one of the seven venues throughout the east and north of the county over the past four weeks or so putting on productions like ‘Silent’, ‘From Under the Bed’ and ‘Small Halls and Potholes’. It was to finish up last night with Noni Stapleton’s production of ‘Charolais’. These are all professional performances helping to promote the arts in the local district, described in the Sunday Business Post as an “Excellent offering of plays”.
While we are at it we wish the best of luck to director Anne Barry and the Conna Dramatic Society with their upcoming production of John B. Keane’s ‘Moll’.
Weekend Functions in The Big Tree
Friday night last saw the staging of the camogie club’s annual fundraising table quiz, well attended with numerous spot prizes on offer and twenty tables plus participating. All making for a succesaful undetaking finishing up with the newly elected chairman Ed Galvin revealing that Laura Hayes had won the Players Player of the Year award.
While we were back at The Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night last, February 11 for the most recent weekly lotto draw. Numbers drawn were 14, 25, 29 and 30. There was no winner of the €2,200 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being, Mike Barry c/o The Big Tree, Kevin Galvin, Lacken, W+C c/o Mc’s, Tracey and Denis c/o The Big Tree and Matt Noonan, Conna.
Next draw with a jackpot now standing at €2,400 will be at The Fisherman’s Rest on Monday night coming, February 18.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St. Catherine’s GAA Club. Juvenille club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

It’s a championship weekend
Nearly 60 days from consuming the festive turkey and plum pudding and we’re into a knockout situation as the opening sequence of matches in the divisional round-robin U21 C football championship go ahead this upcoming weekend.
Catherines are situated in group one along with Cobh, Cloyne and Youghal. The top two automatically qualify for the semi-final. Elsewhere, whoever emerges between Lisgoold, Glanmire and Russell Rovers are into the semi-final from group two, while group three is a straight knockout game involving Bride Rovers and Carraig na bhFear with the winner becoming the fourth semi-finalist.
By mutual agreement Catherines begin their campaign in Magners Hill in Youghal on this forthcoming Friday evening. Mentors Padraig O’Connor, Pa Roche, John Mulcahy and Laurence O’Connor will look to Rory Galvin, Thomas O’Donnell, Kieran Neville, the O’Regans, Shane and Niall, Philip Keane and Eoin Davis among others with a team who were a shade unlucky when losing out narrowly to Kiltha Óg in the first round of the equivalent Rebel Óg East minor B football championship at Castlemartyr three summers ago.
It’s also a weekend that sees commencement of division 3 of the intermediate hurling league. Catherines starting off with a home tie against Barryroe, preceding two fixtures away to Kilbrittain and Argideen Rangers in turn, both to be played in March.
Junior football
league division 3 round two
St Catherines 0-6 Dungourney 2-5: Much better this time around from the Saints. Nicely worked and well-crafted points from Pa Roche, John Hurley and in particular Rory Galvin all helping to seize a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after 19 minutes of this tie when played under the lights in windy, misty albeit mild conditions at Ballynoe on Friday evening last.
Good work undone with the concession of two goals, both finished off within minutes at either side of half-time. Brian Ahearne with the first from the penalty spot on 24 minutes, which saw Dungourney attaining an internal advantage on a scoreline of 1-4 to 0-4.
Ryan Denny scored the crucial and match winning second goal on 34 minutes. Bit of a break now in the programme of matches with the aforementioned U21 C football championship and opening sequence of games in the intermediate hurling league taking precedence. Other games in the group are Russell Rovers (away), Cobh (away) and Glanmire (home).
Scorers: R Galvin (0-3, 0-1 free), P Roche, J Hurley and P O’Connor (free) (0-1 each). St Catherines team: E Davis, K Neville, J Mulcahy, J Neville, C Hickey, P Roche, S Cogan, S O’Brien, R Galvin, KD Galvin, A Carr, B Davis, T O’Donnell, P O’Connor, J Hurley. Subs: E Wallace and S O’Regan for B Davis and S Cogan (both second half). A O’Brien for T O’Donnell (44’), E Corcoran for J Mulcahy (52’). Referee: Eoin Coleman (Youghal).
Challenge matches
Thus far managers and mentors alike have been dependent on the friendly match to bring squads together, like the Saints just getting the better of Carrigtwohill in an U21 football challenge. Played in savagely cold conditions under the lights at Ballynoe on Monday night, Feb. 4th, ending up 3-10 to 1-10 in the home team’s favour.
Although it kind of collided with the camogie club fundraising table quiz as the Saints lost out by a narrow margin to Bride Rovers in a challenge game for the intermediate hurlers later that same week.
Trailing 0-8 to 0-5 at the break but with conditions in their favour on the change of ends the Saints won out another intermediate hurling practice game also at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Rory Galvin scored the all-important goal from a sublime finish ten minutes into the second half. It finished up St Catherines 1-15 Inniscarra 1-12. Carrigtwohill based Brian Murphy refereed.
Catherines v Cloughduv 1994
Continuing our sequence of reviewing previous clashes involving St Catherines and Cloughduv, who this year are paired in the first round of the county intermediate hurling championship. As we go back to the county intermediate final involving the two, played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday, 11th September 1994. It’s called hyping it up!
Cloughduv, mainly through the accuracy of Tim Barry Murphy and Kevin Murray, clawed back early Saints dominance, forcing themselves into a narrow one point lead before a second Brian Cotter goal restored Saints’ advantage and were ahead on a half-time scoreline of 2-5 to 1-5.
Crucial and match winning scores were forthcoming through the third quarter. Full-forward Dave O’Connell pouncing for the third goal just two minutes into the second half and four unanswered points coming off the sticks of Donal O’Leary and Kieran Morrison and a duo from the ever accurate Christy Clancy saw the margin stretch out to 3-9 to 1-7 to the three quarter mark. Cloughduv battled on but Catherines couldn’t be denied, crowned county intermediate hurling champions on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-11. A historic moment as clubman and county treasurer Dan Hoare presented the Jim Long Cup to winning captain Patsy O’Donoghue.
Catherines team: Michael Dorgan, Maurice Hartnett, Barrie O’Regan, Shane O’Connell, Pat Fitzgerald, Denis Walsh, Patsy O’Donoghue (captain), Johnny Sheehan, James ‘Junior’ Sheehan, Donal O’Leary, Kieran Morrison, Christy Clancy, Mike Walsh, Dave O’Connell, Brian Cotter. Don’t have time or space to list scorers or extended panel but subs used were Martin O’Keeffe, Eddie Geaney and Seamus Neville. Referee: Ger Harrington (Carrigaline)
Weekend’s fixtures
Friday, February 22 at Magners Hill, East Cork U21 C football championship group one round one v Youghal at 7.45pm. Sunday, February 24 at Ballynoe, Rebel Óg East minor football league division four round one v Ballinacurra at 11.30am. Sunday, February 24 at Ballynoe, intermediate hurling league division three round one v Barryroe at 2pm. Times may change as week progresses.
Juvenile gradings and league groupings
To hand are the underage gradings and league groupings for the year in both codes, concentrating on hurling this week. With fixtures emanating from Coiste na nÓg, St Catherines will be located in group three at U12 primary level, joined by Bride Rovers, Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Fermoy, Mallow, Shandrum and Youghal. Graded premier one at U13 level the Saints will be in with Ballincollig, Bishopstown, Douglas, Glen Rovers, Inniscarra, Midleton, Sarsfields and St Finbarrs.
Soft borders dictate that the U14 hurlers play in the Rebel Óg North division one league, along with Whitechurch, Clyda Rovers, Kilara Óg, Watergrasshill, Charleville, Blarney and Aghabullogue.
Rebel Óg East is the station for the division one U16 hurling league, the others being Fermoy, Watergrasshill, Cobh, Fr O’Neills, Killeagh,/Itas and Kiltha Óg. The minors will be based in the division two Eastern league along with Aghada, Castlelyons, Carraig na bhFear and Whitechurch.
Now just take note that the U15 competition organised by Coiste na nÓg is a straight knock out championship and normally played in the height of summer, usually starting on the conclusion of the junior cert exam. We will take a glance at the football set up in next week’s notes. Underage managers for this year are Brian Sheehan with the 12s, U13 is Mark O’Driscoll, U14 is Ollie Sheehan, with Kieran O’Brien taking charge of the 15s and 16s and Dave Wallace the minors. That covers both codes. From a recent club juvenile meeting I learned that Paul Higgins will be looking after those competing at U10 level. Enjoy the year lads.
Good weekend for Cork hurling
You would have to say it was a good weekend for hurling in our beloved county. First points claimed in division one of the national league thanks to an unerring exhibition of free taking from that masterful craftsman, three-time All-Star Patrick Hogan.
Then there was Midleton CBS winning the Harty Cup final, overcoming CBC in an all Cork final. Goals coming from two very influential players in underage East Cork hurling, namely Joe Stack from Kiltha Óg and Castlemartyr and Jason Hankard of Fr O’Neills.
Remember St Francis College, Rochestown defeated Hamilton High School, Bandon in another all Cork contested final for the Tom Collum Cup. Happy days!
This weekend Cork face Meath in round four of the national football league division two. 30 years ago this would fill Páirc Uí Rinn. Now, it’s just another fixture.
Scór na bPáistí finals
What a weekend for the Saints, claiming four titles on offer from the East Cork Scór na bPáistí finals when held at a busy Watergrasshill Community Hall on Sunday afternoon last.
Success for Saorla Twomey with her piece ‘An Extract from Jimeen’ in the recitation or storytelling section. Taylor Walsh claimed a divisional title in the solo dance competition. Maeve Egan was also a finalist.
Also winning an East Cork title were the instrumental music group made up of Hannah Norman, Elise Cotter, Billy McKee and Tayah Quirke. Numbers performed were ‘Mo Ghile Mear’ and ‘The Three Flowers’. Also winning in the ballad group decider, performing ‘Red Is The Rose’ and ‘Ding Dong Dedero’. Members are Faye Sheehan, Laura Kenneally, Leah O’Halloran, Saorla Twomey and Oisobelle O’Mahony.
All winners emerged from those representing the hurling club. The figure dancing troupe of Orla Morrison, Tessa O’Leary, Taylor Walsh, Laura Kenneally, Abbie Leahy, Grainne Dineen, Amy Leahy and Ciara McLoughlin finishing runners-up with ‘The High Call Cap’, as did Conor Hayes, Sarah Hannon and Gearoid Sheehan in the tráth na gceist.
The football club question time team of Chloe Carr, Jack Hickey and Cian McCarthy took third place. Taking the runners-up spot in the Léiriú novelty act decider, piece entitled ‘What To Do For Scór’, members were Maeve Egan, Chloe Carr, Cillian Hickey, Ellie Barry, Johanna Carr, Paraic Lucey and Cian McCarthy.
Also hurling club finalists were Laura Kenneally, playing the concertina in the solo instrumental music category, as were the set dancing troupe performing ‘The Ardgroom Set’. St Catherines claiming the Buckley Casey Cup as strongest club in the competition. Going on to win the Chris O’Mahony Cup for strongest club in the division entailing the three Scór competitions. All winners from last Sunday now go forward to represent club and division in the county Scór na bPáistí semi-finals in Ovens on Friday night, March 1 at 7pm.
Lotto results
Results from the most recent weekly lotto draw, which was held at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night last, February 18. Numbers drawn were 2, 5, 16 and 25 and the €2,400 jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners on the night were: Ian Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Anne Hurley, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern; Noreen Moroney, Conna; Cathal Leahy, Curraheen, Conna and Catherine Kearney, Ballybride, Conna.
A draw with a now accumulated €2,600 jackpot will be held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna on Monday night coming, February 25.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club.

St Catherines GAA
Rebel hurlers follow footballers into Munster final
This upcoming Saturday evening Cork face Kerry in the Munster senior football final, the first of the provincial finals. With the Rebels out the following weekend against Clare in the equivalent hurling decider. Purpose of the exercise at the outset. Ronan McCarthy and John Meyler would settle for that. But realise a torrent of work is still in the offing. Might be no bad way to go into the finals. As the business end of the season in now upon us.
Similarities with recent previous seasons are uncanny for the hurlers. Cork handily overcame Clare in the first round of the championship at Limerick in the summer of 2013. But were behind the Shannonsiders following a replay when perusing the biggest prize of all later that same year. Same last year with Waterford winning the Munster game. But losing out in the All-Ireland semi-final at headquarters in August. As we say such is the proximity of the teams to each other that winning the first match guarantees nothing, beware, one parting shot. Anyone who could predict the outcome of the minor hurling championship would surely be a genius. Anytime a pattern looked like developing - along comes a result to boggle the mind. Sure that’s what keeps it going!
So the Kerry boys come to town. Looking like a reincarnation of 1975. Seven new ‘caps’, all flash and pace. Yes they’re good. It could be a nightmare, only hope might be that maybe Cork aren’t as poor as league form indicates.
Junior hurling league – Div2 Rd1
St Catherines 1-12 Erins Own 2-19
Providing a backdrop here was the revelation of a junior B first round championship date emerging twenty four hours previous. Thus ensuring a greater focus for this divisional junior hurling league division two tie played at a dull overcast and windy Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, June 13.
Back in the fold and Matthew Mulcahy had the home team off to the perfect start with the first minute. Adding three further points from play. Then turning provider key pass picking out Like Beecher for a well taken score and a lead on a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-04 built up to nineteen minutes. Niall O’Regan was also an influential figure as the margin stretched to 1-11 to 0-06 by half-time.
Christened by the Irish met office and Storm Hector had a major bearing on what was going on and Alan Bowen was now the game’s central figure. Crashing in a goal within a minute of the change of ends. Adding a further 1-09 to go with his four first half points. Bringing his overall tally to 2-13, all bar five points coming from play as Erins Own were clear cut winners at the finish.
St Catherines will meet Watergrasshill in the first round of the East Cork junior B hurling championship next Wednesday evening, June 27.
Scorers: M Mulcahy (1-04), N O’Regan (0-01 free) (0-04), O O’Neill, L Beecher, L Kearney and R Clancy (free) (0-01 each). St Catherines team: C Leahy, D Lane, E Kenneally, S Leahy, S O’Regan, R Clancy, R Condon, L Kearney, T O’Donnell, L Beecher, B Crowley, M Mulcahy, O O’Neill, J Mulcahy and N O’Regan. Subs: James Casey for B Crowley (second half), D Wallace for T O’Donnell (49’), N O’Brien for R Condon (54’). Also on panel: S Walsh, C Galvin and John Casey.
Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Adult club fixtures
Friday, June 22, at Ballyanly intermediate hurling league div4 rd5 v Inniscarra (rearranged) at 7.45pm. Saturday, June 23 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh Munster senior football final Cork v Kerry at 7pm. Tuesday, June 26 at Ballynoe intermediate hurling league division four round eight v Ballygarvan at 7.30pm. Wednesday, June 27 junior B hurling championship first round v Watergrasshill. Time and venue to be confirmed. Fixtures correct at time of going to press.
St Catherines fun day
A major success when first staged on the final Monday of May last year was the St Catherines juvenile hurling/camogie and football fun day. This year’s undertaking, encompassing the three national schools of the parish, going ahead in the pitches at Ballynoe on Thursday morning last. Thankfully storm Hector had virtually blown itself out. As over 325 pupils passed through the gates in now favourable weather conditions.
There were eight groups rotating on the two pitches. Four hurling/camogie and four football, junior, senior, first and second classes were out through their paces in the morning. Pupils getting the opportunity to play with children from the other parish schools in a non-competitive way and have fun in both codes.
At changeover time, camogie club members Laura Hayes, Aoife Hurley and Lucy Wallace were recognised for their outstanding achievement. Being on the winning All-Ireland Cork minor team earlier in the season. Marie Clancy and Agnes Hurley had the silverware on display for all the young participants to see. County senior hurling star Shane Kingston answered the children’s questions. Going on to visit the groups at play afterwards. Also present was Cork GDA, Shane Supple who tweeted the event.
We must express thanks to a number of people as the co-operation was invaluable in ensuring the entire undertaking was the success it deserved to be. Most notably the three school principals. Mrs Mulcahy in Ballynoe, Mr McCarthy of Curraglass and Mr Mulcahy in Ballynoe. Mr McCarthy of Curraglass and Mr Mulcahy in Conna. Also Pat O’Brien, kindly volunteered his services for traffic calming.
Thanks to Cathy Cotter who helped in the catering department and ensured that all helpers, teachers, SNAs and visitors were treated to refreshments. Thanks to all who volunteered on the day. Helping it to be so successful - Imelda O’Connell, Shane O’Connell, Brian Sheehan, Seán O’Farrell, Denis Walsh, Dave Wallace. Jenny Galvin, Kyle Wallace, Sarah Barry, Kieran O’Brien, Joe Pratt, Gearoid O’Brien, Mags Fitzgerald, Fionn O’Connell, Denis Temple, Harry Draper, Stephen Cotter, Mark Geary, Eoin Sheehan, Evan Philpott, Darragh Galvin, James O’Callaghan, Nadine Pratt, Gerard Leahy, Eabha Twomey, Jessica O’Brien, Erin Dillon, Doireann Hayes and Sarah Mae Clancy.
Munster super tens U15 finals
With one team defecting, St Catherines subsequently earned a place in group two of the Munster super tens U15 hurling finals when played at Mallow on Saturday afternoon last. They won both of the groups games against Knockainey (3-05 to 2-02) and Sliabh Rua (Belgooly) (2-03 to 0-05). Thus qualifying to play Abbeyside in the semi-final. It was 3-07 to 4-04 at fulltime. With the Waterford representatives getting through on a scoreline of 6-05 to 4-09 after extra time. St Catherines played well in a high standard of competition.
Scorers v Abbeyside were: H Draper (2-04), K Wallace (1-01), C Dineen (1-00), M Geary (0-03) and D Galvin (0-01). Abbeyside subsequently lost out in Sixmilebridge in the final.
St Catherines panel: Cathal Bryan, Cathal Dineen, Darragh Galvin, Eoin O’Riordan, Evan Philpott, Harry Draper, Mark Geary, William Leamy, William McAuliffe, Kyle Wallace and Ben O’Connor.
By the time you read this weekly report St Catherines were due to play in the first round of the Coiste na nÓg U15 A hurling championship in Fermoy last night. (Wednesday, June 20) belated best wishes to this panel of players. manager Ed Galvin and his fellow selectors.
Coiste na nÓg county U12 premier one hurling league - rd7
Midleton 0-07 St Catherines 2-04
Only deprived by a late goal against the Barrs at Ballynoe just twelve nights previous and St Catherines collected their first brace of points of the campaign with a narrow victory over Midleton in this Coiste na nÓg county U12 premier hurling league round seven tie, when played at Clonmult Park in the evening of Monday, June 11.
Catherines were never headed although parity was attained on three occasions in a sporting encounter which was a wonderful promotion of the game for such a young age group. Taking the lead with a John Temple goal from an exquisite finish as early as the tenth minute. Holding onto a 1-02 to 0-04 lead at the end of the first of what are twenty-five minute halves.
A sweetly truck second saints goal finished off by Shane Cotter stretch the advantage through the opening exchanges on the turnover. Diarmuid O’Connell and Ciaran Pietropaolo added to the tally as the magpies surged forward desperately in search of scores. Indeed, both teams could be accused of wasteful shooting as the second half progressed. Catherines off target from placed balls. A rasping effort from Daniel Garden their best forward was only just wide of the mark for Midleton. Who were only just denied by a timely Evan O’Driscoll block down very near the finish. Defending the recipient of praiseworthy comments from opposition mentors.
Scorers: S Cotter (1-01), J Temple (1-00), D O’Connell (0-02 65s) and C Pietropaolo (0-01).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, T Barry, D O’Donovan, C Dunning, D O’Connell, C McCarthy, C Leamy, C Pietropaolo, C Hayes, S Cotter, J Temple. Sub: A Bryan for C Hayes (48’). Other players on panel were: G Sheehan, J Leahy, S Hegarty, S Wallace and C Hegarty.
Referee: Brian Murphy (Carrigtwohill).
Upcoming juvenile fixture list
Tonight (Thursday) June 21 at Ballynoe Rebel Óg north U14 A HL rd5 v Charleville at 7.30pm.
Saturday, June 23 Coiste na nÓg county premier one U12 HL rd8 v Glen Rovers (away) at 3pm.
Lotto
Reverting to its regular slot and the weekly lotto results from the draw held at The Fisherman’s Rest on Monday, June 11. Numbers drawn were 1, 4, 24 and 25 and the jackpot of €2,200 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners were: P and D Hartigan c/o Noreen Moroney, Conna and Pat O’Sullivan, Aghern.
Condolences
Sympathy to the family and Bride Rovers club on the sad passing of Mary O’Dowd, Rathcormac. Son John played on numerous occasions in both codes against the Saints over the years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

St Catherines GAA
Rebels in another classic - but drop more points
In the words of the legendary and recently retired BBC commentator John Motson – ‘this just gets better and better.’ What we have witnessed over the last three weekends has been jaw dropping. Enough excitement to last a season, crammed into just thirteen days.
Cork now have the upcoming weekend off and resume competitive activity with their round five fixture against Waterford. Set for 2pm in Thurles on the afternoon of Sunday, June 17. They still look reasonably assured of making progress. Be it to the provincial final or finishing as a top three team. They will realise as time advances that a lot of the scores conceded were down to sloppiness at the back. They have been the orchestrators partially of their own potential downfall - that must be worked on. Another bonus is that Robbie O’Flynn aside, no major injuries have been incurred. The ideal performance might still come.
Credit to Limerick though, they were able to absorb all setbacks incurred last Saturday night, testing their panel in the process. Remember they lost Declan Hannon after six minutes. Aaron Gillane went to a straight red card on twenty-five minutes. Man of the match Seamus Flanagan prematurely departing, we might meet again. What an atmosphere encircled the magnificent stadium. Boosted by a phenomenal attendance of 34,607. To those who purport this competition to be a second league, well think again. This was a full blooded, all-out action championship match. Earlier St Catherines player Ciaran O’Brien was on a well-beaten Cork minor team.
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Sponsored East Cork JAFC 3rd Rd
Erins Own 5-09 St Catherines 2-02
Initially a contest where both teams struggled with accuracy. Eight wides recorded and evenly divided to the end of the opening quarter, when a sweetly struck Alan Carr cross-field delivery reached Daniel Mangan who taking just one step to his immediate left crashed in the game’s first goal and lead score at 1-01 to 0-03 for the Saints. Eighteen minutes elapsed on the clock. Joy short-lived as Mossy Carroll weaved his way through for two goals shortly afterwards.
Now a half-time deficit on a scoreline of 2-05 to 1-01 needn’t be irretrievable. But in many ways this championship encounter on resumption resembled the Fr O’Neills match in the first round. It was Erins Own who again made the better start on the changeover. Goals from Alan Bowen and Cathal Lenihan, who added another just at the finish and who scored a peach of a goal against the Saints in last season’s minor A hurling championship, now stretching their dominance still further. A match all but decided. Behind at 4-08 to 1-01 to 49 minutes and Catherines bereft of a full consignment of players. It was just too much.
There were a few forays forward. Daniel Mangan desperately unlucky, his goal bound effort cannoning off the butt of a post, but of course they never go in when you desperately need them to. Being the one that was fouled, substitute Liam Kearney stroked home the resultant penalty kick on fifty-two minutes. Another sub - Stephen Carr - and James Neville together released Liam O’Connor popping over a well taken point shortly afterwards. But scores of a consolation nature as the margin was too wide. With participation in the junior A and B football championships now terminated and out of contention for the league, there might be no more adult football now until the start of next season. Seems a long way away now.
Catherine’s scorers: D Mangan (1-01), L Kearney (1-00 penalty), L O’Connor (0-01).
Erins Own scorers: M Carroll and C Lenihan (2-00 each), A Bowen (1-01), J Taylor (0-04 frees), I O’Mahony, P Fitzgerald, B Monaghan and D Casey (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Colm Molloy, Shane O’Brien (captain), Liam O’Connor, Kieran Neville, Conor Kearney, Ed Kenneally, James Neville, Rory Galvin, Alan Carr, Patrick Roche, Pádraig O’Connor, Shane Cogan, Thomas O’Donnell, Daniel Mangan and Philip Keane.
Subs: Liam Kearney for Phillip Keane (second half), Stephen Carr for Shane Cogan (35’), Seán Leamy for Rory Galvin (46’), Richard Condon for Daniel Mangan (56’). Also on panel: Eoin Corcoran.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Coiste na nÓg County Premier Two U13 HL Rd 2 (Rearranged)
St Catherines 5-14 Aghabullogue 4-07
With no Rebel Óg East meeting now scheduled until June’s end, it was a case of up to the pitch to witness this rescheduled round two premier two U13 hurling league tie in near perfect conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, May 28. Contrast that with the rain and wet surface, which prevailed when the match was originally planned for mid-April. An even enough contest through the opening exchanges, with the opposition actually ahead by one point. Then this league fixture would take a dramatic turn. Two goals in a two-minute spell pushing the Saints into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Diarmuid O’Connell finishing off the first on twenty-seven minutes. Within sixty seconds Darragh Morrison who popped over an exquisite point from the tightest of angles earlier on added a second. Setting up a lead on a half time scoreline of 2-08 to 1-06.
A litany of Shane Cotter points with Kian O’Donoghue accurate with the frees added to the tally, as an always threatening Aghabullogue with Colm Gillespie, Aaron O’Sullivan and James Lane very impressive continued to pile on the pressure. Bringing out the best and forcing the subsequently replaced Jake Bryan into making an awesome reflex save on thirty-five minutes. Immediately outside of him Nathan Sheehan a skillful player now dominated at fullback. Clearances lengthening as the contest evolved. Rounded off with a duo of Cathal Sheehan goals.
Scorers: C Sheehan (2-01), K O’Donoghue (1-00 65’) (0-04 frees) (1-04), S Cotter (0-07), D Morrison (1-02) and D O’Connell (1-00).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, N Sheehan, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, K Kelleher, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan and D O’Connell. Subs: C Leamy for J Bryan (36’), C Hayes for K Kelleher (46’) and T Barry for C McAuliffe (52’). A
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Coiste na nÓg County Premier One U12 HL Rd 6
St Catherines 0-09
St Finbarr’s 1-07
St Catherines came perilously close to winning their first match of the series going down by the slimmest of margins in this premier one U12 hurling league tie when played in Ballynoe at 8pm on Wednesday evening, May 30. Herculean defending from Diarmuid O’Donovan and in particular Evan O’Driscoll meant the home team were always competitive and in a first half where two evenly matched teams were together on three occasions, it was the Catherines who were just shading it on a half time scoreline of 0-04 to 0-03.
But like the U13 match two nights previous and Shane Cotter just thundered out of the blocks quickly on the change of ends virtually pointing at will. St Finbarr’s at one stage five points adrift at 0-08 to 0-03 to 35 minutes were now clearly mounting a challenge. Aaron Kennedy strong and influential defensively, Seán Fitzpatrick inflicting some damage from wing forward. A brace of Conor Hayes points momentarily lifted the siege when Mark Hetherington struck for the games only and match-winning goal very late on.
Scorers: S Cotter (0-01 free) (0-05), C Hayes (0-02), J Temple and D O’Connell (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, C McCarthy, T Barry, D O’Donovan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Pietropaolo, C Dunning, C Leamy, D O’Connell, A Bryan, S Cotter and J Temple. Also on panel: D Murphy, S Wallace, G Sheehan and C Hayes.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Rebel Óg North U14 A HL Rd 4
St Catherines 2-04
Watergrasshill 3-14
An unfortunate clash with the football championship match in Ballinacurra and this round four Rebel Óg North U14 A hurling league tie remained competitive to half-time when trailing 1-05 to 1-02 and beyond when played at 7pm in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. A good Watergrasshill team finished strongly and were deserving winners.
Scorers: J O’Callaghan and D Morrison (1-00 each), K O’Donoghue (0-03) and K Wallace (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: S Cotter, A O’Donnell, N Sheehan, J Mulcahy, B O’Connor, K Wallace, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, S O’Donoghue, D Temple, D Morrison, K O’Donoghue, C McAuliffe, C Sheehan and J O’Callaghan. Also: C Feeney, S Cotter, C Pietropaolo and D O’Connell.
Referee: John O’Brien (Ballygiblin).
Juvenile Fixtures
Friday, June 8 at Ballynoe - Rebel Óg East U12 A FL Rd 6 v Macroom at 7pm. Saturday June 9 - U14 Hurling Tournament at Fr O’Neills. Commencing at 2pm.
Church Gate Collection
Patrons please take note that the annual church gate collection in aid of the juvenile club will be taken up after all Masses throughout the parish this forthcoming weekend. Both on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.
School Exams
It always happens, doesn’t it? Warm weather perfect conditions. It must be exam time. We wish the best of luck to all Catherines players both boys and girls now sitting their junior and leaving cert exams.
Circuit Training
Circuit training continues in Ballynoe Hall on Saturday mornings. Ideal if dropping your son or daughter to juvenile training.
Lotto
Once again congratulations to Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona, Ballynoe on winning the €15,200 jackpot in the weekly lotto draw. Barrafohona is right on the Ballynoe, Britway and Castlelyons border. Just off the main Castlelyons/Dungourney and Castlelyons/Midleton roads. Pat is a member of the bowls club in Ballynoe; also an ever present with the Ogham players in their annual winter productions. His brother Dan is well known in horsey circles. Both are popular members of the community.
Now being a bank holiday and reverting to a basic €2,000 jackpot this week’s draw was held over until Tuesday night, June 5 at The Big Tree, Aghern. Don’t worry you will be kept informed.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club.

St Catherines GAA
Rebels in another classic - but drop more points
In the words of the legendary and recently retired BBC commentator John Motson – ‘this just gets better and better.’ What we have witnessed over the last three weekends has been jaw dropping. Enough excitement to last a season, crammed into just thirteen days.
Cork now have the upcoming weekend off and resume competitive activity with their round five fixture against Waterford. Set for 2pm in Thurles on the afternoon of Sunday, June 17. They still look reasonably assured of making progress. Be it to the provincial final or finishing as a top three team. They will realise as time advances that a lot of the scores conceded were down to sloppiness at the back. They have been the orchestrators partially of their own potential downfall - that must be worked on. Another bonus is that Robbie O’Flynn aside, no major injuries have been incurred. The ideal performance might still come.
Credit to Limerick though, they were able to absorb all setbacks incurred last Saturday night, testing their panel in the process. Remember they lost Declan Hannon after six minutes. Aaron Gillane went to a straight red card on twenty-five minutes. Man of the match Seamus Flanagan prematurely departing, we might meet again. What an atmosphere encircled the magnificent stadium. Boosted by a phenomenal attendance of 34,607. To those who purport this competition to be a second league, well think again. This was a full blooded, all-out action championship match. Earlier St Catherines player Ciaran O’Brien was on a well-beaten Cork minor team.
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Sponsored East Cork JAFC 3rd Rd
Erins Own 5-09 St Catherines 2-02
Initially a contest where both teams struggled with accuracy. Eight wides recorded and evenly divided to the end of the opening quarter, when a sweetly struck Alan Carr cross-field delivery reached Daniel Mangan who taking just one step to his immediate left crashed in the game’s first goal and lead score at 1-01 to 0-03 for the Saints. Eighteen minutes elapsed on the clock. Joy short-lived as Mossy Carroll weaved his way through for two goals shortly afterwards.
Now a half-time deficit on a scoreline of 2-05 to 1-01 needn’t be irretrievable. But in many ways this championship encounter on resumption resembled the Fr O’Neills match in the first round. It was Erins Own who again made the better start on the changeover. Goals from Alan Bowen and Cathal Lenihan, who added another just at the finish and who scored a peach of a goal against the Saints in last season’s minor A hurling championship, now stretching their dominance still further. A match all but decided. Behind at 4-08 to 1-01 to 49 minutes and Catherines bereft of a full consignment of players. It was just too much.
There were a few forays forward. Daniel Mangan desperately unlucky, his goal bound effort cannoning off the butt of a post, but of course they never go in when you desperately need them to. Being the one that was fouled, substitute Liam Kearney stroked home the resultant penalty kick on fifty-two minutes. Another sub - Stephen Carr - and James Neville together released Liam O’Connor popping over a well taken point shortly afterwards. But scores of a consolation nature as the margin was too wide. With participation in the junior A and B football championships now terminated and out of contention for the league, there might be no more adult football now until the start of next season. Seems a long way away now.
Catherine’s scorers: D Mangan (1-01), L Kearney (1-00 penalty), L O’Connor (0-01).
Erins Own scorers: M Carroll and C Lenihan (2-00 each), A Bowen (1-01), J Taylor (0-04 frees), I O’Mahony, P Fitzgerald, B Monaghan and D Casey (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Colm Molloy, Shane O’Brien (captain), Liam O’Connor, Kieran Neville, Conor Kearney, Ed Kenneally, James Neville, Rory Galvin, Alan Carr, Patrick Roche, Pádraig O’Connor, Shane Cogan, Thomas O’Donnell, Daniel Mangan and Philip Keane.
Subs: Liam Kearney for Phillip Keane (second half), Stephen Carr for Shane Cogan (35’), Seán Leamy for Rory Galvin (46’), Richard Condon for Daniel Mangan (56’). Also on panel: Eoin Corcoran.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Coiste na nÓg County Premier Two U13 HL Rd 2 (Rearranged)
St Catherines 5-14 Aghabullogue 4-07
With no Rebel Óg East meeting now scheduled until June’s end, it was a case of up to the pitch to witness this rescheduled round two premier two U13 hurling league tie in near perfect conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, May 28. Contrast that with the rain and wet surface, which prevailed when the match was originally planned for mid-April. An even enough contest through the opening exchanges, with the opposition actually ahead by one point. Then this league fixture would take a dramatic turn. Two goals in a two-minute spell pushing the Saints into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Diarmuid O’Connell finishing off the first on twenty-seven minutes. Within sixty seconds Darragh Morrison who popped over an exquisite point from the tightest of angles earlier on added a second. Setting up a lead on a half time scoreline of 2-08 to 1-06.
A litany of Shane Cotter points with Kian O’Donoghue accurate with the frees added to the tally, as an always threatening Aghabullogue with Colm Gillespie, Aaron O’Sullivan and James Lane very impressive continued to pile on the pressure. Bringing out the best and forcing the subsequently replaced Jake Bryan into making an awesome reflex save on thirty-five minutes. Immediately outside of him Nathan Sheehan a skillful player now dominated at fullback. Clearances lengthening as the contest evolved. Rounded off with a duo of Cathal Sheehan goals.
Scorers: C Sheehan (2-01), K O’Donoghue (1-00 65’) (0-04 frees) (1-04), S Cotter (0-07), D Morrison (1-02) and D O’Connell (1-00).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, N Sheehan, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, K Kelleher, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan and D O’Connell. Subs: C Leamy for J Bryan (36’), C Hayes for K Kelleher (46’) and T Barry for C McAuliffe (52’). A
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Coiste na nÓg County Premier One U12 HL Rd 6
St Catherines 0-09
St Finbarr’s 1-07
St Catherines came perilously close to winning their first match of the series going down by the slimmest of margins in this premier one U12 hurling league tie when played in Ballynoe at 8pm on Wednesday evening, May 30. Herculean defending from Diarmuid O’Donovan and in particular Evan O’Driscoll meant the home team were always competitive and in a first half where two evenly matched teams were together on three occasions, it was the Catherines who were just shading it on a half time scoreline of 0-04 to 0-03.
But like the U13 match two nights previous and Shane Cotter just thundered out of the blocks quickly on the change of ends virtually pointing at will. St Finbarr’s at one stage five points adrift at 0-08 to 0-03 to 35 minutes were now clearly mounting a challenge. Aaron Kennedy strong and influential defensively, Seán Fitzpatrick inflicting some damage from wing forward. A brace of Conor Hayes points momentarily lifted the siege when Mark Hetherington struck for the games only and match-winning goal very late on.
Scorers: S Cotter (0-01 free) (0-05), C Hayes (0-02), J Temple and D O’Connell (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, C McCarthy, T Barry, D O’Donovan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Pietropaolo, C Dunning, C Leamy, D O’Connell, A Bryan, S Cotter and J Temple. Also on panel: D Murphy, S Wallace, G Sheehan and C Hayes.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
Rebel Óg North U14 A HL Rd 4
St Catherines 2-04
Watergrasshill 3-14
An unfortunate clash with the football championship match in Ballinacurra and this round four Rebel Óg North U14 A hurling league tie remained competitive to half-time when trailing 1-05 to 1-02 and beyond when played at 7pm in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. A good Watergrasshill team finished strongly and were deserving winners.
Scorers: J O’Callaghan and D Morrison (1-00 each), K O’Donoghue (0-03) and K Wallace (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: S Cotter, A O’Donnell, N Sheehan, J Mulcahy, B O’Connor, K Wallace, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, S O’Donoghue, D Temple, D Morrison, K O’Donoghue, C McAuliffe, C Sheehan and J O’Callaghan. Also: C Feeney, S Cotter, C Pietropaolo and D O’Connell.
Referee: John O’Brien (Ballygiblin).
Juvenile Fixtures
Friday, June 8 at Ballynoe - Rebel Óg East U12 A FL Rd 6 v Macroom at 7pm. Saturday June 9 - U14 Hurling Tournament at Fr O’Neills. Commencing at 2pm.
Church Gate Collection
Patrons please take note that the annual church gate collection in aid of the juvenile club will be taken up after all Masses throughout the parish this forthcoming weekend. Both on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.
School Exams
It always happens, doesn’t it? Warm weather perfect conditions. It must be exam time. We wish the best of luck to all Catherines players both boys and girls now sitting their junior and leaving cert exams.
Circuit Training
Circuit training continues in Ballynoe Hall on Saturday mornings. Ideal if dropping your son or daughter to juvenile training.
Lotto
Once again congratulations to Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona, Ballynoe on winning the €15,200 jackpot in the weekly lotto draw. Barrafohona is right on the Ballynoe, Britway and Castlelyons border. Just off the main Castlelyons/Dungourney and Castlelyons/Midleton roads. Pat is a member of the bowls club in Ballynoe; also an ever present with the Ogham players in their annual winter productions. His brother Dan is well known in horsey circles. Both are popular members of the community.
Now being a bank holiday and reverting to a basic €2,000 jackpot this week’s draw was held over until Tuesday night, June 5 at The Big Tree, Aghern. Don’t worry you will be kept informed.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of the juvenile club.

St Catherines GAA
Jackpot winner
Full lotto results update
With the long weekends surfacing in such a condensed nature, it’s only this week are we in a position to update your lotto results service. Starting with the details from the draw held at The Plough Bar in Curraglass on Monday night, May 21st last. Numbers drawn were: 3, 7, 15 and 16. The €15,000 accumulated jackpot wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were: Mike and Dick /co The Big Tree; John Barrett, Ballynoe and Mary Ronayne c/o K. Galvin; Martin Fitzgerald, Kilmagner, Coolagown and Lane grandchildren c/o P Lane, Conna.
Bringing you right up to date and its congratulations to Pat O’Donovan, Barrafomona, Ballynoe on winning the most recent draw held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night last, May 28th. Pat’s sole combination of winning numbers being 5, 9, 18 and 30. Congratulations to Pat and well done. While the consolation winners on the night were: Alan Cotter, Barrafomona, Ballynoe; Eileen Cotter, Boulta, Ballynoe; Deirdre and Al c/o Billy O’Connell, Ballynoe; Noreen O’Mahony, Shanakill, Curraglass and Ger, Phil, John and Rich, phone number supplied.
Now being a bank holiday and next draw when reverting to a basic €2,000 jackpot will be held over until Tuesday night, June 5th at The Big Tree, Aghern.
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors East Cork Junior A Football Championship – Second Round
St Catherines 1-13
Glenbower Rovers 0-08
Morale must have been low. There was the sizeable loss to the same opposition in last year’s quarter-final at Copper Alley. Then were well beaten by Fr O’Neills in this year’s first round on Magners Hill, a fortnight previous. But the Saints were able to put the tangible pain of those two gut wrenching defeats behind them, rose to the occasion, upsetting the form book in the process with a deserved victory when this divisional junior A football championship second round tie was played in sunny Ballinacurra on Friday evening last.
Catherines all but dominated the opening exchanges. Had the opening three points in as many minutes, following the throw-in and with Philip Keane and Allan Carr among the scorers, stretched it out to 0-07 to 0-01 to the end of the opening quarter.
Glenbower, the football equivalent of Killeagh, were now able to win more primary possession, especially around the middle. But the Saints again regained the initiative and were ahead on a scoreline of 0-09 to 0-04 at the interval.
But were rocked back on their heels when Damian Matthews crashed in a stunning goal with a subliminal finish inside a minute of the resumption. Five point cushion restored when following strong and influential play from James Neville and a probing Thomas O’Donnell delivery saw Padraig O’Connor secure the vital touch. Invaluable goal. A major restorer of confidence with the score now standing at 1-10 to 1-05 to forty minutes.
Major work still to be done. Like with Seán Long elegantly slotted home a delightfully taken penalty kick on 47 minutes. Game on now. Catherines’ defensively standing tall to increasing opposition raids. Rory Galvin with his fifth point and Cian Fogarty exchanged points, making it 1-12 to 2-07 on 55 minutes. There was always that fear. But in a breakdown attack, Daniel Mangan fisted over a welcome and invaluable point just into time added on. Kieran Lane’s late point was only of a consolation nature and virtually dropped over the bar to the sound of Brian Walsh’s full-time whistle.
St Catherines team: C. Molloy, S O’Brien (captain), J. Mulcahy, K. Neville, C. Kearney, E. Kenneally, J. Neville, R. Galvin, A. Carr, P. Roche, P O’Connor, S. Cogan, P. Keane, D. Mangan and T O’Donnell. Sub: D Wallace for P Roche (’58). Also on panel: P. Ryan and E. Corcoran. Referee: Brian Walsh (Aghada).
Junior Hurling League Division 2 Round 7
St Catherines 2-11 Midleton 2-14
Two Sean Corcoran goals at opposite ends of the opening half were central to the destination of the points on offer from this divisional junior hurling league division two round seven tie, when played at Ballynoe on Monday evening, May 21st last.
Niall O’Regan, Catherines best forward cancelled out the first with the deficit standing at 2-05 to 1-05 on twenty four minutes and again on an interval scoreline of 2-06 to 1-06. Conor O’Neill and Mark O’Keeffe were among those adding to the Magpie tally. Likewise Pa Roche for the homebased team. Substitute Noel O’Brien added a second Saints goal with five minutes to go making for a competitive ending but Midleton had done enough.
St Catherines team: C. Leahy, P. Tobin, E. Kenneally, O O’Neill, R. English, K. Geary, S O’Brien, T. O’Donnell, P. Roche, B. Davis, B. Crowley, L. Beecher, S. Walsh, J. Mulcahy and N. O’Regan. Subs: R. Condon for B. Davis (‘29), S O’Donnell for S. Walsh (second half), N. O’Brien for B. Crowley (’38) and A. Neville for J. Mulcahy (’45).
Referee: Aidan Barry (Sarsfields).
Your Weekly Juvenile Report
Coiste na nÓg County Premier 1 U12
Hurling League – Round 4
St Catherines 1-03 Inniscarra 2-07
Inniscarra picked up the points on offer from this Coiste na nÓg premier one under twelve hurling league tie when played in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. Take note that the Ballincollig game is still to be picked up. While at the time you read this report, a round five fixture v St Finbarrs should be fulfilled.
St Catherines team: J. Bryan, C. McCarthy, E. O’Driscoll, G. Ó Cellacháin MacCarthaigh, T. Barry, D. O’Donovan, C. Dunning, C. Pietropaolo, J. Leahy, C. Leamy, D. O’Connell, C. Hayes, S. Cotter, D. Murphy and J. Temple.
Referee: Shane O’Donoghue (Ballygiblin).
Rebel Óg North U14 A Hurling League Round 3
St Catherines 0-11 Kilara Óg 0-07
A wonderful James O’Callaghan point contributed to parity for a third time before Denis Temple effective in a few roles, most notably at full forward, then around midfield where he had more space shot the Saints ahead into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish on a half-time scoreline of 0-05 to 0-04.
Running concurrent with the aforementioned under twelve match when this Rebel Óg North U14 A Hurling League tie went ahead at a mild, yet dull overcast and eventually wet Ballynoe on Thursday evening last.
Quickly on the resumption, Sean O’Donoghue soloing forward finished off a well taken point, extending the lead. A trio of Kian O’Donoghue points stretched it out further. Lead standing at 0-10 to 0-06 on 46 minutes. Colm Feeney and Cathal Sheehan, also making the register against a game, gallant and sporting Kilara Óg team which are a combination of Kilworth and Araglin and who had prominent players in Darragh Gill, Keelan O’Gorman, Conor Twomey, Padraig Fenton and Eoin Finn.
Catherines now have five points accumulated from three league matches played. Next up is the visit of Watergrasshill.
St Catherines team: S. Cotter, A O’Donnell, N. Sheehan, J. Mulcahy, B. O’Connor, S. O’Donoghue, O. Fitzgerald, F. O’Connell, K. O’Donoghue, K. Kelleher, D. Morrison, C. Sheehan, C. McAuliffe, D. Temple and J. O’Callaghan. Subs: C. Feeney for C. McAuliffe (‘41) and C. McAuliffe for D. Temple (’51).
Referee: John Kirby (Midleton).
U10 Hurling
A 3-01 to 2-02 victory over Abbeyside in the semi-final preceded a loss to Killeagh on a scoreline of 4-02 to 3-02 in their final of the West Waterford under ten festival of hurling when played in Ballyduff on Saturday morning last. Panel of players as previously listed.
On behalf of the St Catherines club, many thanks to mentors Alan O’Mahony, Dino Pietropaolo and whoever else helped out and to the host club for the invitation.
Munster Super Tens U15 Hurling
A four team Munster super tens under 15 hurling competition was held in Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last.
Catherines Results
Starting with a win over Doon of Limerick, final score 5-05 to 4-02. Then lost to St Patrick’s of Waterford on a scoreline of 3-05 to 2-04. Overcoming Castlelyons at the end. Finishing up at 5-04 to 3-06. Three teams finished on four points. But on countback, St Patrick’s were deemed winners on total points scored, with St Catherines finishing up in second place.
Noel O’Brien and Shane Supple supervised proceedings. Mentors were: Edmond Galvin, Mervyn Draper, Pat Geary and Conor Kearney. Referees were: Brian Walsh and Pat Beausang.
St Catherines panel of players: Cathal Dineen, Conor England, Darragh Galvin, Ben O’Connor, Eoghan O’Riordan, Evan Philpott, Gerard Leahy, Harry Draper, Mark Geary, William Leahy, William McAuliffe, Fionn O’Connell and Kyle Wallace.
Sciath na Scol
Ballynoe NS were repeating a result of last year’s decider. Again overcoming the challenge of Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile (Kinsale) in the section DH6 Allianz Sciath na Scol final when played at Pairc Ui Rinn early on Thursday afternoon last. Ballynoe compete in the nine-a-side competition with each half of 15 minutes duration. A memorable week for Sean O’Donoghue, part of the Cork Go Games panel against Clare at Pairc Ui Chaoimh the previous Sunday afternoon. This time around, he was the recipient of the winning trophy. Final score: Ballynoe 3-08 Kinsale 1-02.
Referee was Damien Horgan of St Patrick’s Boys NS.
Full panel: Jake Bryan, Cian Dunning, Evan O’Driscoll, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Oisín Fitzgerald, Sean O’Donoghue, Shane Cotter, Ciaran Pietropaolo, John Temple, Gearoid Ó Cellacháin MacCarthaigh, Cathal McAuliffe, Stephen Mulcahy, Adam Bryan, Jack Leamy, Cian Hegarty, Shane Hegarty, Sam Aherne and Diarmuid O’Connell.
Juvenile Fixture List
(Correct at time of going to press).
Thursday, tonight May 31st: Rebel Óg North U14 A Hurling League Round 4 v Watergrasshill, 7pm at Ballynoe.
Monday, June 4th: Rebel Óg East U12 Football League Round 5 v Crosshaven (away) at 7pm.
Tuesday, June 5th: Coiste na nÓg U13 Premier Two Hurling League Round 4 v Blarney, 7pm at Ballynoe.
Condolences
We express our sympathy to the family and extended families on the death of Paddy Aherne in Glanworth. Grandsons Ed and Cal were on the county winning junior hurling team last year. Paddy, their brother, captained the Saints to win a divisional minor B hurling championship title in 1999. Jack, son of the late Paddy, played hurling for Bride Rovers, Tallow and St Catherines. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Adult Fixture
Tonight, Thursday, May 31st; Junior A Football Championship third round v Erins Own. Time and venue tbc.
Cork Teams
All there permutations attainable ie win, lose or draw embossed the Rebels championship programme last weekend.
Can’t be sure about the visit to Ennis in the spring of 1993 when the Banner were reigning provincial champions but definitely in the intervening twenty five years, Kerry aside, and last Saturday evening would have been the first, possibly ever time that Cork were outsiders going into a Munster senior football championship tie. No doubt the return of the Nemo players would be significant. So it proved. But didn’t expect it to be emphatic as it was.
Right through the first half, the pace and constant floating of positions meant the pacey Cork players were almost unmarkable in Sunday’s magnificent senior hurling match. Michael Ryan couldn’t wait for the sound of the half-time whistle. Conditions changed, it rained. Up blew the wind and some of Tipp’s big guns were now awesome. They were now the unmarkable ones. Indeed under normal circumstances, they might have snatched it. Denied at the death by an Anthony Nash save from the ages.
Catherines player Ciaran O’Brien was used from the bench on a well beaten Cork minor team. Not to be outcome by cousin Sean, who enjoyed another memorable week and Kian O’Donoghue of Conna school was part of the Cork Go Games team against Tipp also in Thurles on Sunday afternoon last. My God. There’s hardly time to breathe. So quick are the games coming.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

St Catherines GAA
Rebels up and running
It may not have been for the purist, but it’s a result that will satisfy the mentors and their passionate fans, as the Rebels worked out a satisfactory success and a well-earned brace of points in the newly devised round robin table in their opening Munster senior hurling championship tie at an overcast Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon last.
A major psychological boost winning that first game, with some clearly difficult fixtures on the road ahead. It was played before an attendance of 24,490, yet struggled for long periods to construct that cut and thrust atmosphere, symbolic of a major championship match. The game was held up for a lengthy period following a worrying looking injury incurred by Robbie O’Flynn. We wish him a speedy recovery. Remember Robbie captaining his club Erins Own against the Saints in a minor hurling championship first round tie three summers ago. Catherine’s captain that night was Brian Davis. All three goals were scored on the resumption of play. Skillful Patrick Horgan keeping the sliotar in play saw the first goal finished off by an opportunistic Conor Lehane on fifty-four minutes. In many ways resembling a goal Horgan himself scored in an All-Ireland semi-final v Dublin five years ago.
Clare were level through Tony Kelly, but following some crucial points secured, the late and match winning goal through team captain Seamus Harnedy following eleven minutes of injury time.
Cork made life difficult for themselves in the opening newly devised U17 minor hurling championship first round tie also against Clare and played along similar lines as its senior equivalent. Conceding three first half goals. Then missing two scoreable frees from right in front of the posts early on the changeover - but in the face of adversity eventually wore down a commendable banner challenge in a high scoring encounter.
It finished up at 0-26 to 3-13. There were some impressive scores here from team captain Shane Barrett. A memorable day too for young Seán O’Donoghue from the St Catherines club. Part of the Cork team in the Primary go game. A great honour, something that will stick in a player’s memory.
Well the games are coming thick and fast now. First up this weekend its Tipperary in Thurles in both football and hurling championships. In what could be two season defining championship matches for both counties. You would imagine the Banner will improve, having the benefit of a championship match under the belt. They have some savagely skillful players and under the cauldron sure to be Ennis next Sunday, will put it up to last year’s defeated All-Ireland finalists in Waterford. A panel of twenty-six players is now just a minimum requirement.
MICHAEL O’CONNOR MOTOR FACTORS EAST CORK JBFC GROUP 2 ROUND 2
Russell Rovers 2-16 St Catherines 1-03
Well now the scenarios are straight forward. St Catherines must win their next two matches if interest is to be maintained in this year’s football championships. Played on a round robin basis the Saints going down to a sizeable loss to Russell Rovers when this round two group two junior B football championship tie was played in Castlemartyr early last Sunday morning. First up will be the junior A second round tie v Glenbower Rovers on this Friday evening.
Scorers: N O’Brien (1-0), D Mangan, K Neville and S O’Farrell (free) (0-01 each).
Team: C Molloy, S Leamy, J Casey, P Tobin, A Neville, R Clancy, R Condon, D Mangan, R English, K Geary, K Neville, N O’Brien, T O’Donnell, S O’Farrell and D Wallace. Sub: S O’Connell for D Mangan (42’).
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Glenbower Rovers).
EAST CORK JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE – DIVISION 2 ROUND 5
Cloyne 4-17 St Catherines 2-11
Cloyne were holding all the aces in this junior hurling league tie played at their Chapel Street venue on Monday evening, May 14. They were ahead at 0-07 to 0-03 when a lengthy Paudi O’Sullivan free found its way to the net on the quarter hour. Diarmuid O’Sullivan added two more in a four-minute spell. Influential corner forward Peter Casey scored the fourth goal later on, setting up an interval lead of 4-10 to 0-05 at the end of a half when seven of their starting fifteen registered on the scoreboard.
Despite the daunting score, Catherines plugged away gamely. Aaron Long and Pa Roche hit a lot of ball. Brian Davis put in an awesome shift in the half line. John Mulcahy finished off two-second half goals. But Cloyne always held the upper hand.
Scorers: B Davis (0-02 frees) (0-08), J Mulcahy (2-01), R Clancy and T O’Donnell (0-01 each).
Team: C Leahy, P Tobin, D Lane, K Geary, S O’Regan, R Clancy, A Long, P Roche, T O’Donnell, P Ryan, B Davis, L Beecher, N O’Regan, J Mulcahy and R Barry. Subs: D Wallace for R Barry (second half), J Casey for P Ryan (33’).
Referee: P J Aherne (Carrigtwohill).
JUVENILE
CÓISTE NA NÓG COUNTY PREMIER TWO U13 HL ROUND 1
Cobh 0-07 St Catherines 7-10
A lot was going on. There was a Rebel Óg meeting as well as the aforementioned junior match in Cloyne. Later on, there would be the lotto draw. As the Saints ran out impressive winners of this rearranged premier two U13 hurling league tie when played in Cobh on Monday evening, May 14.
Scorers: S Cotter (1-04), A Bryan (2-0), O Fitzgerald (1-02), K Kelleher, C Sheehan and D Morrison (1-0 each), K O’Donoghue (0-03) and C Pietropaolo (0-01).
Team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, N Sheehan, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, K O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, K Kelleher, D Morrison, C McAuliffe, S Cotter, C Sheehan and G O’Callaghan McCarthy. Also on panel: C Feeney, D Murphy and A Bryan. Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
U10 HURLING TOURNAMENT
St Catherines are through to the final of their section, going through unbeaten in the qualifiers of the West Waterford U10 festival of hurling when played in Ballyduff on Saturday morning last. Victories were recorded over Dungarvan (2-01 to 0-01), Ballygunner (2) 6-03 to 1-00 and St Marys (2-08 to 0-02). Mentors on the morning were: Alan O’Mahony, Dino Pietropaolo, Mick Hurley and Oliver Lynch.
Panel: Billy McKee, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle O’Donoghue, Calum O’Driscoll, Cathal Barry, Billy Aherne, Tristan Clancy, Julian Pietropaolo, Alan Cotter, Liam Moore, James Kenneally, Jack Tanner, Seán Walsh, Conan Hurley and Eoghan O’Mahony.
Finals go ahead at the same venue on this forthcoming Saturday.
JUVENILE FIXTURE LIST
Thursday, May 24 Sciath na Scol finals involving Ballynoe NS at 1-30pm in Páirc Uí Rinn.
Thursday, May 24 at Ballynoe, U12 premier one hurling league round four v Inniscarra at 7.30pm.
Saturday, May 26 at Ballyduff , U10 hurling tournament final. Other teams involved and times will be confirmed as week progresses.
Wednesday, May 30 at Ballynoe, U12 premier one hurling league round five v St Finbarrs at 7.30pm.
ADULT FIXTURE
Friday, May 25, East Cork junior A football championship second round v Glenbower Rovers at 7pm. Venue TBC.
SYMPATHY
Recently here was the sad death of Tom Barry in Killeagh. A skillful player in his day, the late Tom was ever present around the place on championship days at the venue and he was regularly assigned the task of looking after the passes into the playing pitch. Apart from being in business around the village his sons Brian and Brendan ‘Bugsy’ also gave sterling service to the club. Commiserations also to the Tallow club on the untimely death of Finn McCarthy.
LOTTO RESULTS
Reverting back to its regular slot and the results from the weekly lotto draw held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna on Monday night, May 14. Numbers drawn: 8, 12, 18 and 30. There was no winner of the jackpot of €14,800. Consolation winners: Nettie O’Keeffe, c/o Kals, Seán O’Farrell, Breda Cotter, Dick Morrison, Conna and Stephanie Sinclair, Aghern.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

St Catherines GAA
Saints must get through second round if football progress is to be made
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors East Cork Junior A Football Championship First Round
Fr O’Neills 4-14 St Catherines 0-05
It’s the second round or back door for the saints if progress is to be made. Going down to a heavy loss when this East Cork junior A football championship first round tie was played in ideal sunny conditions at Magner’s Hill in Youghal on Saturday evening last.
O’Neills were on top from the start. Completely dominating the opening quarter and were ahead at 1-06 without reply after twenty-two minutes. When the saints were enjoying much more possession. Padraig O’Connor was able to pick out Ed Kenneally for the first point. Rory Galvin added a brace of points including one from a placed ball. Reducing the margin somewhat as the halftime deficit now stood at 1-07 to 0-03.
A good start required on the change of ends. But instead, further goals from Joe Millerick and Jason Hankard for the opposition ensued. Stretching their advantage and almost out of sight. Hopefully a few more players can be available for the next day. While the opening passages of play in the junior B football championship are imminent. St Catherines scorers: R Galvin (0-02 frees) (0-03), E Kenneally and P Keane (0-01 each). Fr O’Neill’s scorers: J Millerick (2-01), E Conway (1-03), J Hankard (1-02), R Hyde (0-03), T Millerick (0-02), R Cullinane, C Broderick and D Dalton (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: A Carr, S O’Regan, J Mulcahy, P Ryan, A Long, S O’Brien (captain), J Neville, R Galvin, S Cogan, P Roche, P O’Connor, S Carr, C Kearney, E Kenneally and P Keane.Sub: E Wallace for P Ryan (second half).
Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Junior football challenge
A junior football challenge played in Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, May 8. First meeting between the teams since opening their respective division three league campaigns when sharing the spoils fifteen months ago. There was little indication a football challenge would pan out as it did. Indeed, both teams struggling for accuracy. Registering a cumulative total of twenty-three wides between them as Castlelyons mainly through Robert Fenton and Ciaran McGann were shading it on a half time scoreline of 0-06 to 1-01. Liam O’Connor was the Catherine’s goalscorer.
An explosive start to the second half with the home team adding five scores in as many minutes following the change of ends. Parity restored on two minutes following the change of ends. Parity restored on two further occasions including at 2-06 to 0-12 to forty-nine minutes when an Alan Fenton hat trick to which Jack Barry added a further goal had the opposition clearly in the affirmative. Goals from Shane Cogan and Shane O’Brien in turn maintained the interest right to the end. A plus factor in that eight different players registered for the saints. But victory for Castlelyons in a junior football challenge refereed by John Kirby of Midleton on an end scoreline of 4-12 to 4-09.
Juvenile match programme
Coiste na nÓg county premier two
U13 hurling league - round four
Kiltha Óg 4-08 St Catherines 0-08
Coming back from this premier two U13 hurling league tie at Castlemartyr on Wednesday evening, May 9 and invariably you toss around in your head what was witnessed. Occasionally and alone with one’s thoughts you can reflect that bit better that when the action is ongoing. Like Cha O’Neill was in charge of the opposition. He was Castlemartyr manager in their county junior hurling winning year of 2014. Likewise Ian O’Connell, on the line with the saints and a county winning manager from last year. Sean Geaney lined out at midfield for Kiltha. His dad Eddie won a county intermediate medal with the saints in 1994. A team that would have included Shane O’Connell and Brian Cotter, along with Ian, U14 selectors this term. So the message to both teams is simple. Listen to your mentors, they know what it’s about but enough of reminiscing.
Kieran Kelleher, Evan O’Driscoll, Sean O’Donoghue and Oisín Fitzgerald were kept busy in repelling opposition attacks. At the other end Cillian O’Callaghan was sharp and focused between the posts. Playing a key role in a 1-05 to 0-03 half time lead for Kiltha. Kian O’Donoghue with a brace of points had the margin down to three points when Kiltha with three goals in nine minutes effectively sealed the issue.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (0-01 free)(0-03), D Morrison (0-02), C Sheehan, S Cotter and O Fitzgerald (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, K Kelleher, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, C Sheehan, D Morrison, C Leamy, S Cotter, K O’Donoghue, C McAuliffe. Subs: C Hayes for C Leamy (46’), T Barry for C Sheehan (47’), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for K Kelleher (50’), D Murphy for S Cotter (51’), C McCarthy for C Dunning (54’), A Bryan for C McAuliffe (56’).
Referee: Christopher Scanlan (Russell Rovers).
Rebel Óg U12 A football league - round four
St Catherines 1-03 Whitechurch 0-08
Well now the pressure is on. St Catherines would make the start you dream about when at the end of a four man move Dylan Murphy crashed in the lead score and only goal of the contest as early as the second minute in this Rebel Óg east U12 A football league tie played in Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Ciaran Leamy and Shane Cotter added well-earned points in a, thus far, evenly fought league encounter as a lead of 1-03 to 0-04 was established at the interval.
But Whitechurch were better on the change of ends and points from Darragh O’Connell, Jamie Hegarty and Conor O’Brien sealed the win for them on an end scoreline of 0-08 to 1-03. That’s just one win in four for the saints who now face a trip to Crosshaven. Up to Fort Camden venue for the popular TV show ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’. The it’s the visit of Macroom to Ballynoe.
Scorers: D Murphy (1-00), C Leamy (0-01 free) (0-02) and S Cotter (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, T Barry, C Dunning, S Cotter, E O’Driscoll, A Bryan, D O’Donovan, C Hayes, G Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, C Leamy, D Murphy and J Temple. Subs: J Hickey for A Bryan (36’). S Wallace for G Sheehan (46’).
Referee: Jamie Lane (Kiltha Óg).
Fixture
Monday, May 21 at Ballynoe, junior hurling league Div2 rd7 v Midleton at 7.30pm.
Cork teams
Well it’s back. It started in Tullamore on Saturday night last then picked up that bit more in Parnell Park on the Sunday. You feel that the cats would have the wherewithal to recover from a loss. Whereas it’s hard to imagine the implications of this defeat on what were Pat Gilroy’s impressive charges. Now a much eagerly awaited Munster senior hurling championship will start unrolling this upcoming weekend. Tipperary are away at Páirc na nGael. With the rebels up against the Banner county in a triple header at home.
So what awaits us in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday? Well there’s camogie championship at midday. Followed by minor hurling with top billing reserved for a 4pm throw in. Cork play Tipperary with a 2pm start in Thurles the following Sunday. On reflection, it’s unlikely we were watching All Ireland senior football champions in Castlebar last weekend. Super eights maybe. Outright champions? Definitely not. Let the games begin.
Condolences
Our sympathy to the family on the sad passing Bill Ronayne of Templevalley following an illness borne bravely. Bill was a great character and loved sport, especially the horses and golf. Bill was involved with a few underage football teams back in the nineties. Possibly as a selector with Mike Walsh and Matt Harper as his son Killian played with the saints. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday, last week’s lotto draw was held over until Tuesday night, May 8 at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna. Numbers drawn were 14, 17, 24 and 28 and the jackpot of €14,600 wasn’t won while the consolation winners were: Margaret Walsh c/o Kals, Redmond Higgins, Ballynoe, Padraig Dillon, Kilclare, Aghern, Susan Sheehan c/o Helen O’Connor and Ger Cashman, Bridepark, Conna.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors, Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

St Catherines GAA
Focus now reverts to football championship
East Cork Junior Football League Div3 Rd7
Glenville 3-11 St Catherines 2-11
Attention now shifts to this weekend’s divisional junior A football championship. St Catherines meet Fr O’Neills in a first round tie scheduled for Youghal this upcoming weekend. Waiting for either Copper Alley or Magner’s Hill to be confirmed as official venue. Again, the poor weather and earlier than usual start to the hurling wouldn’t have helped preparation. League form has been inconsistent. Beating Russell Rovers in the opening match. Defeats ensued against Castlemartyr and Bride Rovers. A possible challenge game aside and championship preparation was more or less completed with this round seven divisional junior football league division three tie when played in Glenville on Friday evening last.
It was the home team who were making the better start. Although the teams were tied on three occasions through the opening ten minutes weren’t availing of all chances presented when ahead at 0-06 to 0-04 to seventeen minutes. Catherines were level again when Eoin Wallace, without catching the ball, volleyed home the most perfect of goals with an expert finish. Further points followed from Stephen Carr and Dave Wallace who provided the key pass for the goal and although confusion now reigned as to the official score, Catherines were being credited with a 1-06 to 0-07 half time advantage. A few of us would argue that it should have been more.
Colm Molloy was hauled to the ground. Rory Galvin coolly slotted home the resultant penalty kick. Restoring a lead of 2-08 to 1-08 for the visitors to forty-one minutes. Eoin Desmond and Don O’Riordan were the goalscorers and after pointing a brace of close in frees, Paudi Cahill confirmed victory for the home team. Slotting home a penalty kick right at the death. There was no way back from that. Final score in Glenville’s favour standing at 3-11 to 2-11. We wish those involved the very best of luck in the championship match.
Scorers: R Galvin (1-00 penalty) (0-02 frees) (1-03), S Carr (0-03), E Wallace (1-00), P O’Connor and L Kearney (0-02 each) and D Wallace (0-01).
St Catherines team: A Carr, R Condon, J Mulcahy, E Wallace, B Davis, S O’Brien, J Neville, S Cogan, R Galvin, S Carr, P O’Connor, P Roche, D Wallace, C Molloy and L Kearney. Sub: L O’Callaghan McCarthy for C Molloy (45’). Referee: John Kirby (Midleton).
Juvenile Match Report
Coiste na nÓg U13 Premier 2 Hurling League Rd 3
Youghal 4-09 St Catherines 1-12
With the previous brace of fixtures against both Cobh and Aghabullogue falling victims to the poor weather conditions, St Catherines were making their debut in the competition when this round three premier two U13 hurling league tie went ahead on Magners Hill in Youghal on Wednesday evening, May 2nd last. Conditions were in the Saints’ favour and with Kian O’Donoghue and Shane Cotter in point-scoring form were ahead at half-time on a scoreline of 0-10 to 1-03. That deceptively stiffish cold breeze was now helping out the opposition. But when Cathal Sheehan was on hand to crash in the Saints goal and Oisín Fitzgerald quickly followed up with a well taken point parity had been restored at 1-11 to 3-05, now eleven minutes in the second half. Youghal just saw it out that bit stronger.
Scorers: K O’Donoghue (0-04 frees) (0-01- 65) (0-07), C Sheehan (1-00), S Cotter (0-03), C Pietropaolo and O Fitzgerald (0-01).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, K Kelleher, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, T Barry, C Leamy, K O’Donoghue, C Pietropaolo, S Cotter, C Sheehan and C McAuliffe. Subs: C Hayes for T Barry (second half), G O’Callaghan McCarthy for C McAuliffe (43’), C Feeney for S Cotter (58’). Also on panel: D Murphy and A Bryan. Referee: Mary Byrne Swayne (Fr O’Neills).
Rebel Óg East U16 B1 Football League Rd 2
St Catherines 2-03 Glenville 2-13
Glenville were the better team in this round two Rebel Óg East U16 B1 football league tie when played in dull, overcast, albeit mild conditions at Ballynoe on Thursday evening last. They had built up a lead standing at 1-07 to 0-02 to the break. Extending onto 1-11 to 0-03 to forty-one minutes. When in a few clever moves the Saints were rewarded with a few well-taken scores. Darragh Gavin initiated the move before Harry Draper forced in the first goal on fifty-two minutes. James Hayes was involved before Tom Hartnett crashed in a second shortly afterwards. But with Jack Ryall, Conor Fitzgerald, Gearóid White and Michael O’Driscoll to the fore, the margin was too wide and opposition too good.
Scorers: H Draper and T Hartnett (1-00 each), K Barry (0-01 free) (0-02) and J Hayes (0-01).
St Catherines team: C Roberts, J Duncan, E O’Riordan, C England, J O’Keeffe, J McGuckian, D Galvin, J Hayes, K Barry, C Dinneen, H Draper, W Leamy, W McAuliffe, T Hartnett and K Wallace. Sub: F O’Connell for C Dinneen (second half). Referee: Robert Whelan (Aghada).
Rebel Óg East U12 A Football League Rd 3
Ballinora 2-04 St Catherines 1-04
St Catherines went down to a three point loss in this Rebel Óg East U12 A football league round three tie when played in Ballinora on Saturday afternoon last.
Scorers: J Temple (1-01), S Cotter (0-01 free) (0-02) and C Hayes (0-01).
St Catherines team: J Bryan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, E O’Driscoll, T Barry, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy, C Pietropaolo, C Leamy, S Cotter, C Hayes, A Bryan, D Murphy and J Temple. Also: G Sheehan, T Dee and S Aherne.
U11 Hurling League
The U11 hurlers recorded a sizeable victory in the league at Glen Rovers on Saturday morning last.
Panel of players: D Turley, J Pratt, C Murray, S Wallace, G Sheehan, J Temple, T Clancy, C O’Driscoll, T Dee, J Pietropaolo, S Aherne and M Kearney.
Peil na nÓg Football Qualifier – Group 2
Following success over host venue Ballycastle Gaels in an earlier round St Catherines lost out to Clyda Rovers in their Peil na nÓg football qualifier decider when played at the excellent Ballyhooly venue on Saturday afternoon last. Clyda had earlier overcome the challenges of Castlelyons and Erins Own. Scores of games St Catherines 7-06 Ballycastle Gaels 0-06. Then Clyda Rovers 2-09 St Catherines 0-04. Outright qualifiers were due to be played on Bank Holiday Monday last. Referees in Ballyhooly were Andrew Dorgan of Watergrasshill and Mark Murphy of Bride Rovers.
Panel of players (In no particular order): Adam O’Donnell, Ben O’Connor, Denis Temple, Fionn O’Connell, Gearóid O’Brien, James O’Callaghan, Ryle Wallace, Stephen Cotter, William O’Driscoll, Kieran Kelleher, Nathan Sheehan, Cathal McAuliffe, Cathal Sheehan, Darragh Morrison, Kian O’Donoghue, Oisín Fitzgerald and Seán O’Donoghue.
Fixtures – Adult Club
Saturday, May 12 at Youghal – Junior A Football Championship First Round v Fr O’Neills at 4pm.
Junior Club Fixture
Friday, May 11 at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East U12 A Football League Round Four v Whitechurch at 7.15pm.
Camogie
Just to briefly reflect back and Cork’s recent victory over Galway was the Rebels first time to win the All-Ireland minor A camogie championship. Galway have been three times winners of the competition and were the reigning holders. Also, St Catherines player Finola Neville, although injured, was part of the Cork squad that achieved a narrow victory over Westmeath in the recent National league intermediate camogie final played at Freshford in Co Kilkenny.
Condolences
We offer our sympathy to local radio commentator John Cashman on the death of his mother Eileen last weekend. At the removal from Midleton on Saturday evening last met Dungourney referee James Hennessy who was to go in for a brief operation. Well he’s over it. Been in and out and should be back to full fitness in about a month.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday this week’s lotto draw with a jackpot standing at €14,600 was held over until Tuesday night last, May 8th at The Fisherman’s Rest in Conna. Results will be updated shortly.
Sponsors
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors. Juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

St Catherines GAA
First round victory for intermediate hurlers
Intermediate hurling championship first round also intermediate hurling league - div4 rd11
St Catherines 1-17 Grenagh 0-15
Reigning county junior champions St Catherines are over the first hurdle, surviving the challenge of Grenagh in this intermediate hurling championship first round tie, when played in good conditions at Kilavullen on Sunday afternoon last.
Little or nothing was keeping two evenly matched teams apart. Together on three occasions through the opening ten minutes as the Saints were assuming some semblance of control. Shane O’Brien was accurate from the frees. As man of the match in last year’s divisional junior hurling final as a corner back, Philip Keane, now up in the forwards found the space and charged through for a skilfully taken point and a lead of 0-08 to 0-03 to nineteen minutes. Conor Kearney and Conor Hegarty also found the target. Ex intercounty star Tom Kenny pointed twice for the opposition from full forward with the lead standing in Catherines favour on a half-time scoreline of 0-10 to 0-06.
Sean Bourke, a county minor, with Shane O’Brien in 2013 and 2014 was now causing problems up front. Allied to a quartet of points from Seamus Cronin at wing forward, divided evenly between frees and general play and Grenagh had whittled down the deficit to a manageable one point at 0-14 to 0-13 when Catherines captain Daniel Mangan had the physical strength to force his way through for the game’s only goal and match defining score. Making it 1-14 to 0-13 to forty-eight minutes. Grenagh were off target from a late free and keeper Ed Aherne was fouled emerging with the sliotar right on time. So, the Saints book a place in the third round should be on around the end of July. While Grenagh will now be up against the losers of Mayfield and St Finbarrs in round two. A further boost from the Saints is that last Sunday’s encounter doubled as a league match. Thus bringing the tally now to six points from four matches played.
St Catherines scorers: S O’Brien (0-07 frees), D Mangan (1-03), B Mulcahy and P Keane (0-02 each), C Kearney, C Hegarty and B O’Brien (0-01 each).
Grenagh scorers: S Cronin (0-02 frees) (0-04), S Bourke (0-01 free)(0-03), T Kenny and A O’Neill (0-02 each), P Barry Murphy, A Duggan, P McSweeney and K Cummins (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Aherne, E Wallace, S Morris, K Neville, C Hegarty, L O’Connor, J Neville, C Kearney, S O’Brien, S Cotter, D Mangan (captain), R Galvin, Rd Galvin, B Mulcahy and P Keane.
Sub: B O’Brien for Rd Galvin (38’).
Referee: Dave O’Farrell Jnr. (Ballygiblin).
Juvenile programme of matches
Rebel Óg East U16 B1 hurling league round four
St Catherines 3-14
Tracton 2-11
Carraig na bhFear game aside which was rained off and St Catherines maintained their thus far unbeaten run with a well-earned victory over a dogged Tracton challenge, when this round four U16 B1 hurling league tie was played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last.
U14 player Kyle Wallace was in irrepressible goal scoring form. Two of his trio of goals keeping the Saints to a 2-06 t0 1-02 half time lead, Completing his hat trick just at the end of the third quarter. A psychologically crucial time with Tracton mainly through Mark Byrne, their best player, still very competitive. Harry Draper and Kevin Barry also figured strongly in the scoring stakes.
Scorers: K Wallace (3-01), K Barry and H Draper (0-04 frees), (0-06 each) and C O’Brien (0-01).
St Catherines team: C Roberts, C England, E O’Riordan, C Bryan, J O’Keeffe, C O’Brien, D Galvin, J McGuckian, K Barry, J Hayes, H Draper, W Leamy, C Dineen, G O’Brien, K Wallace. Subs: J Duncan and T Hartnett for C Bryan and C Dineen (both second half), E Philpott for C Roberts (49’), F O’Connell for J McGuckian (50’), G Leahy for K Wallace (54), C Bryan for E O’Riordan (56’).
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Rebel Óg East U16 B1 hurling league round three
Aghada 1-13 St Catherines 3-12
An even enough affair for the major part as the contest was progressing with the home team just edging it at 0-07 to 0-06 to the break and again at 1-09 to 0-11 to forty-three minutes. Conall Rooney and Michael Stafford were prominent for the opposition in a thus far evenly fought U16 B1 hurling league tie played Rostellan on Monday evening April 23 last. Indeed, both teams were locked in deadlock on eight occasions, Harry Draper largely on top for the Saints scoring stakes. But all that was about to change with the Saints rattling off a three-goal surge in a glorious four-minute spell.
James Hayes with the first following a thunderous strike. Replacement Gearoid O’Brien quickly added a second. With another substitute Kyle Wallace drilling in a third to which he added a trio of points all from play. Establishing a 3-12 to 1-13 win for Saints against on Aghada outfit who had a proficient free taken in Eoin Motherway.
Scorers: H Draper (0-05 frees)(0-07), K Wallace (1-03), J Hayes and G O’Brien (1-00 each), K Barry and G England (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: C Roberts, J Duncan, M Geary, J O’Keeffe, C England, J McGuckian, D Galvin, G England, K Barry, J Hayes, H Draper, C Dineen, W McAuliffe, T Hartnett and W Leamy.
Subs: K Wallace and G O’Brien for W McAuliffe and T Hartnett (both second half).
C Bryan for C Dineen (49’), E Philpott for C Roberts (51’) and G Leahy for W Leamy (52’).
Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
Rebel Óg East U14 B1 football league round four
St Catherines 1-07 Whitechurch 0-05
St Catherines just did enough in seeing off the tenacious challenge of Whitechurch in this rearranged U14 B1 football league tie when played in cold, windy and frequently showery conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 25 last.
Gearoid O’Brien lead the line well scoring six points from play, including all first half scores. As the Saints forged their way into a half time lead of 0-04 to 0-01 against a Whitechurch outfit who had prominent players in Rory O’Connell and Luke Hall.
A few minor positional switches ensued on the turnover with Stephen Cotter in a direct exchange with William O’Driscoll now playing out the field and rewarded with the next score when pointing a close in free. The game’s defining moment unfolding when the always hardworking Ben O’Connor crashed in the only goal and match winning score setting up a lead of 1-05 to 0-01 right at the end of third quarter against visibly improving opposition who had reduced the margin to 1-05 to 0-05, just one kick of a football to fifty-three minutes, Staunch Darragh Morrison and Oisín Fitzgerald defending required. Siege lifted the games last two scores followed. Speedy recovery to Joe Dennehy, Whitechurch player injured during the match. Catherines tally now four points from as many league matches played. Emerging from an even divide of two wins and a duo of losses.
Scorers: G O’Brien (0-06), B O’Connor (1-00) and S Cotter (0-01 free).
St Catherines team: Stephen Cotter, K Kelleher, D Morrison, J Mulcahy, N Sheehan, S O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, F O’Connell, B O’Connor, C McAuliffe, G O’Brien, A O’Donnell, W O’Driscoll, K O’Donoghue, J O’Callaghan. Subs: C Sheehan for C McAuliffe (second half), C Pietropaolo for N Sheehan (51’), Shane Cotter for Stephen Cotter (53’).
Referee: Paudi Kearney (Glenbower Rovers).
Next on your juvenile fixture list
Saturday, May 5 at Ballyhooly Peil na nÓg qualifiers. Saturday, May 5 U12 A football league v Ballinora (away) at 3pm. Monday, May 7 Peil na nÓg semi-finals and finals.
Venue will be confirmed as week advances. Monday, May 7 Coiste na nÓg U13 premier two hurling league found four v Kiltha Óg (away) at 7pm.
Congratulations to the Rebelettes
Level at half-time on a scoreline of 0-08 to 1-05 we congratulate Cork on a marvellous victory over Galway in the All-Ireland minor camogie final played at An Taonach (Nenagh) on Saturday afternoon last. Cork who overcame Kilkenny in one of the earlier rounds which was played in Ballynoe, finished in champions on an end scoreline of 0-18 to 1-11. An extra special day for Catherines players Laura Hayes and Aoife Hurley. With Laura lining out at centre back and Aoife at corner forward. Lucy Wallace was also a member of the champions panel. Congratulations to all on a magnificent achievement.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherine’s GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.
Lotto
Winding up with the results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Big Tree, Aghern on Monday night last, April 30. Numbers drawn were 5, 12, 15 and 21. There was no winner of the €14,400 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were: Paddy Williams c/o Kal’s, Rob Cotter, Ballyclough, Esther Power, Ballynoe, Pat Hurley c/o Kal’s and Riona Morrison, Curraheen, Conna.
It’s a bank holiday so next lotto draw now with a jackpot standing at €14,600 will be held over until Tuesday night coming, May 8 at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna.

St Catherines GAA
Juvenile social this weekend
We’re probably cutting it a bit tight, but take this as a final reminder of St Catherines GAA and Camogie Club’s annual juvenile social which takes place at the Rochestown Park Hotel, on this forthcoming Friday night, January 12. The start time 7.15pm by now the venue should be updated on possible numbers.
For those of you making late decisions just check with Fiona Sheehan, Imelda O’Connell and Susan Sheehan on ticket availability. Priced at €23 for adults and €15 underage. It’s always a memorable occasion.
Scór na bPáistí
St Catherines are holding their own domestic round of Scór na bPáistí in Ballynoe Community Hall on Wednesday night next, January 17 at 7pm. This then should enable us to have teams ready for the East Cork quarter-finals which take place on Friday night, January 19 at 7pm, Saturday, January 20 at 6.30pm, Sunday, January 21 at 2pm and again at 6.30pm. All divisional quarter-finals go ahead in Lisgoold hall. Please support.
History slot
Talk of times past
For the first time in three years, St Catherines had their names in the hat when it came to the draws for the county championship of the subsequent year. Catherines have been paired with Grenagh in the first round of the intermediate hurling championship for 2018. Draw made at county convention in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the evening of Sunday, December 10 in the year just ended. Winners progress, while the losers will be up against losers of St Finbarr’s or Mayfield in the second round.
Catherines and Grenagh meet quite a bit at underage level. No great rivalry exists at adult level. Records show the last meeting was a round four intermediate hurling league tie. Grenagh pitch had problems. Match relocated and played in Whitechurch at 6.30pm on the evening of Saturday, April 5, 2014. Realistically weather-wise it was still awful. Fortunately it was a fixture only just seen out as the fear of fog was a real half time worry - thankfully not to materialise.
Grenagh were ahead on an interval scoreline of 0-08 to 0-04. Catherines began to claw back the deficit on the turnover. Cathal Leahy, now up in the forwards, picked out substitute Noel O’Brien who booted over a point. But try as they might Catherines couldn’t make serious inroads on the lead. With Colm O’Neill and ex county star Tom Kenny dominant, Grenagh were victorious on an end 0-13 to 0-08 scoreline. One sad note to report is that the referee was the subsequently ill-fated Peter Downey of Inniscarra.
Catherines’ line out that evening was Ed Aherne, Stephen O’Brien, Ronan Clancy, Sean Leamy, Cathal Leahy, Liam O’Connor, Brian Davis, James Neville, Conor Kearney, Paul Tobin, Kevin Mangan, Padraig O’Connor, John Mulcahy, Daniel Mangan and Colm Aherne.
Subs were Ed Kenneally, Noel O’Brien, Eoin Condon, John Casey, Johnny Hurley and Eoin Corcoran.
Recently when researching a piece for the junior county hurling final match programme one stated that hitherto there was also no great rivalry between St Catherines and Brian Dillons. One would have to go back twenty years when the teams met in the county U14B hurling final proper. It was played in glorious early autumn sunshine at Páirc Uí Rinn on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27th, 1997. Throw in time was 1.45pm Catherines winning 5-12 to 1-03.
Catherines team was: Annette Fitzgerald, John Casey, Bill Aherne, Niall O’Riordan, Matthew Harper, Richard Lynch, Alan Keane, Alan Carr, Colin Hogan, Dave Barry, Padraig Dillon, John Beecher, Padraig O’Connor, Liam Kearney, Tomás Casey. Subs used were: Kevin O’Sullivan, Niall Kearney and Esther Power. Also on the panel were Seamus Noonan, John Mulcahy, Ian Hegarty, Brian Hogan and Sean Barry. Winning captain was Liam Kearney.
Included in that Brian Dillons’ line up was their current influential forward, John Horgan. Incredibly Peter Downey was also referee that day. We’ve been meaning to go back to both those matches and we did.
Strictly DVDs
A final reminder this is your last chance at obtaining copies of the Strictly DVDs from the local shoes. A fitting souvenir of what was a truly memorable occasion. Price €10. There are still a few complementary programmes floating around.
Condolences
Our sympathy goes to Donie Cahill on the death of his mother Betty. Now back as secretary of the Cloyne club - a position previously occupied for many years - Donie was appointed vice chairman of Rebel Óg East on its inauguration in 2011. He graduated to the role of chairman until that particular board’s premature demise in the spring of 2015.
Get well soon
Thankfully now on the mend, we wish club registrar Pat Hartigan a speedy recovery following a recent illness.
Lotto results
First lotto draw of the new calendar year was held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna, on Monday night last, January 8. Numbers drawn were: 13, 15, 20 and 27 and the jackpot of €11,200 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were: Claire Kearney, Mary C Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Angela Davis, Castlebrook, Conna, Richard Higgins Kilcronay, Ballynoe and Billy O’Connell, Ballynoe. Next will be a draw for a jackpot now standing at €11,400 at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday, January 15.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Lotto draws and poc fada 
dominate the festive season
Conditions weren’t quite as good as the previous year as St Catherines GAA and camogie clubs held their second annual poc fada on the roads around Ballynoe on St Stephen’s morning. Two lotto draws also went ahead and it was these events that dominated the festive programme of the club. Now read on for more details.
Lotto draws
Although there is the obvious attraction of the imminent socials, the club’s Christmas lotto draw remains one of the most anticipated and eagerly looked forward to annual events of the year. Addressing the sizeable gathering at this year’s draw, held at The Big Tree, Aghern, on Saturday night, December 23, loyal servant John G Barry thanked everyone for their support. Adding that it was always in abundance and more than appreciated. John G remains the hurling rep to the Cork county board,
Numbers drawn were 5, 9, 25 and 28 and the jackpot of €10,800 wasn’t won. Winners of the regular consolation prizes on the night were SNN, Cullinagh, Ballynoe, Eileen Collins O’Donovan, Kilosseragh, Ballynoe, Phil Beecher, Conna, Cathal Leahy, Curraheen, Conna and Sean Buckley c/o The Big Tree Aghern. Cash festive bonus prizes were won by Seamus Kearney, Ballybride, Conna, Eileen Hogan, Kilcronat, Christopher Hurley, Cois Cille, Conna, Stephen Kearney, Ballybride, Conna and Gabriel and Geraldine Gregan, Clarecastle, Co Clare. Various spot prizes went to Eleanor Galvin, Rodney Paul, Conna, Tom Keating, Ballyduff, Valerie Morrissey, Fionn O’Connell, Ballynoe and Conor Kearney, Ballybride, Conna.
William Kearney provided soft music as a backdrop. As John G aptly declared at the outset “sure isn’t he one of our own!”
Many thanks to proprietors Mike and Jeanette Barry for hospitality shown.
Which brings us to the details from the most recent weekly draw which was held at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, on Saturday night last. Numbers drawn were 2, 7, 19 and 25. There was no winner of the €11,000 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night were Catherine McCready, Mary Smith c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, Joan Flynn, Ballytrasna, Fermoy, Frankie McAuliffe, Rathdrum, Ballynoe and Eabha Twomey c/o Fisherman’s Rest. At this point in time we thank you for your ongoing and continuous support for both the weekly lotto draw and the Cork GAA clubs draw, two of the club’s biggest fundraisers.
First lotto draw of the new calendar year, now with an accumulated jackpot of €11,200, will be at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna on Monday night coming, January 8.
Poc fada
Eighteen combinations participated in St Catherines GAA and camogie club’s second annual poc fada. Entrants assembled at the top gate in the village straight across from Ballynoe post office and the first team was off around 11.00am on St Stephen’s morning last. Fee was €10 for adults and €5 for those in the fifteen to eighteen age group. Contestants had to use their own sliotars. Shane Fitzgerald and James ‘Junior’ Sheehan were the winners. Likewise, Linda O’Donnell and Brendan McKee were successful in the fifteen to eighteen age group. GAA club secretary Eleanor Galvin made the presentations. All those who took part enjoyed what was a worthy fundraiser.
What else was on over the Christmas
Elsewhere over the festive period saw the staging of your local goal mile in the GAA pitch in Ballynoe at 10.30am on Christmas morning. Ballynoe National School organised a swim at Claycastle in Youghal on Christmas morning around 12noon. Proceeds were in aid of a ball wall. Hot refreshments were served on the day. Also, Ballynoe Community Council mental health and wellbeing fun/run/walk was on in Knockadea woods last Saturday. Tea and snacks were served in Leahy’s Open Farm afterwards.
Party in Conna
Popped into Mike Lane’s seventieth birthday party, held at The Winner’s Enclosure in Conna on Friday night last. Music provided by Martin Kearney and ex-showband star Art Supple. Mike keeps well in touch with all his relations and neighbours. He is also a very loyal Catherines man and served as club secretary for five years in the early nineties. On big match days he is always available to help out at the gates or with the parking of cars. For many years he was one of the few from the club willing to put their name forward for stewarding on big match days at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and remains a frequent promoter of the club’s weekly lotto draw. Mike is a passionate Cork supporter, football as much as hurling. He is currently club football delegate to the Cork county board. After amusingly referring to John G Barry as the “senior delegate”.
Horse racing would be another love and he had an eventual winner named after him - Major Finnegan. There aren’t too many with that claim to fame! Mike would be a good man to have a pint with, is great company and is one of natures all round good guys.
What’s coming up?
There is a plethora of upcoming events. We hope to be present and give all fair and balanced coverage. But right now precedent must be given to the upcoming St Catherines GAA and camogie clubs annual juvenile social set for The Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 12. Tickets priced at €23 for adults and €15 for underage are currently available from juvenile secretary, Imelda O’Connell, St Catherines juvenile club treasurer Fiona Sheehan and assistant treasurer Susan Sheehan. Get your spoke in early. Demand is sure to be brisk.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA club, juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Saints paired with Grenagh in intermediate hurling championship

Tracey Kennedy assumed her role as chairperson at convention held at the revamped Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon last, when Ger Lane’s three year tenure as chairman of the county board officially ended. By contrast it was a sad week as well with the news of the death of previous chairman Derry Gowen. Indeed, Ger Lane touched on the issue at the East Cork convention last week that now five executive chairmen have passed to their eternal reward while he held office.
Derry Gowen was a mild mannered, softly spoken, always approachable gentleman who served Fermoy, Avondhu and the county well. He was treasurer of the county board for nine years from 1963 to 72, also serving as chairman from ‘82 to ‘84, which was centenary year of the association. He was also involved with a number of teams over the years and was a selector with the Cork minor footballers, winning their first title in the grade with a final victory over Mayo in 1961. This was the curtain raiser to the Down-Offaly senior final. There were 91,000 people in Croke Park that day. A record for an All-Ireland final. Included in that rebel minor team were Frank Cogan and Brendan Larkin and their respective names are still synonymous with Cork GAA.
Of course, Derry will always be credited with the founding of Scór, the GAA’s talent competition, promotion of our Gaelic culture through the medium of traditional music, song and dance, in 1970. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. His son Diarmuid is now treasurer of Cork county board and we congratulate both Tracey and Diarmuid on their new appointments.
A feature at county convention are the championship draws in both codes for the new season. Newly crowned county junior champions St Catherines have been paired with Grenagh in the first round of intermediate hurling championship. Winners advance with the losers to meet either Mayfield or St Finbarrs in the second round of the competition. Reigning senior champions Imokilly, who can now call on Youghal players, clash with Muskerry in the first round of the 2018 county senior hurling championship. Youghal themselves must play Castlelyons in the first round of the premier intermediate hurling.
Now Cork and Munster champions Nemo Rangers must play Clyda Rovers in the first round of the county senior football championship. Defeated county finalists St Finbarrs play Carrigaline. County and provisional junior champions Knocknagree must play Rockchapel in the first round of next year’s county intermediate football championship.
East Cork convention
Newly appointed host club chairman Con Lawlor opened proceedings in welcoming everybody to the annual East Cork convention which in the memory of the late Tom Joe O’Riordan was held in Castlelyons Community Centre on Wednesday night, December 6. Tom Joe, a gentleman to his fingertips, was a lifelong member of his beloved club, playing with Castlelyons conquerors of the saints in the 1955 East Cork final, he served division and county well and was treasurer of the Imokilly board for seventeen years. You would radiate in his warm company and it’s coming up to a year now since he was tragically killed in a car crash on the motorway.
Board secretary Michael O’Brien, in reviewing his own report which along with the PRO and treasurer details were presented in book form to the delegates, spoke in glowing terms of Imokilly’s third county senior hurling championship success. Thanking all the clubs that lent players for the campaign, especially Cloyne and Castlelyons who played their own championship games a few days after the barony played. Thanks also to the many clubs who made their grounds and lights available, often at short notice.
Another great year for East Cork teams in the county inter divisional championships. Winning three of the five county finals contested, St Catherines in being crowned junior hurling champions brought the John Quirke Cup back to the division for the third time in four years. Sarsfields lifted the junior B hurling title. Cobh won the junior B football championship. Congratulations also to Aghada who won the intermediate hurling championship. First ever adult county hurling title in their history. County hurling league success attained by the hurlers of Sarsfields, Fr O’Neills and Castlelyons, while Cobh won out the county junior B football league.
Richard Fitzgerald from the Russell Rovers club was completing his five year tenure as East Cork board chairman. Highlight was probably Dungourney winning the 2015 Munster junior hurling championship. Although a native of Clyda Rovers, now Lisgoold resident Donal O’Keeffe takes up occupancy of the chair. He recalled going to board meetings first in the company of a few club stalwarts. Most notably John Joe O’Regan, Jimmy Geary and the late Bob O’Sullivan. He was previously in charge of the league and was referee co-ordinator. Jerome O’Brien from Cloyne is the new vice chairman. Willie Ring, whose name is synonymous with East Cork GAA, replaces Midleton’s John Hennessy as board president. He spoke in praise worthy terms of the late Moss O’Sullivan and Dave Hoare during his 45 year involvement with the board. It was probably Ger Lane’s last official function prior to his involvement as county board chairman terminated. Outgoing chairman Richard Fitzgerald on behalf of the East Cork board made him a presentation. Likewise Michael O’Brien to Richard Fitzgerald.
Regular delegate Pat Lane was the recipient of the East Cork junior hurling medals on behalf of St Catherines. The convention wound up with Carraig na bhFear’s representative Don Hegarty performing Amhrán na bhFiann.
Reardans All Stars
Wednesday night, December 6 would see the naming of the Cork All-Star selections sponsored by Reardens, comprising players who participated in this year’s club county senior championships encompassing hurling, football, camogie and ladies football. Six players from the county winning Imokilly team made the hurling selection with Brian Lawton named player of the year. Fourteen of the fifteen named on the All-Star football selection emanated from both county finalists. Matthew Taylor at left corner back from Avondhu was the only player picked outside of Nemo Rangers and St Finbarrs. Footballer of the year was Luke Connolly from Nemo. Catherines players Orla Cotter at centre forward and Finola Neville at left half forward were named on the camogie All-Star team.
Strictly DVDs
A reminder from chief co-ordinator Ann Galvin that DVDs of that famous strictly night are available in the local shops costing €10 each. Some spare souvenir programmes, free of charge can also be picked up.
Club gear
Stuck for an idea for a Christmas present? Good news that our club gear has been updated online with O’Neills and new items of clothing are available. Click on the link: http://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/st-catherines-gaa.html.
Juvenile social
St Catherines GAA and camogie clubs annual juvenile social will be on Friday night, January 12. Prices are €23 for adults and €25 for underage. Tickets are now on sale and available from juvenile club treasurer Fiona Sheehan, secretary Imelda O’Connell and Susan Sheehan, assistant treasurer, juvenile club. Adult club social will be on Saturday night, February 3. Both socials will be in The Rochestown Park Hotel, more details closer to the time.
Church concert
A captivating performance of vibrant Irish music song and dance with a difference. A spellbinding display of raw energy, passion and melodic genius. That was the description on the promotional material as Liam O’Connor, with the fastest fingers in the world, participated in his second parochial gig in just over five years, at Conna church on Friday night last. Proceeds in aid of a sensory garden and outdoor educational room in a fundraiser for Curraglass National School and helping hands homeless action group in Cork. “Must see show of the year”.
Ballynoe national school swim
Ballynoe National School are organising a swim at Claycastle in Youghal on Christmas day at 12noon. Proceeds are in aid of future development of a ball wall. Sponsor cards available at school and from board members. Hot refreshments will be served on the day.
Poc Fada
St Catherines GAA and camogie clubs second annual poc fada will be on St Stephens morning. Registration will be from 10.30am onwards from the main entry gate into the pitch in Ballynoe with first teams away at 11.00am. Cost is €10 for adults. Juveniles €5. It’s three on a team. Next week’s notes feature a full preview of all upcoming events and more about the poc fada will be included.
Lotto
Results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe, on Monday night last, December 11. Numbers drawn were: 1, 5, 7 and 29 and there was no winner of the €10,600 jackpot. The consolation winners were: Mike Barry, c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, Máíre Ní Breathnach, Ballymurphy, Conna, Toss Hartigan (phone number supplied), Diarmuid Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons and Lisa and Alan O’Mahony, Conna.
Next draw for a jackpot now standing at €10,800 will be the Christmas lotto draw with festive bonus prizes. Open to lotto sellers and customers and club supporters alike, it takes place at The Big Tree, Aghern on Saturday night, December 23. Next subsequent draw to that will be at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, on Saturday night, December 30. First draw of the new calendar year takes place at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna on Monday night, January 8.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Annual general meeting report

Outgoing chairman Tom Morrison, in addressing the parent club AGM (held in a room just off the main floor of Conna community hall on Friday night last) singled out the winning of the county junior A hurling championship as the highlight of the year.
Former players returning, allied to the introduction of a few new faces and minors meant there was greater depth to the squad and hopefully now this can provide the springboard to greater success. The club second string junior hurling squad retained their division two status and only lost out by a point to neighbours Castlelyons in an above average, fast Cork junior B hurling championship semi-final. Making the point that maybe the club didn’t hit the same heights in football, nevertheless, the junior As and Cs did win championship matches. Without success, both U21 teams short a decent quantity of players on the age, performed admirably.
Aside from the county junior success, team captain Daniel Mangan, Brian Mulcahy and Eoin Condon were members of the county winning Imokilly senior hurling squad. A great year for a youthful Eoin Davis, crowned county poc fada champion and also eventually earning his place as goalkeeper on the inaugural winning Cork All-Ireland U17 hurling team. Further glory bestowed on Ciaran O’Brien. Part of the winning Cork U15 hurling squad, younger brother Gearoid making the Cork panel for primary go game against Tipperary in Thurles back in mid-May.
Tom stressed that off the playing pitches that ‘Strictly St Catherines’ was a particular highlight, proving itself to be a great social occasion.
He thanked principal co-ordinator Ann Galvin, choreographer Niamh Twomey, main sponsors New Ireland Assurance and TVM for the ferocious work put in. Still stressing that it was an overall club effort. T~A are club sponsors while during the year Mulcahy Steel came on board and are now sponsors of St Catherines juvenile club.
St Catherines first annual poc fada was a great initiative. All money raised by the players going towards the conversion of an existing store room to a gym. There are also further plans to be carried out. The poc fada should go ahead again this year.
John O’Meara remains a great asset to the club. During the year John Lane moved on from his work in the pitches. Replaced by Thomas Murphy.
But this AGM will always be remembered as the night Dick Morrison retired as treasurer of the St Catherines club. Truly the end of an era. Dick was treasurer since the AGM of 1968. Over the years his brother Thos served as chairman. Both sons Ger and Tom filled the role of secretary. Tom is our current chairman. Completing a term of 49 unbroken years of Morrison service. Astounding. Tom let it be known he wouldn’t be seeking re-election as chairman.
Secretary Eleanor Galvin presented a meticulously prepared report. Reviewing all leagues and championships competed in. Mention too for the Kevin Walsh Cup. Won by Brian Dillons and played for in Ballynoe on the Monday of the June bank holiday as part of a diluted Lá na gClub programme. Highlight of that savagely wet day was the unveiling of the two plaques. One of which was in remembrance of the late Dave Hoare.
Eleanor, addressing her first adult club AGM as secretary, having been treasurer of the juvenile section for the previous nine years, informed us of the availability of club gear online. Select St Catherines from ‘my club’ section on www.oneills.com. You can get everything from replica jerseys, training tops, t-shirts, hoodies, half zips, hats, socks, shorts and gear bags. Ideal gifts there with the festive season fast approaching, as would the calendar currently being compiled by Paul Davis and Edmond Galvin. Eleanor informed us later that orders are being taken for county final DVD. Cost €20. If you would like a copy please text your name order to the club phone number. Orders must be in by tomorrow, Friday, December 8.
In the course of her report she also touched on the achievements of Finola Neville and Orla Cotter with the respective county camogie teams. Liam Kearney, who was assistant manager of league and cup winning Cork City also received some favourable mentions, concluding by thanking all for their co-operation. “Believe in your ability”.
Both treasurers reports were read and adopted. Balance sheets boosted by the coffers raised from the ‘Strictly’ income. All details presented by Dick Morrison and Richard Hegarty, were the beneficiaries of some glowing tributes. In a very brief address Dick Morrison in his role as president of St Catherines highlighted it to be a successful year both at adult and underage level. Officers elected at the juvenile AGM were ratified last Friday night. They being Shane O’Connell as chairman, Imelda O’Connell as secretary and treasurer being Fiona Sheehan. Successful county winning manager Ian O’Connell intimated he would not be putting his name forward as intermediate hurling boss. Seanie Farrell now steps up to assume that role. Billy Neville will be U21 hurling manager. Eoin Condon taking over the equivalent football squad.
Membership fees were settled as €100 for players, €60 for students and non players and €20 for under eighteens. A slight rise here. But it was well explained that the extra income will keep the gym upgraded.
At the end we were informed of some attractive upcoming club functions. Imokilly hurlers will be in the Winners Enclosure Conna on Friday night, December 15. County winning St Catherine’s hurlers will be in McAuliffes, Ballynoe 24 hours later on Saturday night, December 16. This year’s Christmas lotto draw and party goes ahead at The Big Tree Aghern on Saturday night, December 23. All lotto supporters, sellers and buyers alike welcome. Always now one of the most eagerly looked forwarded to nights of the year. Next subsequent lotto draw will be in The Fisherman’s Rest on Saturday night, December 30. First lotto draw of the new year will be in the Winners Enclosure, Conna, on Monday night, January 8.
St Catherines GAA and Camogie Club annual juvenile social will be on Friday, January 12. More details later. Adult GAA club victory social goes ahead on Saturday, February 3. Both socials on in Rochestown Park Hotel. Plenty to be mulling over there departing a meeting of just over two hours duration.

Officers Elected

President: Dick Morrison, Chairman; Pat Clancy, Vice Chairmen; Tom Morrison and Michael Lane, Secretary; Eleanor Galvin, Assistant Secretary; Antoinette O’Donnell, Treasurer; Richard Hegarty, Registrar; Pat Hartigan, PRO; John O’Mahony, Children’s Officer; Paul Davis, Culture/ Irish; Marie Clancy, Development; Pat O’Brien, Medical; Brigid Cotter, County Board Delegates; Michael Lane and John G Barry Richards , East Cork Board Delegate; Pat Lane.

Strictly DVD’s

Once again a reminder that DVD’s of that famous Strictly night in the Radisson Blu Hotel are now available in the local shops costing €10 each. Also they will have some copies of that magnificently produced colour programme to give out free of charge and remains a fitting souvenir of a momentous occasion. An ideal Christmas present!
Concert in Conna Church
Now we’re probably a bit late with this. Just a reminder of the Liam O’Connor concert on in Conna church at 8:00pm tomorrow night Friday, December 8. This is a fundraiser for Curraglass National School and helping hand homeless action group. Just check with the local shops or post offices or directly from the school re the availability of tickets. He played a stupendous concert at the venue in February of 2012 when a number of organisations including the camogie club were beneficiaries and the memory rolls on. Great night’s entertainment assured.

Scór

Now an update from the cultural officer Marie Clancy. St Catherines own round of Scór na bPáistí will be on in Ballynoe community hall on Wednesday, January 17 at 7.00pm. This is so we can assemble teams then to go forward to the East Cork quarter finals which are fixed for Lisgoold hall. Dates and times are as follows: Friday, January 19 at 7.00pm, Saturday, January 20 at 6.30pm and Sunday, January 21 at 2.00pm and again at 6.30pm.

Sympathy

Anybody with even a morsel of red blood flowing through their veins will surely have felt a pang off sorrow and disappointment to hear of the sad death of the legendary Willie John Daly. Passing to his eternal reward last mid week and a central figure in Cork hurling teams right up to the end of the nineteen fifties. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dílis.

Lotto

Keeping you up to speed with the results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday, December 4. Numbers drawn were: 14,17,22 and 30. There was no winner of the €10,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners were: Shannon Forde, Castleview, Conna, Dolores Hartigan, Conna, John Barrett, Ballynoe, Moroney Family, Cooladurragh and Jim Roche, Castlebrook Conna. A draw for a €10,600 jackpot takes place at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe, on Monday, December 11.

Sponsors:

T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe are St. Catherines G.A.A Club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile sponsors.

Busy year for
St Catherines
juveniles recalled at AGM
It’s been a hectic and condensed period of time in our great club. There have been two county finals coupled with a game in the Munster junior hurling championship, allied to the major fundraiser of ‘Strictly St Catherines’. All coupled with the October bank holiday. Busy times.
Now we update your lotto results service. Starting with the details from the draw held at The Big Tree, Aghern, on Monday, November 13. Numbers drawn were 9, 17, 18 and 24 and the jackpot of €9,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Frank Hayes, Aghern; Mossie Barry, c/o TVM Bartlemy, D~L syndicate, c/o Winacre Stable; Iona Flynn c/o TVM Bartlemy and George Peet c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, Niamh Kielthy, Glentrasna, Ballynoe; Nora Brien c/o PH Conna and Pat O’Donovan, Barrafomona, Ballynoe. Next draw for a now accumulated €10,200 jackpot will be at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna on Monday night, November 27.
Juvenile annual AGM
The first major frost of a slowly settling-in winter didn’t deter those interested from attending the juvenile AGM held in the clubrooms in Ballynoe, on Thursday night last.
Chairman Shane O’Connell welcomed all those committed bodies. Some converted, a few present for the first time and welcome they are. Describing it as a long, busy and successful year in lots of different parts. Some staggering statistics revealed one hundred and forty three active young players from the five to eighteen age group. Encompassing twenty nine mentors. All involved in the juvenile club during the season. Special mention for Gearoid O’Brien part of the Cork squad that played Tipperary in the primary go game at Thurles back towards the middle of May. Elder brother Ciarán making the county team successful in the All-Ireland U15 hurling tournament at Brinny back towards the end of August. Then there was Eoin Davis, goalkeeper on the Cork team and winners of the inaugural All-Ireland U17 hurling championship. During the year St Catherines won two divisional hurling titles. They were also beaten in the Coiste na nÓg county U15 B hurling championship final.
Many courses held during the year
In a wide varied presentation, mention was made of foundation and child protection courses. Both held during the year. There was the successful registration morning. While the annual juvenile social at the plush Rochestown Park Hotel was a resounding success. It would be hopeful that another social will be staged each in the new year.
St Catherines organised four camps. Three in the current calendar year. Including the week long annual Cúl camp, held in the pitches in Ballynoe on the first week of July. Head coach was Noel O’Brien, minor, U16 and U14 GAA and camogie managers kindly sent out texts to players who wished to put their name forward to coach/help at the camp. Such was the response that we did not need the help of first years who kindly offered. As a result, an afternoon, 3-day skills workshop was organised. Junior hurling manager Ian O’Connell was a big help here, organising Colm Spillane, Robbie O’Flynn and Shane Kingston as coaches. Participants paid €20 which covered the costs.
There was a school fun day held on Monday, May 29. There was some fantastic feedback here and no doubt has improved the goodwill from the schools to the club. Something we should do again? County player Finola Neville was coaching in the schools. Not always available with Seanie Farrell now stepping in. Those who supported the annual church gate collection were thanked. Shane was high in his praise of his fellow officers. James Spillane looked after the gear. Likewise, Cathy and Brian Cotter the hurlers, Edmond Galvin updating the twitter machine. Mention too of the just ending parish leagues.
It’s been a hectic couple of weeks in the club. There was the winning of the divisional and county junior A hurling titles and all this must have a positive impact on juvenile players. Congratulations too to all the dancers.
Shane appealed for your ongoing support for the weekly lotto. T~A are club sponsors but during the year Mulcahy Steel came on board and they now sponsor the juvenile section of St Catherines club. He concluded by wishing everybody well and maybe for next year we could raise the standard even higher.
We were informed that outgoing secretary Lisa O’Mahony had intimated she would not seek re-election. Assistant secretary Imelda O’Connell was proposed, seconded and appointed to the role.
Outgoing parent club chairman Tom Morrison complimented all the officers on all the hard work put in during the year. Stressing the need for new officers at adult level and maybe some faces from the juvenile AGM might consider getting involved. Strictly winner Fiona Sheehan presented a champion financial report.
Child officer, Paul Davis stressed the importance of the need for Garda vetting. Also pointing out how crucial proper selectorial behaviour on the sideline is all team managers from U7/8 up to minor addressed the meeting. Thanking all their fellow selectors along the way. Club PRO John O’Mahony presented a detailed review of all competitive games in both codes throughout the various age groups. Club president Dick Morrison felt all speakers had covered the relevant issues. It all starts with the underage. There is a great buzz around at the moment. ‘Let’s keep it going!’
Managers appointed
U6: Johnny Sheehan, U7/8: Paul O’Connell, U10: Alan O’Mahony, U11/12: Mark O’Driscoll, U13/14: Brian Cotter, U15/16: Edmond Galvin.
Officers appointed
Chairman: Shane O’Connell, vice-chairman: Brian Sheehan, secretary: Imelda O’Connell, assistant secretary: Kate O’Riordan, treasurer: Fiona Sheehan, assistant treasurer: Susan Sheehan, fixtures co-ordinator, board delegate and PRO: John O’Mahony.
Parish leagues
St Catherines juvenile club organised parish leagues were recently held over two weekends in the pitches in Ballynoe. For instance, the division one league for the six to eight year olds was very exciting with a great level of skill being shown. Cork captained by Alan Cotter beat Tipperary in the hurling final by 4-00 to 2-00 and Waterford overcame the challenge of Galway in the football equivalent. Final score being 5-02 to 3-01. Winning captain was Sean Walsh. All medals were presented by All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Eoin Davis. Thanks to the young players for refereeing the matches. Well done to all involved. Chief organiser, club vice chairman Brian Sheehan tells us that completes this year’s action and we will see all these young players return to the fold in 2018.
Panel of players
Alan Cotter, Eoghan O’Mahony, Sean Walsh, Conan Hurley, Tadgh Lynch, Eoin Dillon, Cillian McCarthy, Armed De Cos, Aodhán Burke, Rosin Collins, Meabh Fitzgerald, Ciara Goss, Ava Condon, Laura Twomey, Izzy Warren, Layla McNamara, Kayla Cummins, Shay McCarthy, Billy O’Connor, Ronan O’Donoghue, Ben Cummins, Lucy Geaney, Hannah O’Donnell, Ella Higgins, Katie Dee, Sadbh Barry, Johanna Carr, Aimee Kearney, Anna McAuliffe, Ava Cotter, James O’Connor, Cathal Higgins, Tomas Morrison, Roman De Coster, Oisín Morrison, Simone Fitzgerald, Ciara Hayes, Sophia O’Sullivan, Orla Morrison, Sara Swirski, Alesha Hickey, Ali Quirke, Ronan Hickey, Shane Riordan, Hannah Barry, Emma Turley, Áine Kielty, Amy O’Connell, Tadhg Walsh, Sean Moore, Ethan Bryan, Teagan Murphy, Abby Leahy, Eileen Bryan and Kate Molloy.
Harty Cup
Eoin Davis was in goals and team captain Eoin Wallace at right fullback as St Coleman’s kept their winning run going with an emphatic victory over previously unbeaten John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, in their most recent Harty Cup outing at Kilfinane. Included in the Blackwater CS outfit are Philip Keane and Ben O’Brien. They were due to play Coláiste Iósaef in Kildorrery last Monday.
Condolences
Our sympathy goes to the O’Donovan family, Kilasseragh, Ballynoe on the sad passing of Michael. Grandson Diarmuid is a regular on the U11 and U12 teams in both codes. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Fixture
Sunday, November 26 at 2pm, Coiste na nÓg county U13 A hurling league final v Kinsale at venue tbc.
Adult club AGM
Patrons please take note that the date for the adult club annual general meeting has been changed. Now taking place on Friday, December 1 in Conna Hall at 8pm. All welcome.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile club sponsors.

Juvenile AGM tonight

Oops! A quick check through the forward planner and there it was. Thursday, November 16 sees the staging of the juvenile Annual General Meeting. It takes place in the clubrooms in Ballynoe. It is the most important get-together in the underage section of the club over the entire year and commences at 8pm. While we’re at it can we inform you that the annual meeting of the parent club goes ahead in Ballynoe Community Hall on Saturday, November 25 at 8pm. That’s also the night for the East Cork Scór na nÓg finals in Lisgoold Community Hall at 7.30pm. Please let our Irish/Cultural Officer Marie Clancy know if you are interested in participating.

Strictly st catherines

They were dancing in Pairc Ui Rinn and in the Conna / Ballnoe parish last Tuesday week as the St Catherines hurlers were crowned 2017 Cork junior A hurling champions, last Saturday night the dancing was in the Radisson Blu, Little Island and what a super show unfolded. The most flamboyant - and thus far the most glamorous – fundraiser, jointly organised by the GAA and camogie clubs was a resounding success. ‘Strictly St Catherines’, with New Ireland Assurance sponsors of the event, with each participant attaining their own individual sponsorship also, was simply fabulous. Ann Galvin was Strictly chairperson. Choreographer for the entire event (a massive undertaking) was Niamh Twomey. Well-known commentator from local radio, Paudie Palmer, acted as master of ceremonies. William Kearney was green room MC. Thirteen separate dance partnerships performed on the night.
The winning routine was decided by a number of factors, primarily by the quality of the dance as decided by expert judge Liam Guiney with the assistance of Assumpta Mangan and Pat Hartigan. Each couple were credited points based on the amount raised through sponsorship over the last couple of months. But of course you, the voting public, ultimately decided it. Votes cost €5 each and were on sale throughout the evening. Antoinette O’Donnell and John O’Meara with the tango and Denis Walsh and Margaret O’Connell who performed a waltz, were in the shake-up. But the winners on the night were John Mulcahy and Fiona Sheehan, with their version of the ‘Paso Doble’. A feather in the cap for the juvenile club, as Mulcahy Steel are sponsors and Fiona is juvenile club treasurer. Laya healthcare sponsored first prize.
A fantastic success
Each dance combo organised a promotional video of their act. Winner of this award, which was a parody on the Diet Coke ad, were Matt McAuliffe and Linda O’Keeffe, who danced a ‘Broadway Quickstep’. At the end, Paddy Aherne, on behalf of the dancers addressed the multitudes present. A huge undertaking, from the hotel, the organising committee, PR team, video production team, TVM, right down to hairdressing, make-up, stage and lighting etc. Massive. It’s probably the kind of event you couldn’t organise every year. But the first year of ‘Strictly St Catherines’ was a resounding success, capping a marvellous week for the clubs. Take another bow, one and all!

County junior A hurling championship final – replay
St Catherines 0-13
Brian Dillons 0-12
Salute the heroes. As the Saints rescued what was a perilously ominous situation, grinding out the perfect result, when winning out this county junior A hurling championship final replay at a cold and occasionally wet Páirc Uí Rinn on Tuesday evening, November 7. If there was to be a subsequent downpour it wouldn’t have mattered, as Catherines’ supporters lapped up and revelled in the joyous occasion. Claiming their fourth adult title in a thirty-four year period, adding to the junior title won in November 1983, then winning the Intermediate championship eleven years later, before being crowned inaugural Premier Intermediate champions in 2004, when current manager Ian O’Connell was goalkeeper, against Courcey Rovers. All those county finals were played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Shane O’Brien pointed the way from a placed ball on fifty seconds, but thereafter would depart the action with a thigh injury. His replacement, Ronan Clancy, had a major say as early as the fifth minute in the destination of the title, plunged into the cauldron of all that a county final brings. Clancy assumed free taking duties. He didn’t get them all, but pointed the ones that counted - often in pressure situations. He handled the situation well for a player tasting his first serious championship action of the season. Only an injury time cameo role against Russell Rovers in the county semi-final was his previous first team appearance.
It was obvious from an early stage that defensively Catherines were coping well with what could be a threatening opposition attack. Remember the formidable points tallies put up against Banteer, Dromina and Nemo Rangers in the county rounds of this magnificent competition, including beaten divisional finalists for the first time. In what was always going to be a tight, closely fought affair, it was 0-02 each to the end of the first quarter. Indeed, Brian Dillons didn’t score from play at all in the opening half. Richard O’Connell and Pádraig O’Connor were among the Saints scorers in building up a 0-07 to 0-05 half time advantage.
Slowly but surely Brian Dillons assumed control. As in the draw the previous Sunday they were enjoying a lucrative and rewarding third quarter. Darragh Rodgers, a one-time Cork panellist in the Denis Walsh regime, Tommy Lawrence, Colin Lynch and team captain John Horgan, were flying. A three-point deficit at 0-09 to 0-06 to thirty three minutes turned right around into a lead by a similar margin. All players finding the range, six unanswered points, the return as Brian Dillons eased themselves into a lead of 0-12 to 0-09 to forty four minutes. Questions being asked, bench being emptied and the response, to a man, commendable.
Brian Mulcahy put over a crucial score, his third of the hour and eight in all over the two games. Along with Daniel Mangan and Eoin Condon, they now add junior medals to the senior ones already claimed with Imokilly. Clancy saw parity restored for the first time since the twenty-third minute and third in all at 0-12 each. Lynch missed a vital opposition free. Why were the takers changed? As Richie O’Connell, due back to Australia shortly, won the vital free, coolly slotted over by the super cool Clancy for the lead score at 0-13 to 0-12 to fifty seven minutes. There were scenes of euphoria as the sound of Davy Copps full-time whistle was being greeted, having waited for what seemed like four agonising, injury time minutes. Stars from previous county finals mingling with the new heroes.
In accepting the John Quirke Cup from Ger Lane, chairman of the Cork GAA County Board, Daniel Mangan delivered an emotional and thought provoking captain’s speech, touching on the all too soon deaths of Alice Aherne and Noel Mulcahy, whose respective sons were playing. As well as Dan and Dave Hoare, both of whom also passed away in recent years. Back to a victory parade in Conna. Let the celebrations begin!
Scorers: R Clancy (0-06 frees), B Mulcahy (0-03), R O’Connell, D Mangan, O’Connor and S O’Brien (free) (0-01 each).
Brian Dillons scorers: J Horgan (0-05 frees) (0-07), C Lynch (0-02 frees) (0-03), T Lawrence and D Rodgers (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, E Wallace, S Morris, L O’Connor, C Hegarty, C Aherne, E Condon, S Cotter, S O’Brien, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, P O’Connor, R O’Connell, D Mangan (team captain) and S Kearney. Subs: R Clancy for S O’Brien (6’), J Neville for S Kearney (42’), W Walsh for C Aherne (46’), P Roche for R O’Connell (61’), C Kearney for P O’Connor (63’). Also on panel: C Leahy, S Walsh, P Keane, E Kenneally, K Neville, S O’Regan, D Lane, N O’Regan, S O’Brien, J Mulcahy, J Hurley, L Kearney, J Casey.
Referee: Davy Copps (Ballyhea).

Munster junior hurling championship semi-final
Ballybacon Grange 1-11
St Catherines 0-09
A third major tussle inside seven days allied to the understandable celebrating and the staging of Strictly less than twenty four hours previously, probably found the Saints out, losing by a five point margin in this Munster junior club semi-final when played in Ardfinnan on Sunday afternoon last. Catherines actually made the better start. Ronan Clancy pointed twice from placed balls. Shane Kearney with the key pass picked out Rory Galvin who added another from play, making it four points without reply to nine minutes. It could and should have been more. Slowly Ballybacon clawed their way into it. They were winning more around the middle of the field. Had their first score from play after twenty minutes and a hat-trick of pointed frees from influential goalkeeper Brendan Cummins tied it all up at 0-06 each by half time.
Again the Saints started brightly on the turnover. Liam O’Connor released Brian Mulcahy to point a snappy score. Daniel Mangan added a further brace, establishing a 0-09 to 0-06 lead to thirty four minutes, when Gerry Cronin finished off the opposition’s and game’s only goal, sixty seconds later. Four further points, including another two from the sharp Cummins, had Ballybacon in a strong position. Despite the best efforts of both teams, we had to wait until the sixty-fourth minute for the next and the game’s last score. Aaron Lonergan pointing for the Tipp representatives who now meet either Bodyke or Ardmore in the final.
St Catherine’s scorers: D Mangan and B Mulcahy (0-03 each), R Clancy (0-01 free) (0-01 ‘65’) (0-02) and R Galvin (0-01).
Ballybacon Grange scorers: B Cummins (0-05 frees), G Cronin (1-01), A Lonergan (0-02 frees) (0-03), B Hewitt and A Savage (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Aherne, E Wallace, S Morris, L O’Connor, C Hegarty, E Condon, W Walsh, C Kearney, S Cotter, P O’Connor, R Clancy, R Galvin, B Mulcahy, D Mangan and S Kearney. Subs: J Neville for C Kearney (30’), R O’Connell for S Kearney (second half), P Roche for R Clancy (36’), P Keane for P O’Connor (39’), N O’Regan for S Cotter (46’).
Referee: Jason Mullins (Limerick).

Rebel Óg East U14 B1 hurling league final
St Catherines 2-03
St Vincents 3-12
Following on from the visibly upset at a sizeable championship loss to the Saints in their own pitch back in the middle of August, on this occasion St Vincents mangled the form book to shreds, running out clear and comprehensive victors of this Rebel Óg East U14 B1 hurling league final when played at a dull, misty and overcast Ballynoe early on Saturday morning last.
Vincents grasped the initiative early and with JP O’Brien finding the range, were six points without reply ahead to nine minutes. Suddenly the home team were right back in it. Gearóid O’Brien in a few roles added 2-01. Further scores from Harry Draper and a Cathal Dinneen free after Conor England was fouled saw this year’s divisional championship winners ahead on a half time scoreline of 2-03 to 0-08. But that was that. Luke Condon, Kyle O’Connor and Benjamin Long were very good, as Vincents went on to dominate. Liam Shanahan, Rebel Óg East chairman presented the shield to winning captain David Butler.
Scorers: G O’Brien (2-01), H Draper and C Dinneen (free) (0-01 each).
Team: E Philpott, S O’Donoghue, K Wallace, O Fitzgerald, B O’Connor, M Geary, D Galvin, F O’Connell, C Dinneen, E O’Riordan, H Draper (capt), C England, W Leamy, G O’Brien and N Sheehan. Subs: D Morrison for N Sheehan (second half), A O’Donnell for W Leamy (42’), G Leahy for C England (52’), W McAuliffe for F O’Connell (53’), J O’Callaghan for O Fitzgerald (55’).
Referee: Ger Scully (Killeagh).
Parish Leagues
Just to reiterate a point made but not seeing the light of day is that winning parish league division three football captain was Sarah Clancy of the Waterford team. In the division two competitions for nine and ten year olds Waterford captained by Shay Wallace were victorious in the hurling final. Cork won the football. Successful captain being Ally Mulkerrins.
Panel of players being: Shay Wallace, Ally Mulkerrins, Gearóid Sheehan, Stephen Mulcahy, Julian Pietropaolo, Lucy Barry, Lexi Cuneen, Sacha O’Sullivan, Liam Moore, James Kenneally, Katelyn Hickey, Katelyn O’Donoghue, Conor Murray, Fionn McCready, Daniel Turley, Charlie Leahy, Eryn Dillon, Sadbh Murray, Emma Twomey, Kyle O’Donoghue, Cathal Barry, Gráinne Dinneen, Sophia Fitzgerald, Ellie Barry, Thomas Dee, Sam Aherne, Amy Leahy, Katie O’Donovan, Ella O’Connor, Cillian Hickey, Tristan Clancy, Calum O’Driscoll, Jack Tanner, Ciara McLoughlin, Marie O’Connor, Ciara Fitzgerald, Faye Sheehan, Jake Pratt, John Temple, Hannah Norman, Ava Dowling, Chloe Higgins, Maeve Egan, Sophie Early, Mark Kearney, Shane O’Donoghue, Saorla Twomey, Sarah Hannon, Billy Aherne and Billy McKee.
More Glory Bestowed on Parish
Not just because of the recent success attained by the junior hurlers, we are fortunate to reside in a parish infatuated with sport. Along with his brother Shane, Liam Kearney remains one of the most talented players ever to don a jersey at juvenile level, irrespective of the path taken thereafter. Both were members of the county winning junior panel. But we congratulate Liam as well on the league and cup double attained by Cork City. There is such an intense programme of activities ongoing. Some could be skipped, even overlooked. Orla Cotter, one of the club’s greatest ambassadors, now has five All-Star awards, adding to her six All-Ireland senior camogie medals in the closet. Phenomenal.
Surely all horse racing fans must appreciate last week’s stunning achievements down under. Don’t forget Aidan O’Brien’s horses came one, two, three in last year’s Prix De l’Arc. There was a one, two, three, four in the recent racing post trophy. Oh! When you’re good – you’re good!

Lotto
Back to its regular slot and the lotto results from the draw at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night, November 6. Numbers drawn were 3, 9, 11 and 23. There was no winner of the €9,600 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were John Barrett, Ballynoe, Gerry Gregan, Clarecastle, Dermot O’Leary, Conna, Hannah Hartnett, Ballynoe and Seán O’Dowd, Conna.

Sponsors
T and A Building and Civil Engineering, Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines juvenile club.

Junior final ends in a draw
County Junior A Hurling Championship Final

St Catherines 2-10 Brian Dillons 1-13
It’s all a bit surreal and a tad irrelevant. Last Sunday afternoon’s county junior hurling final ended in a sharing of the spoils. It now seems like being in limbo and we won’t know our destination, be it heaven or hell, until the replay, which was scheduled again for Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm on Tuesday night last, November 7.
It all started so well for the Saints. Shane Kearney was involved as the sliotar fell to team captain, Daniel Mangan to clash in the opening goal as early as the third minute. Parity had been restored at the end of the opening quarter. But after Brian Mulcahy saw an effort charged down, Daniel Mangan was in again, finishing off the second goal and a lead of 2-04 to 0-05 built up after twenty-one minutes. Mulcahy was proving a major thorn in the opposition defence and the player who secured the insurance goal for Imokilly in the recent county senior final tallied five points in all four alone in the opening half in a lead of 2-06 to 0-05 to the break.
The opposition fight back
But what a transformation we had on the change of ends. A sweetly struck John Horgan sideline ball, (his shooting, be it from frees, line balls or general play was one of the features of this county final), picked out Darragh Rodgers to goal from close range three minutes into the second half and Brian Dillons were now very much in the ascendancy. Colin Lynch found the target and were denied as they came from an alert Ed Ahearne. As two evenly matched teams were together again for the third time at 2-06 to 1-09 with a classy leveller from the always prominent Horgan. A county final now very much in the balance. Catherines without a third quarter score and still to register as the second half advanced. An unfortunate sad statistic well and truly breached. Back in front, from a Shane O’Brien pointed free. Then turning provider with the key pay to pick out Mulcahy who duly added another. Substitute Pa Roche finds the target. A hat trick of unanswered points in a glorious five-minute spell and now ahead on a scoreline of 2-09 to 1-09 to fifty-three minutes. But this was far from over as a contest, again the threatening Rodgers pointed the way.
Shane O’Brien gets the vital equaliser
A hattrick of Horgan points (including two from frees and a subliminal effort from out near the sideline at the seated covered stand side of the ground) from play had the opposition now narrowly ahead right on the sixty minutes. Thankfully Shane O’Brien again popped over a leveller in the four minutes that were added on. Brian Dillons had one last chance to secure victory. But this time it was a bit too far out. Outside of Horgan’s range. It fell short and all were back in Páirc Uí Rinn on Tuesday night, for proceedings opened with victory for Inniscarra over Fermoy in the county U21 A hurling final. A reminder to patrons that the winner of the Catherines/ Brian Dillons replay are up against newly crowned Tipperary champions Ballybacon/Grange in the semi-final of the Munster junior hurling championship at Ardfinnan next Sunday afternoon.
Catherines scorers: D Mangan (2-0), B Mulcahy (0-05), S O’Brien (0-03 frees) and P Roche (0-01).
Brian Dillions scorers: J Horgan (0-07 frees) (0-01 ‘65’) (0-10), D Rodgers (1-01), T Lawrence and C Lynch (0-01 each).
St Catherines team; E Aherne, E Wallace, S Morris, L O’Connor, C Hegarty, C Aherne, E Condon, S O’Brien, C Kearney, R O’Connell, B Mulcahy, S Cotter, R Galvin, D Mangan (team captain), S Kearney. Substitutes; J Neville for C Kearney (38’), E Kenneally for S Morris (40’- temporary), P Roche for S Kearney (45’).
Referee: Justin Murphy (Castletownroche.)

Coiste na nÓg county U16 B2 hurling championship
semi-final
Doneraile 1-08 St Catherines 0-08
In a dour struggle not for the purist, Doneraile emerged victorious by a three point margin in this Coiste na nÓg county U16 B2 hurling championship semi-final when played at an endearing Kildorrery venue at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon last.
Darren Linehan with decisive score
Favoured by the conditions, a physically stronger opposition, who also dismissed the Saints from the equivalent Rebel Óg north football championship when played in Mitchelstown five weeks ago, searched the vital and probable match winning scores through the opening quarter. Tony Flynn was finding the target. But the goal finished off by the ever-dangerous Darren Linehan on sixteen minutes was the game’s decisive score.
Establishing a lead of 1-04 to 0-02. Moving onto 1-06 to 0-04 by the break captain Adam O’Brien pointing his second point of the game, thus reducing the margin as the Saints would turn around with the sun albeit reduced wind capacity to their backs.
Ten minutes into the second half, following a skirmish, a player from each side would receive their marching orders when cards of various colours were flashed. Points from the youthful, industrious and hardworking Gearoid O’Brien to which Cathal Dinneen added his fourth from a placed ball kept the Saints momentum going. But you feel Stephen Ryan’s point was a blow.
Pressure maintained right to the end
Doneraile again four points to the good to fifty-three minutes. Numerous Saints attacks now going unrewarded. Wide after wide as the pressure and intensity mounted. Ciaran O’Brien added a pointed free won by James Hayes. One thought time would be added on when the sendings off were being sorted. There was. But fifty seconds hardly seemed justifiable. In a repeat of a Rebel Óg north decider Doneraile will now meet Kildorrery again in the county final.
Doneraile scorers: D Linehan (0-01 free) (1-04), T Flynn and S Ryan (0-02 each). St Catherine’s scorers: C Dinneen (0-04 frees), A O’Brien (0-2), G O’Brien and C O’Brien (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Eoin Sheehan, Ciaran O’Brien, Kyle Wallace, Mark Geary, Brendan McKee, Josh McGuckian, James Hayes. Gavin England, Cathal Dineen, Eoin O’Riordan, Kevin Barry, Gearoid O’Brien, Adam O’Brien (team captain). Sub: Harry Draper for Eoin O’Riordan (21’).
Also: William McAuliffe, Darragh Galvin, Conor England and Callum Roberts. Referee: Colm Maher (Buttevant).

U14 B1 hurling league
semi-final
St Catherines 4-10 Aghabullogue 4-9
St Catherines U14 hurlers are through to the East region B1 hurling league final following a pulsating victory over Aghabullogue on Sunday, November 5.
With both teams having won their sections of the East B1 championship the teams were always going to be evenly matched and so it proved. Aghabullogue scored a point in the very first minute, to which Cathal Dineen equalised from a free 2 minutes later. By the end of 1st quarter St Catherines had 7 points on the scoreboard courtesy of Harry Draper (2), Gearoid O’Brien, Eoghan O’Riordan and two more Cathal Dineen frees. Aghabullogue however registered 1-3 in the same period, leaving just a point between the teams. The Saints then hit a purple patch - Cathal Dineen had a point from play before Harry Draper scored a goal, which was then followed by a point from Conor England. Aghabullogue replied with a goal, but a brilliant passing move started by fullback Kyle Wallace ended up with Harry Draper billowing the net for a halftime lead of 2-9 to 2-4 in favour of the Saints.
Heroic defending
Aghabullogue got the first 2 points of the second half before Gearoid O’Brien scored a smashing goal. However, 2 goals in quick succession from Aghabullogue saw the game tied up 3-9 to 4-6 at the midway point of the half and slight breeze and hill favouring Aghabullogue. Then Gearoid scored his second goal followed by another Cathal Dineen free, to leave the Saints 4 points to the good with 10 minutes left to play.
However, that proved to be the Saints last score and from there to the end the boys defended heroically to keep the Aghabullogue forwards at bay. The Saints did concede 2 points, leaving them 2 points up deep in injury time and facing a 21m free. But the ball flew over the crossbar to leave the bare minimum between the teams. A further 2 minutes of injury time were played but the Saints held out to win on a final scoreline of 4-10 to 4-9. Well done to the team who really dug deep towards the end and got their just rewards. St Catherines now play St Vincents in the league final in Ballynoe, possibly this coming weekend.
Scorers: Harry Draper 2-2, Gearoid O’Brien 2-1, Cathal Dineen 0-5,0-4 frees, Conor England and Eoghan O’Riordan 0-1 each.
Team: Stephen Cotter, James O’Callaghan, Kyle Wallace, Oisín Fitzgerald, Ben O’Connor, Mark Geary, Darragh Galvin, Cathal Dineen, Fionn O’Connell, William Leamy, Harry Draper, Conor England, Gerard Leahy, Gearóid O’Brien, Eoghan O’Riordan. Subs: Evan Philpott, Nathan Sheehan, William McAuliffe and James Mulcahy.
Referee: Stephen Murphy (Carrigaline).

Parish Leagues
Highly successful parish league finals, with over 150 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 12 attending, were held in Ballynoe over the past two weekends. Cork, captained by Cathal Sheehan were victorious in the division 3 hurling final by 11 and 12 years old.
Panel of players; Cathal Sheehan, Sara Clancy, Colm Feeney Nathan Sheehan, Jack Hickey, Evan O’Driscoll, Dylan Murphy, Shane Cotter, Jake Bryan, Chloe Draper, Dawn Clancy, Tara Leahy, Cathal McAuliffe, Oisín Fitzgerald, Diarmuid O’Connell, Cian Hegarty, Jack Leahy, Ciaran Leamy, Gearóid O’Callaghan, Nadine Pratt, Cliona Dunning, Keira O’Donnell, Kieran Kelleher, Sean O’Donoghue, Adam O’Keeffe, Ciaran Pietropaolo, Shane Hegarty, Timothy Barry, Cian McCarthy, Jessica O’Brien, Doireann Hayes, Darragh Morrison, Cian O’Donoghue, Diarmuid O’Donovan, Adam Ryan, Cian Dunning, Conor Hayes, Kianna O’Sullivan, Áine Twomey, Sinead Goss and Eabha Twomey.
More about the other age groups in the following weeks.

Scór
If anyone out there is willing to recite, sing, act or take part in question time, please contact our Irish officer, Marie Clancy. The East Cork Scór na nÓg finals are on in Lisgoold hall on Saturday, November 25 at 7.30pm.
Mini Hallowe’en Camp
As the schools were closed for midterm break we had over 60 boys and girls, from the three schools of the parish, attend last week’s GAA and camogie mini Halloween camp in the pitches in Ballynoe. The camp was held from Tuesday 31st to Thursday 2nd, from 10.00am to 12.45pm daily. Coaches were Noel O’Brien, Seanie Farrell, Rory Galvin, Aoife Hurley, Adam O’Brien, Brendan McKee, Eoin Sheehan and Mike Walsh, Helpers from second year were Cliona Dunning, Kyle Wallace, Jessica O’Brien, Jane England, Mark Geary, Darragh Galvin and Conor England. Thanks to the following who helped out the first morning: Mags Fitzgerald, Susan Sheehan, Mags England, Majella Pietropaolo and Tracey O’Driscoll. Super weather made for an enjoyable three days.

All-Stars
No great surprises with all stars revealed last week. Dublin, Mayo, Galway and Waterford dominated as expected. Cork picked up two hurling awards with Sean Powter picking up a nomination in the Young Football Player of the Year award. This was won emphatically by Dublin’s Con O’Callaghan, who between both codes has had a mesmeric year. Picking up three phenomenal and a further three All-Ireland medals along the way. One of those unforgettable years.

Lotto
Because of the bank holiday, last week’s lotto draw was held over until Tuesday, October 21st at the Plough, Curraglass, Numbers drawn were 1, 16, 19 and 24. There was no winner of the €9,400 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were: Kieran Morrison, Conna, Aisling O’Reilly c/o R. Higgins, Maura Lyons c/o Liz Cullihane, Ballynoe, Noreen Fitzgerald, Garrycahera, Ballynoe and Liam Burke, Glengoura.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines juvenile club.

A very busy time for our juvenile players

Coiste na nÓg County U14 B hurling championship
quarter-final
St Catherines 5-11 v
Clyda Rovers 5-06
A nail-biting performance, considering St Catherines had so many injured players. The team showed great spirit and never gave up.
Scorers: C. Dineen (0-6 frees) (0-8), Harry Draper (2-01), Gearoid O’Brien (2-0), Gerard Leahy (1-0), Mark Geary (0-1), Conor England (0-1).
St Catherines team: E Philpott, J O’Callaghan, K Wallace, C Bryan, B O’Connor, M Geary, S O’Donoghue, F O’Connell, W Leamy, D Morrison, C Dinneen, C England, G Leahy, G O’Brien, A O’Donnell. Subs: O Fitzgerald for C Bryan, S Cotter for E Philpott, H Draper for G Leahy, N Sheehan for A O’Donnell, J Mulcahy for C O’Brien. Referee: Paudie Kearney, Killeagh.

Rebel Óg East U16 B2 hurling championship final replay
Nemo Rangers 3-11
St Catherines 3-15
Because of the proximity of both teams to each other in terms of ability, this was the juvenile game of the year so far. Great scores. Goalmouth action. End to end activity, up and down the field. This game had it all. All in a contest where the verdict was very much in the balance up to the finish. Another draw. But on this occasion the realistic possibility of twenty minutes of extra time couldn’t be ruled out. You see these two teams are very evenly matched. Catherine’s winning the league encounter by three points when played on the Sunday afternoon of the May bank holiday weekend. Only deprived in the previous clash by the concession of a late equalizing goal when played in Castlemartyr on the evening of Friday, September 15. On this occasion just edging over the line. This Rebel Óg east U16 B2 hurling championship final replay played in Trabeg on Monday night, October 2nd.
So, you’re probably asking how would a championship final replay be on at the opponents’ venue? Fair question. You see juvenile fixtures can be very fickle. Faced with the closeness of the U14 and U16 finals to each other and with serious overlapping, Catherines would travel to Nemo if the finals could be spaced out that bit more suitably. There’s your answer. No neutral pitch could be ascertained in the interim. You might as well know this is a huge problem when it comes to staging underage matches.
Catherines started positively. Eoin O’Riordan winning and converting a free in the first minute - availing of a poor puck out Adam O’Brien crashed in an opportunistic goal shortly afterwards. Nemo goaled a free. Straight away we knew we were in for a titanic struggle. Upping it again when Gearoid O’Brien, three years below the age group, chased in a second Saints goal and a lead of 2-03 to 1-01 to even minutes. From there on as we say, two evenly matched teams traded points.
But Catherines inflicted with a savage blow. Losing a player to a straight red card on twenty seven minutes. Gamely battling to the sound of the half time whistle and just ahead on a scoreline of 2-05 to 1-06. Nemo ahead through a Brian Joyce goal on thirty three minutes. Sides level for the first time at 2-07 each shortly afterwards. Patrick Campbell was on target for the opposition. Working tirelessly Kevin Barry was rewarded with three second-half points. When Alan Barry goaled his second free edging the home lashed team narrowly ahead ay 3-09 to 2-10 to forty seven minutes. Such excitement still very much in the meeting pot.
Yet Catherines finished very strongly. Outscoring their opponents 1-04 to 0-01 in those hectic, nail biting closing minutes. Key scorer was the goal finished off by Cathal Dineen on fifty four minutes. Ciaran O’Brien converted a lengthy free. Adam O’Brien pointed two beauties. Substitute Gavin England playing a rival hole in their creation. Insurance point finished off again his Dinneen. What a game and great match to win.
Sean Twohig, chairman of Rebel Óg East, presented the winning cup to victorious captain, Adam O’Brien. Both teams go into the county rounds of the competition. As winners Catherines now meet northern runners up Doneraile with Nemo playing Kildorrery.
Catherines scorers: A O’Brien (1-06), C Dinneen (0-02 frees) (1-03), G O’Brien (1-0), K Barry (1-03), C O’Brien (0-01 free) (0-02), E O’Riordan (0-01 free). Nemo Rangers scorers: A Barry (2-03 frees) (2-04), P Campbell (0-4), B Joyce (1-0), G Linehan, M Harrington and S Elwood (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, C O’Brien, M Geary, J Duncan, B McKee, J McGuckian, J Hayes, H Barry, C England, E O’Riordan, C Dinneen, A O’Brien (team captain), G O’Brien. Subs: G England for C England (second half), K Wallace for E O’Riordan (50’). Also present: W McAuliffe, E Philpott, G Leahy, H Draper, J O’Keefe and D Galvin. Referee: Cormac Dinneen, Douglas.

Rebel Óg East U12 A hurling league semi-final
St Catherines 0-06 Aghada 3-04
Despite the result it was still a good year for these young players. There was a loss in round four of the regular programme of games on Monday evening, May 15. Then tasting defeat in the final of the prestigious Willie Ryan blitz at Rostellan on Saturday, September 9. Allied to this latest setback in the Rebel Óg East U12 A hurling league semi-final when played under lights at Ballynoe on Tuesday night, October 3. Just three defeats in all that time and all inflicted by Aghada. A neat Darragh Morrison hand pass picked out Nathan Sheehan who split the posts from distance.
It was the Saints only score from general play. Thus bringing the teams together for only the second time in the contest at 0-02 each to thirteen minutes when the serious damage was inflicted. A John Walsh free ending up in the net. Before Thomas Condon goaled a beauty on nineteen minutes establishing a five point lead for Aghada on a half time scoreline of 2-03 to 0-04. Fionn O’Connor was always a threat and a third opposition goal flashed to the net by Jack Flynn duly settled it. Catherines reliant on the accuracy of Kian O’Donoghue from placed balls for scores. Aghada now meet Youghal in the final. St Catherines are up against Grenagh in the U12 B football league semi-final. Patrons just take note that there are more championships at U12 level.
Catherines scorers: K O’Donoghue (0-05 frees) and N Sheehan (0-01). Aghada scorers: F O’Connor (0-04 frees), T Condon, J Flynn and J Walsh (free) (1-00 each). Catherine’s team: J Bryan, K Kelleher, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, S O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell, D Morrison, C Leamy, C Sheehan, K O’Donoghue, S Cotter. Also: C Hayes, C McAuliffe, A Bryan, D Murphy, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, T Barry, C McCarthy and C Feeney. Referee: Padraig Kearney, Killeagh.

U9 hurling league semi finals and finals
On Saturday, our U9s travelled to Ballygiblin to play their end of season league final. Having beaten Carrig na BhFear in the semi-final, they progressed to the final where they played with all their might and beat Ballygiblin in a nail biting finish by a point. Final score 3-03 to 2-05.
Panel: T Clancy, J Pietropaolo, S O’Donoghue, K O’Donoghue, B McKee, B Aherne, C O’ Driscoll, J Kenneally, C Barn, J Tanner, L Moore, A Cotter.
U10 hurling league semi-finals and finals
St Catherines U10s hosted the hurling semi-finals and final in Ballynoe. While they beat Shamrocks comprehensively in the semi-final, it was not to be their day when they met Millstreet in the final and were beaten by 2 points. Final score: St Catherines 3-01, Millstreet 2-06.
Panel: T Dee, J Pratt, F McCready, C Murray, S Aherne, J Temple, G Sheehan, D Turley, S Mulcahy, C Hickey, M Kearney, C Leahy, S Wallace, T Clancy, J Pietropaolo. Many thanks especially to our junior referees Eoin David and Eoin Sheehan who did a great job on the day.

U11 hurling league semi-finals and final
St Catherines U11s travelled to Ballinspittle to the grounds of Courcey Rovers to take part in their semi-final and final. They played Ballinora in the semi-final. As it was a draw at full time 2-01 each, extra time was played. After some controversy, St Catherines advanced to the final against Carrigtwohill. Our boys played their hearts out, a skillful, respectful game of hurling was played but we were unlucky, being beaten by Carrigtwohill by 2 points. Final score 1-08 to 2-07.
The managers of the U9s, U10, and U11s wish to thank their mentors and all who helped with their teams throughout the season. In particular, they wish to thank the parents for their generosity, for bringing their children to trainings and matches, and providing refreshments when needed. Mile Buíochas.

Fixtures
Thursday, October 12 at Ballynoe: Rebel Óg East U12 B football league semi-final v Grenagh 7.15pm
Friday, October 13 at Pairc Ui Rinn, county junior A championship semi-final v Russell Rovers 8pm
Sunday, October 15 at TBC, Coiste na nÓg county U16 B2 hurling championship semi-final v Doneraile 2pm.
Wednesday, October 18 at Ballynoe, Rebel Óg Easter U16 B2 hurling league playoff v Kiltha Óg 8pm.
Lotto Results
From most recent lotto draw held at The Big Tree Aghern, on Monday night. October 9. Numbers drawn were 6, 17, 23, 24. The jackpot of €8,800 wasn’t won. Consolation winners on the night were Derek Gregan, Clarecastle, Co Clare, Chris McCarthy c/o S Cullinane. Liam Walsh, Carrismore, Mandy Kirey c/o Kaly, Gerry and Geraldine Gresgan Clarecastle Co. Clare. Next draw for a jackpot of €9,000 will be at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night, October 16.
Sponsors: T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors. Mulcahy Steel are juvenile sponsors.

St Catherines GAA
Adult club AGM this weekend
Following the successful staging of its juvenile equivalent, attention now shifts to the parent club annual general meeting which goes ahead in Conna hall on this forthcoming Friday, December 1 at 8.00pm. It’s the important meeting of the year and all are welcome.
Lotto
It appears that the gremlins surfaced last week. So we resubmit the results from the lotto draw which was held at The Fisherman’s Rest on Monday, November 26. Numbers drawn were 2, 11, 16 and 17 and the jackpot of a then accumulated €10,000 wasn’t won. The consolation winners on the night were Mike Fitzgerald, Sydney, Siobhan Cronin c/o The Big Tree, Aghern, Niamh Kielty, Glentrasna, Ballynoe, Nora Brien c/o P.H. Conna and Pat O’Donovan, Barrafohona, Ballynoe.
Moving on and we give you the details from the most recent draw which was held at The Winners’ enclosure, Conna on Monday night last, November 27. Numbers drawn were 16,18,21,26. There was no winner of the €10,200 jackpot. The consolation winners were EP Harnett, Rathdrum, Ballynoe, Dennis Dingivan, Seamus Moroney, Kilmagner, Jack Cotter, Boulta, Ballynoe and Tom Fitzgerald, Ballynoe. A draw for a now accumulated €10,400 jackpot will be on in The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night coming, December 4. Also, next week we reveal dates for the lotto draws that will be on over the festive period. Remember tickets cost just €2 and are available from committee members and businesses throughout the parish. We thank you for your loyal and ongoing support.
Coiste na nÓg County U13 A Hurling League Final
Kinsale 3-06 St Catherines 2-07
What a game. In the end it was the home team just doing enough before seeing off a stubborn and tenacious Saints challenge in this Coiste na nÓg county U13 A hurling league final when people played in Kinsale early on Sunday afternoon last. Both teams found it difficult to breach the opposition rearguard, with the respective defences keeping whatever could be thrown at them at bay. In particular, Sean O’Donoghue and Kyle Wallace hurled heroically for a Saints outfit well beaten by the same opposition in a regular group game at Ballynoe, back towards the middle of June.
Kian O’Callaghan worked his way through and finished off the game’s first and lead score with a lead goal right at the end of the opening quarter. But Catherine’s were sticking to their task and were rewarded when James Mulcahy cheekily lobbed the equalising goal. Kian O’Donoghue subsequently added a brace of points from converted frees and it was 1-03 to 1-00 in favour of the visitors at the break.
Kinsale were having the best of it on the changeover and finished off two goals a minute apart - Kris O’Callaghan with the second from a lengthy free just two minutes into the second half. Dangerman James Murphy, now further out the field, added a point.
Catherines continued to hurl majestically and were now defensively very much on tap. Wingback Ben O’Connor regularly on the sliotar and Fionn O’Connell at centre back attracting the ball as if it was a magnet. His clearance balls were the launch pads for many attacks. Nathan Sheehan was involved, before at the second time of asking team captain Gearoid O’Brien forced in a second Catherine’s goal, thinning the deficit to just one point on forty four minutes. Denis Temple dub shot over the leveller and this county league final was going to twenty minutes of extra time, ten a side, on an end scoreline of 3-02 to 2-05.
Three unanswered points in as many minutes had Kinsale ahead at 3-05 to 2-06 to the end of the first period. Catherines tried manfully to rescue the situation and were rewarded three successful frees with time gradually petering out. One was ushered out for a sixty five. A subsequent effort hit the post. Gearoid O’Brien pointed a late free on fifty minutes at 3-06 to 2-07, which was how it ended. Referee Stephen Murphy thought it was such a fair and evenly fought decider that he requested the match ball at the end before presenting the winning cup to successful captain, Ben Loughnane.
Catherine’s scorers: G O’Brien 0-01 free) (1-03), J Mulcahy (1-00), K O’Donoghue (0-03 frees) and D Temple (0-01).
Catherine’s Team: Stephen Cotter, James O’Callaghan, Kyle Wallace, Sean O’Donoghue, Ben O’Connor, Fionn O’Connell, Oisín Fitzgerald, Nathan Sheehan, Kian O’Donoghue, Adam O’Donnell, Gearoid O’Brien (team captain), Ciaran Kelleher, Cathal Sheehan, Denis Temple, James Mulcahy. Substitutes: Cathal McAuliffe and Ciaran Pietropaolo for Cathal Sheehan and Ciaran Kelleher (second half). Diarmuid O’Connell for Adam O’Donnell (41’), Diarmuid O’Donovan for James Mulcahy (73’) and Shane Cotter for Denis Temple (76’).
Referee: Stephen Murphy (Bandon).
Strictly DVDs
A message from co-ordinator Ann Galvin that DVDs of that now legendary ‘Strictly’ night are available in the local shops costing €10 each.
Sponsors
T~A Building and Civil Engineering contractors Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA club, juvenile club sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Week dominated by
juvenile affairs
East Cork Junior Hurling League Division Two Round Four
St Catherines 0-19
Carraig na bhFear 1-20
As the headline aptly puts it this was a week dominated by underage affairs. Carraig na bhFear collected the points on offers from this r4 JHL div2 match played in Ballynoe on Sunday morning last, a gifted double save from Cathal Leahy maintaining the Saints early interest as four points shared equally between John Mulcahy and John Casey had two events matched teams together at 0-05 each after eighteen minutes. Patrick Roche was accurate with the frees as the opposition were just claiming the upper hand to lead narrowly on a half time scoreline of 0-11 to 0-9.
Peter O’Sullivan scored the all-important solitary goal of the game in the third minute of the second half. Con Burns and Brendan Murphy also found the target and with Conor Hayes unnerving from frees and general play, it was 1-18 to 0-16 for the opposition to the end of the third quarter.
Thomas O’Donnell, Lucas O’Callaghan McCarthy, Johnny Hurley and Padraig O’Connor replied with points of their own. Keeping the high scoring ratio attached to this game going, Conor Hayes with the eleventh point of a sporting contest confirmed a four-point win for Carrig na bhFear very near the finish.
St Catherine’s scorers: P Roche (0-04 frees) (0-06), J Mulcahy and J Casey (0-03 each). T O’Donnell, J Hurley and L O’Callaghan McCarthy (0-02 each) and P O’Connor (0-1).
St. Catherine’s team: C Leahy, E Kenneally, B Crowley, K Geary, S O’Regan, K Neville, P Ryan, P Roche, P O’Connor, T O’Donnell, N O’Brien, J Hurley, L O’Callaghan McCarthy, J Mulcahy and J Casey. Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Rebel Óg North Minor B1 Football Championship Quarter Final
Buttevant 4-13 St Catherines 0-07
Buttevant were clear and comprehensive victors, dominating this Rebel Óg North minor B1 football championship quarter-final, played in idyllic Autumnal conditions at sunny Killavullen on Sunday afternoon last.
Billy Keane had them ahead with the lead goal after eight minutes. Most definitely the Saints needed a quick response to ensure they remained competitive. Neat, clever play involving Ciaran O’Brien and Ben O’Brien lead to Kieran English looking like he had secured it, first timing the ball to the net at twenty-three minutes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t allowed due to a square infringement. In the subsequent passage of play Mark Lenihan scored a second opposition goal. In a contest that might by now be a three-point game, it was Buttevant 2-04 to 0-1. This stretched out to 2-07 to 0-3 by half time. Small margins. Huge complications.
Dillon McAuliffe more or less settled it by adding a further brace of goals through the third quarter and a lead of 4-12 to 0-04 on forty-five minutes.
Throwing caution to the wind Catherines came in search of a few late consolation scores. They were rewarded with a few late, well taken points, with Niall O’Regan, Owen O’Neill and team captain Eoin Wallace all contributing. But the margin was too big to bridge.
Buttevant scorers: M Lenihan (0-01 free) (1-05), D McAuliffe (2-00), B Keane (1-01), Mr O’Neill (6-01 free) (0-04), M Walsh, S O’Connor and P Holmes (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Eoin Sheehan, Adam O’Brien, Robert English, Shane Kelleher, Brendan McKee, Eoin Wallace (team captain), James Hayes, Philip Keane, Ben O’Brien, Ciaran O’Brien, Niall O’Regan, Owen O’Neill, Eoin Davis, Kieran English and Shane Spillane. Sub: Andy Leahy for Shane Spillane (43’).
Referee: Dwayne Collins (Charleville).
Rebel Óg North U16 B2 Football Championship
St Catherine’s v Doneraile called off. Match to be rescheduled for this week.
Coiste na nÓg County U13 A1 Hurling League Semi-Final
St Catherines 1-06 Ballinora 1-03
These two teams served up an enthralling encounter in a regular group match won by Catherines when played at the opponent’s venue back on Wednesday, May 31, resulting in them finishing higher up the table and so given a home draw when this Coiste na nÓg county U13 A1 hurling league semi-final went ahead at Ballynoe on Monday evening, September 18.
Maybe both defences were dominant Ben O’Connor, Sean O’Donoghue, Oisín Fitzgerald (and slightly further up) Darragh Morrison doing well for the home team. The real leader of the pack though was the sweet striking Fionn O’Connell at centreback. He hit an ocean of ball. Often ideally placed where Gearoid O’Brien with ideal vision and a willingness to work would prove the principal beneficiary. He contributed 1-05 of the overall Saints tally including the goal after ten minutes and all first half scores, in a half time lead of 1-03 to 0-01.
But a well-taken goal from Stephen Forde on thirty-three minutes ensured a competitive and evenly contested second half hour. Indeed Danny Dineen, accurate with the frees, had the margin down to the minimum in a clear low scoring contest. Catherines got over the line with invaluable late scores from Kyle Wallace and the aforementioned O’Brien.
Catherine’s scorers: G O’Brien (0-01 free) (1-05), K Wallace (0-01).
Catherine’s team: S Cotter, J O’Callaghan, S O’Donoghue, C Sheehan, B O’Connor, F O’Connell, O Fitzgerald, K Wallace, D Morrison, K Kelleher, G O’Brien, C McAuliffe, J Mulcahy, K O’Donoghue, A O’Donnell. Subs: C Pietropaolo for C McAuliffe (second half), D O’Connell for J Mulcahy (40’), D O’Donovan for A O’Donnell (58’). Also on panel: C. Feeney and S. Cotter.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Rebel Óg East U14 B1 Football
Championship quarter final - section 1
also U14 B1 Football League section 1 rd7
St Catherines 3-03 Mayfield 1-10
Difficult enough to analyze this U14 B1 football championships quarter-final played at 3.00pm in Ballynoe on Saturday afternoon last. Mayfield played with the benefit of a ferocious wind and were ahead at 0-08 to 1-00 at half time. But would it be enough? Team captain Mark Geary was able to pick out Gearoid O’Brien who, with the aid of the crossbar, finished off a seemingly priceless Saint’s goal after fourteen minutes.
But Mayfield who also eliminated Catherines from the Pail na mug back in very early April wind on the changeover. Nathan McCarthy with a clinical goal and a lead of 1-09 to 1-00 established now ten minutes into the second half. When excitement intensified Kyle Wallace from a sideline ball declined the entire opposition defence. Ball finished up in the net and excitement now in a frenzy. Conor England quickly adds on a duo of back-to-back points from placed balls.
The deficit was now reduced to the minimum at 1-09 to 2-02 at forty-eight minutes. Colin Moynihan then pointed for the opposition. As important as anything that would go before enabling Mayfield to withstand the impact of Kyle Wallace again goaling from the penalty spot with ninety seconds remaining. Drawn to a point. But Mayfield were on the move when the final whistle blew. No need for extra time. A tie that also doubled up for league points. Then for many it was the U12 B football league quarter final against Courceys. Assuredly those heading for Ballinspittle were in for the worst of the weather.
St Catherines scorers: K Wallace (1-00 sideline kick) (2-01). G O’Brien (1-00) and C England (0-02 frees).
St Catherine’s team: Evan Philpot, Gerard Leahy, Eoin O’Riordan, Cathal Bryan, Brian Barry, Kyle Wallace, Ben O’Connor, Mark Geary (team captain), Fionn O’Connell, Cathal Dineen, Gearoid O’Brien, William Leamy, James O’Callaghan, Conor England and William McAuliffe. Subs: James Mulcahy and Adam O’Donnell for Gerard Leahy and William McAuliffe (both second half).
Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Rebel Óg East U12 B1 Football League Quarter Final
Courcey Rovers 1-01
St. Catherines 3-05
Yes, those in attendance did get the worst of the climatic conditions for this Rebel Óg east U12 B1 football league play off played in Ballinspittle on Saturday evening. But when you win, that rain and wind is instantly forgotten.
With the Saints ahead at 3-02 to 1-01 by the break and adding a further three-second half points, they claimed victory and are thus looking a semifinal place in the competition.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (2-01), S Cotter (1-01), K O’Donoghue (0-02) and K Kelleher (0-01).
Panel (not in any particular order): K O’Donoghue, K Kelleher, D Murphy, D Fitzgerald, S O’Donoghue, C Sheehan, J Bryan, D O’Donovan, E O’Driscoll, C McAuliffe, C Feeney, S Cotter, D O’Connell, T Barry, C Cunning and A Bryan.
Referee: Pat O’Leary (Valley Rovers).
U11 Hurling League
St Catherines 6-07
Watergrasshill 2-03
St Catherines keep the winning run going with the latest win in the U11 hurling league coming in Ballynoe on Thursday evening last.
Scorers: J Temple (2-01), S Cotter and T Barry (1-02 each), C Leamy and G Sheehan (1-00 each) and D O’Donnell (0-02).
Panel as previously listed.
Rebel Óg East Fixture
Friday, September 29 at Castlelyons Rebel Óg East U14 B1 Section Two Hurling Championship final v Lisgoold at 7.00pm.
County Junior Championship Draws
Defeated Imokilly finalists Russell Rovers have been paired with Kilbrin in the quarter final of the county junior A hurling championship. Draws for this were made on Sunday afternoon last. Winners to play newly crowned East Cork champions St Catherines in the ensuing semi-final. It’s Ballyhooly v Nemo Rangers and Brian Dillions v Dromina on the other side.
Camogie Replay
Best of luck to Finola Neville and the entire Cork team when facing Meath in the replayed All-Ireland intermediate camogie final which goes ahead at Pairc Na nGael Limerick on this coming Sunday, October 1 at 1.30pm.
Lotto Results
Results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night, September 25.
Numbers were: 11, 25, 27 and 28 and the €8,400 jackpot was not won. The consolation winners on the night were: Liam Rice, Ballinglegane, Ballynoe, Orna Neville, Ballyknock 5th, Ballynoe, Callum Kingston Lismore, Padraig O’Connor, c/o PH and Eoin, Cathal, Áine and Aisling Glentrasna, Ballynoe.
Next draw for a jackpot now standing at €8,600 will be at McAuliffe’s Ballynoe, on Monday night, October 2.
Sponsors
TA Building and Civil Engineering, Contractors Ballynoe, St Catherines GAA Club. Juvenile sponsors are Mulcahy Steel.

Cath’s into county first round as divisional champions
East Cork Oil sponsored East Cork junior A hurling championship final
St Catherines 1-12
Russell Rovers 0-10
Few could deny that it wasn’t a classic. But that won’t matter now as the saints ground out a five point win over a dogged Russell Rovers challenge in the East Cork junior A hurling championship final, played at a well attended Clonmult Memorial Park, Midleton on Saturday evening last. Starting well with Richard O’Connell, despite the best efforts of Ross Walsh, forcing the sliothar over the line on three minutes. It was the game’s only goal and crucial score of the match. This was a contest where scores would be hard earned. Both teams depending on the accuracy of Shane O’Brien and Josh Beausang for scores from placed balls with the saints only marginally ahead on a half time scoreline of 1-04 to 0-04.
Beausang pointed twice from play in the opening exchanges of the resumption as the opposition challenge intensified. A poorly struck Rover’s free found Rory Galvin, who wasted no time and duly split the posts from distance, helping to withstand the early onslaught. It was the saints first score from open play since O’Connell’s goal, helping to maintain the three point balance of power at 1-06 to 0-06 to thirty four minutes. Daniel Mangan lofted a beauty for the point and score of the match. With a deft touch Shane Kearney added another. Brian ‘Bud’ Hartnett with his second point was on target for the opposition. But overall Russell Rovers were struggling to cut back the margin. A Shane O’Brien free picked out Brian Mulcahy to slot over a well taken score and that three point margin was still maintained at 1-09 to 0-09 on forty seven minutes.
Catherines, though by no means fluent, saw it out. Now favoured by the conditions with another pointed free forthcoming before O’Brien, again from a placed ball, picked out substitute Pa Roche to pop over the final score of the hour on fifty seven minutes. Rovers went for goals from a duo of late frees but both were blocked down.
Overall there was a sizeable attendance for this spectacle which was well organised and well ran by the Midleton club. Proceedings opened with the pairing of Lisgoold and Castlemartyr in the divisional U21 B hurling championship. Victory for Lisgoold, final score being 3-12 to 2-13. Referee was Ger Scully, initiating a Killeagh double, with Arthur Murphy taking charge of the top billing which saw both teams parading behind the Youghal pipe band. With well known East Cork goalie and ex showband star, Art Supple performing Amhrán na bhFiann.
Cultural officer of the board, John Joe O’Regan introduced the East Cork winning Killeagh team of 1967 to those present at half time. Outgoing chairman of the East Cork board Richard Fitzgerald, himself a Russell Rovers man, revealed that youthful Catherine’s defender Philip Keane was confirmed as man of the match, before presenting the Jamesy Kelleher Cup to the emotional Catherine’s captain, Daniel Mangan.
Hopefully now with the shackles off both teams can express themselves more in the upcoming county rounds of the competition, starting off this weekend with the pairing of St Catherines and Tracton.
Russell Rovers scorers: J Beausang (0-04 frees)(0-08) and B Hartnett (0-02).
St Catherines scorers: S O’Brien (0-06 frees)(0-01 65’)(0-07), R O’Connell (1-00), R Galvin, D Mangan, S Kearney, B Mulcahy and P Roche (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Aherne, P Keane, L O’Connor, W Walsh, C Hegarty, C Aherne, S Morris, S O’Brien, C Kearney, R Galvin, D Mangan (captain), S Cotter, B Mulcahy, S Kearney and R O’Connell.Subs: P Roche for C Kearney (48’), E Wallace for W Walsh (54’).
Also on panel: C Leahy, R Clancy, K Neville, S O’Regan, P O’Connor, D Lane, N O’Regan, S O’Brien, J Mulcahy, J Neville, J Hurley, S Walsh, E Condon and J Casey.
Referees: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Championship match in Ballynoe
Youghal overcame the challenge of Watergrasshill in a round of the East Cork junior B hurling championship when played in Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh. The final score was 1-21 to 2-12. Referee was Pádraig Kearney of Killeagh. It coincided with the ‘Strictly’ launch in Conna hall.
East Cork junior
hurling league - division two - round three
Sarsfields were both lords and masters of this East Cork junior hurling league division two round three fixture played in Riverstown on Monday evening, September 4.
Scorers: J Mulcahy (1-00), L Kearney and J Hurley (0-01) (0-02 each) and J Neville (0-01 each).
Team: C Leahy, D Wallace, D Lane, M Harper, S O’Regan, B Crowley, K Geary, L Kearney, J Neville, P Ryan, N O’Brien, J Hurley, J Casey, M Walsh and T O’Donnell. Subs: J Mulcahy for P Ryan (21’), P Ryan for M Walsh (second half), R Barry for D Wallace (41’), D Wallace for M Harper (49’).
Referee: James Hennessy (Dungourney).
Rebel Óg East Minor A hurling championship semi-final
Bride Rovers 6-20
St Catherine’s 2-17
Bride Rovers were deserving winners of this Rebel Óg minor A hurling championship semi-final when played in dull and overcast conditions at Castlelyons on Wednesday evening, September 6th.
Conor Barry drilled in the opening goal after four minutes and the highlight of a lead standing 2-05 to 0-05 on twenty two minutes was that seven different players had registered on the scoreboard, midfielder Eoin Roche and all six forwards. Roche’s inter county U17 ally Eoin Davis sent over a placed ball from well inside his own half. Niall O’Regan added a Saint’s goal on twenty six minutes. But any thoughts of a possible recovery were dispensed with. Shane O’Flynn with his second and Brian Roche adding further goals in the time left and a half time lead for Bride Rovers built up a scoreline of 4-10 to 1-05.
There would be no let up on the turnover. Conleith Ryan on target for the opposition. But the Saints gamely battled away despite the daunting and lopsided scoreline. Ben O’Brien hit an ocean of ball and was accurate both from general play and frees. Owen O’Neill popped over a duo of back-to-back points very near the finish of a championship tie now concluded with the addition of the lights. Bride Rovers now meet Cobh in this year’s Rebel Óg East minor A hurling championship final. Just take note that the U16 and minor footballers, because of soft borders, play in Rebel Óg North.
Bride Rovers scorers: B Roche (2-05), C Barry (0-3 frees) (1-05), S O’Flynn (2-01), C Ryan (1-01), C Hogan (0-03), G O’Keeney and E Roche (0-02 each) and M Friel (0-01).
St Catherine’s scorers: B O’Brien (0-06 frees) (0-02 65’s) (1-10), N O’Regan (1-02), O O’Neill (0-02), C O’Brien and E Davis free (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: Eoin Davis, Adam O’Brien, Philip Keane (team captain), Shane Kelleher, Brendan McKee, Eoin Wallace, Aaron Long, Owen O’Neill, Robert English, Ciaran O’Brien, Ben O’Brien, Niall O’Regan, Kevin Barry, Kieran English, Eoin McCready. Subs: Eoin Sheehan for Kevin Barry (53’), Shane Spillane for Eoin McCready (54’). Also on panel: James Hayes, Calum Roberts, Gavin England and Cormac Galvin. Referee: James Hennessy (Kiltha Óg).
U14 B1 East hurling league section two - round seven
Aghada 2-09 St Catherines 4-05
St Catherine’s had to work hard in seeing off a dogged and tenacious Aghada challenge, to claim the points on offer from this round seven U14 B1 hurling league tie played in overcast conditions at Rostellan on Friday evening last.
Basically, it was score for score, but the visitors claimed a vital grip on proceedings. Goals from Conor England and Cathal Dineen only ninety seconds apart early in the second quarter were enough to establish an interval advantage. Scoreline of 3-03 to 0-08.
The margin was down to a point in a low scoring second half when substitute James O’Callaghan scored the all-important and crucial fourth goal. Eoin O’Riordan tagged on his second point of the contest for a Catherine’s outfit who were able to absorb the concession of a second Aghada goal from a placed ball four minutes overtime. Many thanks to Alan Devoy and Edmond Galvin for taking charge of matters in the absence of an appointed referee.
St Catherine’s scorers: G O’Brien, C England, C Dineen and Jo O’Callaghan (1-00 each), E O’Riordan and A O’Donnell (0-2 each) and H Draper (free) (0-01).
St Catherines: E Philpott, B O’Connor, K Wallace, B Barry, F O’Connell, M Geary, C Bryan, G O’Brien, W Leamy, C Dineen, H Draper, C England, W McAuliffe, E O’Riordan, A O’Donnell. Subs: J O’Callaghan for W McAuliffe (second half) W McAuliffe for H Draper (37’).
Willie Ryan blitz
Victories over Cobh (2-03 to 2-01), Youghal (1-05 to 1-01), Killeagh (3-05 to 0-3) and Carraig na bhFear (3-05 to 0-01) preceded a narrow one point loss to host venue Aghada in the annual and prestigious U12 hurling blitz for the Willie Ryan Cup played in Rostellan on Saturday last.
Condolences
We express our sympathy to the Fitzgerald family, Ballynoe, on their recent bereavement. Also to the family of the late Finbarr Fogarty of Killeagh. A large crowd was present from Rathcormac, Castlelyons and beyond at Mary Barry’s funeral last mid-week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-ainmnacha dhilís.
Camogie finals
Another day in paradise. Cork, after a few significant losses to the Cats, put a stop to a possible slide with a narrow and memorable victory over the reigning champions in the All Ireland senior camogie final at Croke Park. The late winning point came off the stick of substitute Julia White, following outstanding contributions from Aoife Murray, team captain Rena Buckley, the legend that is Gemma O’Connor, Aisling Thompson and Orla Cronin, officially named player of the match.
Between both codes Rena Buckley, who along with Anthony Nash were endearing guests at Catherine’s social in the Midleton Park Hotel in January of 2014, is now the recipient of eighteen All Ireland medals, eleven football and seven camogie. Rena Buckley is the first player of either gender to captain her county to All-Ireland senior titles in two codes. Last Sunday evening at headquarters Orla Cotter was winning her sixth All-Ireland senior camogie medal. Orla has four All Star awards. Phenomenal statistics, and remember the year isn’t over yet. Congratulations also to my other neighbour Finola Neville who is a member of the successful panel. Finola played in the earlier intermediate final which finished a draw, and was named as player of the match. That now means along with Eoin Davis’s U17 success that three All Ireland medals have made their way into the St Catherine’s club thus far this sporting Autumn. Intermediate camogie replay against Meath is fixed for Sunday, October 1. Can three become four? Westmeath are premier junior champions.
Fixtures
Correct at time of submitting this report. Friday, September 15 at Ballynoe u12 A hurling league quarter final v Blarney at 7.15pm. Saturday, September 16 county junior A hurling championship first round v Tracton time and venue TBC. Sunday, September 17 at Lisgoold junior B hurling championship semi-final v Castlelyons at 2.30pm.
Lotto
Results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Fisherman’s Rest Conna, on Monday night last, September 11. Numbers drawn were 5, 14, 17 and 20. There was no winner of the €8,000 jackpot. The consolation winners on the night were: Diarmaid O’Connell, Ballynoe; Jerome Barrett, Ballynoe; Mary Scanlon, Conna; Dan Lynch (phone no supplied) and Ed Sheehan, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe.
Next draw on Monday night coming September 18 at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna will be for a jackpot of €8,200.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ballynoe are St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors.

East Cork final fixed for Midleton
This year’s East Cork junior A hurling championship final has been fixed for Clonmult Memorial Park, Midleton on the evening of Saturday, September 9. Throw in time 6pm, St Catherines play Russell Rovers.
Midleton was always the traditional venue in the halcyon days of the division showpiece, then the policy of taking the decider to the country started. For instance, St Catherines played Dungourney in the 1981 final in Castlelyons. This will be the fourth final or fifth, if you include the 2003 draw and replay involving Dungourney and Watergrasshill, to be played in Midleton in the past twenty year period. An attendance of four thousand was present at the Castlelyons/Bride Rovers final of 1997. Then Dungourney just edged past Carraig na bhFear by a point in the East Cork final of 2011. Ah the memories.
All-Ireland hurling final day
Understandably the bulk of attention goes on the Galway/Waterford senior final. But down here in rebel-land our focus features on the curtain raiser, that of Cork and Galway in this year’s All-Ireland minor hurling championship final, set for headquarters on Sunday, September 3. Cork are without a title since 2001 and last appeared in a final in 2007. They were beaten in the semi-finals of ‘03, ‘04, ‘06 and ‘08. Current manager Denis Ring was a selector on a number of those teams. Evan Sheehan and Brian Turnbull remain major injury concerns. Both players have made major contributions in Cork securing a place in the final Here’s hoping...
Condolences
People of the parish and beyond were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of John O’Keeffe, Newtown, Ballynoe last week. John was a mild mannered, softly spoken gentleman, who loved rural life, particularly the horses, his regular game of cards and his love for the GAA.
Son Richard was involved with the successful ‘83 U16 hurling team. Dessie was a selector with a county winning U16 hurling team in 2006. While Martin was involved in the intermediate hurling success of 1994 and 2004. Daughter Helen is married to Tim O’Connor. A native of Ballyclough he too played with the club and was a mentor with last year’s successful minor hurling squad. After mass in Ballynoe the late John was buried in Conna on Friday afternoon last.
Predeceased by wife Eileen by ten years, our sympathy goes out to the late John’s brother, Fr Martin OMI, daughters Anne and Helen, sons Richard, John T, Des, Pat and Martin and all extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Rose of Tralee
Cork representative in the recent Rose of Tralee contest was Aishling O’Connor, daughter of Pat O’Connor of Aghada. Steeped in the Gaelic tradition, Pat was PRO of the East Cork board for a two-year period in the middle eighties, taking charge of the 1988 draw and replayed East Cork junior hurling final between Killeagh and Midleton. Both matches were played here in Ballynoe and Kieran O’Connor was a member of the Cork panel that defeated Down in the All-Ireland senior football final in 2010.
Upgrade
Just a reprise on a few items submitted last week. Shane Kearney’s match tally is sixty-nine successive games played. Richard O’Connell’s tally agents Lisgoold should be 1-01. While Harry Draper scored 0-10 against St Vincents in the U14 hurling championship.
East Cork Oil sponsored junior B hurling championship
quarter-final
St Catherines 1-13
Dungourney 1-09
St Catherines were grateful for a rewarding start when successfully coming through this divisional junior B hurling championship quarter-final when played in Copper Alley grounds Youghal on Sunday evening last. Conditions were humid and overcast. A thick fog was visible out at sea, brining back memories of an U21 semi-final at the venue last year. Thankfully it didn’t come ashore.
Catherines, mainly through the returned Eoin Condon, were the dominant force around the middle of the field and half forward lines. Ronan Clancy was on target with three lengthy frees and the lead stood at 0-07 to 0-02 after twenty one minutes. Noel O’Brien and Johnny Hurley would add to the tally when one of the games key scores emerged. Kieran Neville and Stephen O’Brien were involved in its creation before, at the second time of asking, Niall ‘Crouchy’ O’Regan crashed home the saints goal on twenty nine minute and a lead established on a half-time scoreline of 1-09 to 0-04.
It was a much tighter affair on the change of ends. Colm Griffin found Karl Kiely and Dungourney pointed almost straight away. Mike Hickey goaled and with Kevin Kelleher unerring from placed balls the margin was trimmed to 1-10 to 1-08 to forty three minutes and again at 1-11 to 1-09 twelve minutes on Niall O’Regan sealed the deal on sixty one minutes.
Dungourney scorers: K Kelleher (0-06 frees), M Hickey (1-00), W Daly, J Griffin and K Kiely (0-01 each).
St Catherines scorers: N O’Regan (1-03), R Clancy (0-05 frees), E Condon and N O’Brien (0-02 each) and J Hurley (0-01).
St Catherines team: C Leahy, P Tobin, D Lane, D Wallace, S O’Regan, K Neville, A Neville, R Clancy, E Condon, J Hurley, N O’Brien, S O’Brien, N O’Regan, J Mulcahy (team captain), T O’Donnell.
Subs: J Neille for S O’Brien (51’).
Also on panel: P Ryan, Mike Walsh, S Walsh, K English, M Harper, J Casey, B Crowley, C O’Donnell, E Corcoran, C Mulcahy, R Barry, S Spillane.
Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
East Cork junior hurling league Div 1 Rd 4
Carrigtwohill 2-09 St Catherines 2-13
St Catherines collected the points on offer in a contest between two understrength teams when this round four East Cork junior hurling league division one tie went ahead in overcast conditions at Carrigtwohill on Monday, August 21.
Niall O’Regan and John Mulcahy, one in each half, were the goalscorers. Points ensued from Ronan Clancy, Noel O’Brien, Thomas O’Donnell and Johnny Hurley, thus bringing the tally to six points from as many league matches played.
Team: C Leahy, P Tobin, D Lane, M Harpur, P Ryan, K Neville, A Neville, R Clancy, T O’Donnell, S Walsh, N O’Brien, K English, J Hurley, J Mulcahy and N O’Regan.
Subs: E Corcoran for M Harpur (8’), J Casey for P Tobin (27’), C O’Donnell for S Walsh (second half), S Spillane for C Leahy (42’).
Also on panel: P O’Connor, E Wallace and P Roche.
Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Rebel Óg East minor A hurling league - Rd 7
St Catherines 5-13 Youghal 2-09
Buoyed up by the recent championship and doubling as league success over Erins Own at Lisgoold and St Catherines kept the momentum going with this well earned victory over a gallant Youghal fifteen in round seven of the Rebel Óg East minor A hurling league when played in Ballynoe on Tuesday evening, August 22nd.
Ciaran O’Brien, Gavin England, Kevin Barry and Niall O’Regan all registered early on the scoreboard as the home team eased into a lead of 1-04 to 0-01 after twelve minutes. Dion O’Donoghue and Colm Breslin were prominent for the opposition with the saints still ahead at 1-07 to 0-04 to twenty four minutes, when taking a firm grip on proceedings. Eoin Wallace surging through from the back. Goaling his finish sixty seconds later. Then a lengthy Brendan McKee free found Owen O’Neill who goaled a beauty. St Catherines ahead on a half-time scoreline of 3-07 to 0-05. Eoin Davis played as a forward added his second and fourth saints goal within a minute of the change of ends. Taking a Robert English pass when completing his hat trick on fifty one minutes.
Scorers: E Davis (0-01 free) (0-01 65’) (3-04), O O’Neill (1-04), E Wallace (1-00), C O’Brien (0-02), G England, K Barry and N O’Regan (0-01 each).
Team: Rd Galvin, A O’Brien, P Keane, S Spillane, B McKee, E Wallace, E McCreedy, C O’Brien, R English, K English, N O’Regan, O O’Neill, K Barry, E Davis, G England. Subs: E Sheehan and J Hayes for S Spillane and K Barry (both 47’), C Roberts for G England (58’).
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
Revised U11 leagues
Back in action are revised U11 leagues. A heavy loss in Ballinora in the football on Monday night, August 21st preceded a win on a scoreline of 2-02 to 0-03 when the same two teams met in the equivalent hurling league and played in Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Shane Cotter and John Temple were the goalscorers.
Cork squads
Mixed fortunes for the rebels from the weekend series of juvenile inter county tournaments. Cork defeating Galway on a scoreline of 4-13 to 3-03 in the U15 A hurling final played in Brinny. Player of the match in the decider was Catherine’s defender Ciaran O’Brien, while the rebels also overcame the westerners in the U15 B final. Defeating Kilkenny in the U16 B hurling final played in Tipperary.
Lotto results
Results from recent lotto draws starting with The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night, August 21st. Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 7 and 9 and the jackpot of €7,400 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were: W and C c/o Mcs, Dylane, Ronan Mulcahy c/o Gerry Fitzgerald, Garrycaheragh, Ballynoe, Sinead Sheehan, Glentrasna, Ballynoe, Peter O’Keeffe c/o Mcs and Angela Davern, Conna.
Then moving on with the results from the most recent draw which was held at McAuliffes, Ballynoe on Monday night last, August 28th. Numbers drawn 1, 13, 19 and 26. There was no winner of the €7,600 jackpot. Consolation winners being Rebecca Kenny, Aglish, Co Waterford, Ann Cotter, Glentrasna, Pat Clancy, Monagown, Conna, Liam Rice, Ballinlegane, Ballynoe and Gerry O’Donovan c/o The Big Tree.
Next draw for a now accumulated €7,800 jackpot will be at The Big Tree, Aghern, on Monday, September 4.
Fixtures
Tonight (Thursday), August 31 Rebel Óg east minor A hurling league round six v Cobh (away) at 8pm.
Saturday, September 2 at Ballynoe U11 football league round two v Killeagh at 2pm.
Monday, September 4 at Riverstown junior hurling league division two round three v Sarsfields at 7pm.
Wednesday, September 6 at Castlelyons Rebel Óg east minor A hurling championship semi-final v Bride Rovers at 6.45pm. Extra time if necessary.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors.

Successful week on championship
fields for the Saints
It was a memorable week for the Saints on the championship fields. Starting with a two point win over Erin’s Own in the quarter final of the Rebel Óg east minor A hurling. Moving on to a win over St Vincent’s in the U14 B hurling. With the icing on the cake coming with a place earned for the second successive year in the East Cork junior A hurling final. Now read on for your championship reports.
East Cork oil sponsored junior A hurling championship
semi-final
St Catherines 2-18 Lisgoold 1-14
Three teams remain in contention. Carrig na bhFear must meet Russell Rovers possibly this upcoming weekend. Depending on Imokilly’s senior involvement. St Catherines place in East Cork’s biggest day secured following a clear cut and comprehensive seven point victory over Lisgoold when this divisional junior A hurling championship semi-final was played at a well attended Castlelyons on Sunday afternoon last. It had been raining and it remained overcast. But thankfully it dried up and a tension filled contest proceeded uninterrupted.
It was a physical contest. No quarter spared or given. Understandable as the two teams were meeting in the championship for the second time inside five weeks. Even a dog made his way onto the pitch perusing matters on the third minute.
Catherines were off to a flyer. Brian Mulcahy pointing a beauty inside thirty seconds. Shortly afterwards Mulcahy, playing in his first competitive championship match since last year’s final fifty one weeks ago revealed Richard O’Connell to goal from close range. Lisgoold were rattled. Shane Cotter pointed the first of his four scores. Conor Hegarty picked out Pa Roche to add another. Daniel Mangan pointed from an awkward enough angle. Before O’Connell and Cotter combined to pick out the on running Conor Kearney. Chilli responded with the Saints and the game’s best point of the half and Catherines were enjoying a well earned lead on a scoreline of 1-08 to 0-04 to twenty minutes. When the opposition embarked on their most rewarding passage of play thus far in an occasionally tempestuous championship semi-final John Cashman pointing twice, once from play. Before Jamie Woods goaled and the margin was as close as it ever was. Down to a two point margin at 1-08 to 1-06 to twenty eight minutes. When the defining moments unfolded. Danger-man Mulcahy again careering in along near the end line and cutely avoiding being hooked, goaled a beauty. A score to negate the impact of the opposition goal almost straight away. When the same player quickly added another point a six point lead was restored and Catherines headed for the Castlelyons dressing rooms ahead on a half time scoreline of 2-09 to 1-06.
On resumption and on three occasions eight points was the margin between the teams as the second half advanced. It was 2-11 to 1-06 to thirty five minutes. Catherines lead standing at 2-14 to 1-09 now ten minutes into the action. After ‘chill’ added his second point and the soon to depart Rory Galvin lofted a boomer it stood at 2-18 to 1-13 to fifty eight minutes. Lisgoold keeper Ciaran Cronin pointed the last score of the match. Successfully with a sixty five about two minutes overtime. Game over and Catherines make the East Cork final for the second successive year.
In many ways a historic match. For twenty one seasons (a twenty year period) it was the first game involving the club’s first choice hurling team that Shane Kearney wasn’t part of the action.
Shane made his first team debut in the county senior hurling championship against Carbery at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, June 15 1997. His last match was against Cobh in the East Cork junior A championship quarter final at Dungourney on Saturday, July 29 of this year. An unbroken passage of sixty mins matches. Guarantee you it’s not the last we will hear of Shane.
Lisgoold scorers: J Cashman (0-06 frees) (0-08), J Woods (1-00), L O’Shea (0-3), K Cashman, M O’Connell and C Cronin (65’), (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s scorers: B Mulcahy (1-05), R O’Connell (1-0), S Cotter (0-04), S O’Brien (0-03 frees), C Kearney (0-02), D Mangan, P Roche and R Galvin (0-01 each).
Team: E Aherne, P Keane, W Walsh, L O’Connor, C Hegarty, C Aherne, S Morris, C Kearney, S O’Brien, R Galvin, D Mangan (captain), S Cotter, B Mulcahy, P Roche, R O’Connell. Subs: L Kearney for P Roche (second half), E Wallace for L Kearney (54’), P O’Connor for R Galvin (59’). Also on panel: C Leahy, R Clancy, K Neville, S O’Regan, N O’Regan, S O’Brien, J Mulcahy, J Hurley and S Walsh.
Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).
East Cork junior hurling league - division two - round six
St Catherines 2-15 Midleton 1-08
Look, unfortunately this was the second successive game involving the Saints that was on up against a Rebel Óg East meeting as a second win of the campaign was recorded following this round six junior hurling league division two tie when played in Ballynoe on Monday,August 14, a team that could well be playing junior B hurling championship this upcoming weekend.
Scorers: P Roche (0-5frees) (0-7), N O’Regan (1-01), N O’Brien (0-01frees) (0-04), J Hurley (1-00), L Kearney, J Mulcahy and K English (0-01each).
Team: C Leahy, D Wallace, D Lane, K Geary, S O’Regan, K Neville, A Neville, L Kearney, P Roche, J Hurley, N O’Brien, L Beecher, N O’Regan, J Mulcahy and T O’Donnell. Subs: K English for N O’Regan, J Walsh for L Beecher, P Ryan for A Neville, M Warpur for D Wallace, S Walsh for J Hurley, B Crowley for N O’Brien, C O’Donnell for T O’Donnell. Also R Barry, E Corcoran and S Spillane.
Referee: Jonathon O’Connell (Watergrasshill).
Rebel Óg East Minor A hurling league round four
Erins Own 1-14 St Catherines 1-16
St Catherines made a notoriously slow start to this difficult to fix Rebel Óg East Minor A hurling championship quarter final when played in Lisgoold on Thursday evening last. Indeed their first score from open play failed to arrive until twenty first minute. Thankfully two more followed and a five point margin between the teams at 0-07 to 0-02 after twenty minutes was whittled down with Erins Own ahead on a half time scoreline of 0-10 to 0-07.
Ben O’Brien goaled a free. Trying up the issue at 1-08 to 0-11 seven minutes into the second half. But the opposition responded well to the concession of the equalising score and restored their five point lead at 1-13 to 1-08 when Cathal Linehan score a peach of a goal on forty two minutes. But the Saints deep in the face of adversity produced the required response and gradually but assuredly began to eat into that lead. Richard Galvin pointed from the middle of the field. Ben O’Brien on target with two lengthy frees. Parity restored for the third time in the contest with fifteen year old Ciaran O’Brien displaying rare skill and vision pointing a masterful score at 1-13 a piece to fifty three minutes. Such a mature head on young shoulders. He always seems to do the right thing. Momentum now clearly with the Saints and when Robert English picked out Niall O’Regan a vital point was forthcoming. Making it 1-16 to 1-13 right on the sixty minute mark. That was eight points on the bounce as Erins Own launched a dew threatening late attacks in search of what would prove the equalising goal and bring the championship match to twenty minutes of extra time. Eoin Davis and team captain Philip Keane had to be alert and a Ronan Twomey point from a sixty five was their sole return with six minutes of overtime suddenly terminated. St Catherines will play Bride Rovers in the semi-final. There is the small matter of an All-Ireland final to be played first. Just to say the Erins Own match doubled as a league fixture. Meaning the haul now is four points from as many league matches played.
Scorers: B O’Brien (1-07 frees) (1-10), RD Galvin and N O’Regan (0-02 each), O O’Neill and C O’Brien (0-01 each).
Team: E Davis, A O’Brien, P Keane (team captain), S Kelleher, B McKee, E Wallace, A Long, RD Galvin, R English, N O’Regan, O O’Neill, K English, C O’Brien, B O’Brien, G England. Also on panel: E Sheehan, C Roberts, S Spillane, A Leahy, K Barry, J Hayes, E McCreedy and C Galvin.
Referee: Brian Sweeney (Shamrocks).
Rebel Óg East U14 B 1 section two hurling championship quarterfinal
St Vincents 2-04 St Catherines 1-16
St Catherines emerged deserving nine point winners from this Rebel Óg East U14 B1 hurling championship quarter final when played in St Vincents on the north side of Cork city on Friday evening last.
Team captain Harry Draper at centre forward was unmarkable, finishing a stop start occasionally temperamental contest with two points to his name. Six alone in the first half as Catherines behind at 1-01 to 0-02 after five minutes turned it around to lead on a half time scoreline of 0-11 to 1-04.
Substitute Adam O’Donnell had a significant role to play in the goal. Finished off by the ideally placed Cathal Dineen just three minutes into the second half. Fionn O’Connell hurled an ocean of ball at wing back. Eoin O’Riordan in the unaccustomed role of right half forward pointed a beauty and Catherines place in the semi-final vs Mayfield was confirmed.
Scorers: H Draper (0-03 frees) (0-10), C Dineen (0-02 frees) (1-02), G O’Brien (0-01free) (0-03) and E O’Riordan (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: E Philpott, B O’Connor, M Geary, C Bryan, F O’Connell, D Galvin, W Leamy, T Hartnett, R Wallace, R O’Riordan, H Draper (team captain), C England, C Dineen, G O’Brien and G Leahy. Subs: A O’Donnell for G Leahy (second half) W McAuliffe and B Barry for H Draper and B O’Connor (both 55’), J O’Callaghan for C Bryan (56’), J Mulcahy for K Wallace (59’), Also on panel S Cotter.
Referee: John Kirby (Midleton).
Cork double over Galway
Cork with a phenomenal score outsmarted Galway thus setting up a last four pairing with Mayo when the quarter final of the All-Ireland ladies gaelic football championship went ahead at Mullingar on Saturday afternoon last. Later in the evening at Pairc na nGael, Limerick, and thanks to a sterling player of the match performance from Orla Cotter, also overcame the westerners in the senior camogie semi-final. They will now renew rivalry with Kilkenny in the decider at headquarters on Sunday, September 10.
Fixtures
Correct at time of submitting report.
Sunday, August 27 at 6pm, East Cork junior B hurling championship v Dungourney venue TBC.
Monday, August 28 U16 B2 hurling championship semi-final v Grenagh. Time and venue must be confirmed.
Exams
Congratulations to all students throughout the parish on their pleasing leaving certificate results.
Death of well-known Tipp star
Waterford emerged in 1959 and ‘63. Then Cork went all the way in ‘66. But overall Tipperary were the dominant force in hurling at that time. One of the stars in their set up at the time was Liam Devaney. Sadly, the legendary Borrisoleigh man passed away last week. Tipperary were crowned Munster champions in ‘58, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 67 and 68. Subsequently winning six All Irelands in that time. Liam Devaney who won All Ireland minor, medals in 1952 and 53 was part of all those senior successes.
Lotto
We were back to our normal slot for last week’s lotto draw held at The Winner’s Enclosure, Conna, on Monday, August 14. Numbers drawn were 10, 15, 18 and 26. The jackpot of €7,200 wasn’t won. Consolation winners were Colm Molloy, Ballynoe; Sean Buckley c/o The Big Tree, Aghern; Brendan O’Brien, Old Court West; Dave Barry, Carrigmore, Conna and Conor Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe.
Strictly St Catherines
On November 11th next, St Catherines GAA and Camogie Clubs will be hosting a giant fundraiser in the Radisson Blu hotel in Little Island. Strictly St Catherines will involve 26 local people dancing on stage in what promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment!
And here, we reveal the names of the 26 brave men and women who will take to the stage: Deirdre O’Brien, Kal Moroney, Emma Spillane, Aoife Hurley, James Fitzgerald, Conor Kearney, Eoin Condon, Rory Galvin, Karen O’Connor, Elaine Wallace, Orla Cotter, Margaret O’Connell, Denis Walsh, John Mulcahy, Frank Hayes, Sean O’Farrell, Matt McAuliffe, Donal O’Connor, John O’Meara, Imelda O’Connell, Fiona Sheehan, Linda O’Keeffe, Antoinette O’Donnell, Annette Fitzgerald, Paddy Ahern and Kevin Mangan.
A sub-committee led by chairperson Ann Galvin have been busy during the summer planning this fundraiser and over the coming weeks the dancers will start training for their performance. You too can get involved in supporting the dancers and we will be letting you know here how you can support this fundraiser. It promises to be a terrific night for performers and audience members alike, so do stay in touch for more details.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club.

St Catherines GAA
Lotto jackpot now at €7,000
St Catherines GAA Club head for the bank holiday with a lotto jackpot now standing at €7,000. Results from the most recent draw held at The Big Tree, Aghern, on Monday night last, July 31st where the numbers drawn were 3, 14 and 26. There being no winner of the then accumulated jackpot of €6,800 while the consolation winners on the night were: Kate Hegarty, Ballymonteen, Ballynoe; Chloe Higgins, Ballycullane, Curraglass; Marie McCarthy, Coole, Castlelyons; Matt Noonan, Conna and Stephen Cotter, Barbafohona, Ballynoe. Being a long weekend next draw goes ahead at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, on Tuesday night, August 8th.
East Cork Oill sponsored junior A hurling championship quarterp-final St Catherines 2-27 Cobh 2-06
It took twenty plus minutes of extra-time to get over the commendable challenge of Lisgoold in the previous round. No such heroics required here. Catherine’s romping to a near facile twenty one point victory over a disappointing Cobh challenge when this divisional junior A hurling championship quarter-final was played at and again well attended albeit overcast Dungourney venue on Saturday evening last. Catherines again off to a flyer and Richard Galvin, like he did the last night crashing the lead goal to the net as early as the fifth minute. With Ed Ahern, dominant between the posts, Cal Aherne to the fore at centre back and William Walsh regularly on the ball at wing back. Rory Galvin, Daniel Mangan and Shane Kearney were rampant up front. Surging to an emphatic lead of 1-13 to 0-01 to the end of the first quarter. Cobh struggled to cope. Although a Conor Farrell goal offered brief respite on forty six minutes. But whatever chance Cobh had of potentially rescuing a now desperate situation petered out in a two minute spell coming up to the break. Losing both their goalkeeper and full forward in separate incidents to straight red cards. Catherines in cruise control and ahead on a half time scoreline of 1-17 to 1-04. There would be no let up. Adding on six of the games opening eight points on the resumption. When a surging, defence splitting run saw Shane Kearney parting to the on running Richard O’Connell, who duly slotted home the second goal and a Saints lead now standing at 2-23 to 1-06 to forty six minutes. Ever accurate from placed balls Shane O’Brien helped turn the screw still further. Pointing the next three scores including two from frees. With Adam McCarthy adding a consolation opposition goal very near the end. They won’t all be as one sided as this.
Cobh scorers: A McCarthy (1-02), C Farrell (1-01), E Spriggs, J Ronan and C McLoughlin (0-01 each). St Catherines scorers: S O’Brien (0-7 frees) (0-02 65’s) (0-10), RD Galvin (1-03), R O’Connell (1-02), R Galvin (0-4), D Mangan and S Kearney (0-03 each) and S Cotter (0-2). St Catherines team: E Aherne, P Keane, L O’Connor, E Kenneally, C Hegarty, C Aherne, W Walsh, S O’Brien, C Kearney, S Cotter, D Mangan (captain), R Galvin, R O’Connell, RD Galvin, S Kearney. Subs: P Roche for D Mangan (46’), L Kearney for S Kearney (49’). Also: C Leahy, R Clancy, S Morris, K Neville, S O’Regan, D Lane, E Wallace, N O’Regan, S O’Brien, J Mulcahy, S Walsh, J Casey and J Hurley. Referee: Cathal McAllister (Aghada).
Under twenty one hurling
Well the gremlins momentarily surfaced last week as third substitute for the Saints against Carrigtwohill in the under twenty one A hurling championship quarter-final should have read Kieran English for Luke Beecher on fifty four minutes. While Castlelyons proved too strong for Youghal in another quarter final of the East Cork under twenty one A hurling championship, when played in Ballynoe on Sunday evening last. Final score in favour of Castlelyons being 5-15 to 2-16. Referee was James Bermingham from the Bride Rovers Club.
Juvenile
Rebel Óg East under sixteen B2 hurling league round six St Catherines w/o Crosshaven scr Coiste na nÓg county under fifteen B2 football championship - quarter-final
St Catherines 3-09 Ballingeary 6-12
Look.. Hands up. No qualms. No complaints. St Catherine’s played well. They will be happy. But Ballingeary were that little bit cuter. More natural players in vital positions and were deserving winners of this Coiste na nÓg county under fifteen B2 football championship quarter-final when played in Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Catherines started well. Took the lead through a Gavin England goal in their very first acttack. Midfielder Sean Lucey, best player on the pitch and pacy nippy corner forward Michael Long were causing major problems for the Saints. Just six points adrift at 2-08 to 1-05 to the sound of the half-time whistle. Indeed when team captain Kevin Barry goaled a penalty kick for a foul on James Hayes the deficit was trimmed to two points, on a scoreline of 2-08 to 2-06 now seven minutes into the second half. Ballingeary were quick to respond. Diarmuid Ó Ceallachain goaled a beauty. Confirmed their dominance with further late goals from Gerry Lynch and Brian Dineen. With midfielder Lucey finishing with a tally of 3-06. Ballingeary advancing to the next round scheduled for August 8th on a scoreline of 6-12 to 3-09.
Catherines scorers: K Barry (1-00 penalty) (0-02 frees) (1-04), G O’Brien (1-0), G England (1-00), H Draper (0-03) and J Hayes (0-01). Team: Callum Roberts, Mark Geary. Kian Wallace, James Duncan, David McDonnell, Darragh Galvin, Gavin England, Josh McGuckian, Tom Hartnett, Kevin Barry (captain), James Hayes, Harry Draper, Conor England. Subs: Cathal Dineen for David McDonnell (16’), Wiliam Leamy for Conor England (second half), Gearoid O’Brien for Tom Hartnett (47’), James O’Callaghan for Darragh Galvin (53’), William McAuliffe for Harry Draper (54), Ger Leahy for James Duncan (57’). Also Adam O’Donnell, Fionn O’Connell and Evan Phillpott. Referee: Brian Walsh (Aghada).
Intercounty
Although they were the better team Limerick still found it difficult to withstand an eventual dogged Rebel challenge when winning the Munster under twenty one hurling championship final when played on Wednesday evening, July 26th last. As they did in the previous encounters Limerick made a ferocious start. Surging into a seven point lead without reply after thirteen minutes. Gradually though the Rebels came more into it and a Tim O’Mahony goal on twenty five minutes trimmed the interval deficit to four points on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-11. Having shown commendable battling qualities to the end and thats all you can expect. At least twenty of the Cork panel are available again for next year although there was this provincial final on the calendar, it also would be shown on live tv, still the first round of the camogie senior championship went ahead. St Catherine’s defeating Glen Rovers (1-16-0-4) at Rathcormac. While the junior hurling second team were beaten in a challenge game in Ballysaggart. Ensuring that Wenesday, July 26th last made for a busy evening. But what a summer it’s been following the Rebels and last Thursday evening in Thurles was up with anything that went before. Cork were slightly fortunate to lead their All Ireland under seventeen hurling championship semi-final by a point at half time. Parity had been restored midway through the second half when Declan Hanlon forced his way through for a second Cork goal on forty eight minutes. But referee Alfie Devine blew up for a penalty. Daire Connery’s effort brilliantly kept out by Galway custodian Darragh Fahy. Albeit Connery pointed the ensuing 65. Cork drove on with a brace of well taken Brian Roche points. But were wheeled in by a marvelous Noall Coen goal for the westerners on fitfy five minutes. Cork now favoured by the conditions advancing with two points from late frees from man of the match Colin O’Brien. We now once again wish the best of luck to Eoin Davis and the Cork team when facing Dublin in the All-Ireland under seventeen hurling championship final set for Croke Park on this coming Sunday, August 6th.
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy to all Spillane’s on their recent sad family bereavement.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA club.
Fixtures
Tonight (Thursday) August 3rd at Dungourney junior B hurling championship first round v Erins Own, at 7.30pm. Tuesday, August 8th at Ballynoe Rebel Óg North minor B2 football league v Castlelyons, at 8.30pm.

St Catherines GAA
Junior hurlers advance in extra time
East Cork Oil sponsored JAHC first round
St Catherines (2-13) 3-22 Lisgoold (0-19) 1-26
In a contest of at least eighty minutes of action St Catherines survived an expected arduous Lisgoold challenge from this East Cork junior A hurling championship first round tie when played at a well attended Castlelyons venue on Saturday evening last.
Catherine`s making the better start with Richard Galvin one of two players making their first team championship debut evading his immediate opponent and planting the sliotar right in the corner for the lead goal on four minutes. But any indiscretion caused almost irrespective of its location on the field would be severely punished by the ever accurate John Cashman. Likewise Shane O`Brien was doing the business for the saints from placed balls and although trailing narrowly for the major part of the opening half eventually saw parity restored at 1-08 to 0-11 with a stunning equalising point from team captain Daniel Mangan right on thirty two minutes.
Back to back Rory Galvin points still had two evenly matched teams locked in deadlock at 1-12 to 0-15 to the three-quarter mark. But Cashman was still piling on the scores both from frees and general play and playing the entire second half without influential keeper Ciaran Cronin, the ex Imokilly and Cork U21 custodian having to depart the action with a thigh injury. Lisgoold had built up a three point lead and looked like winners right on the sixty minute mark. Catherines staring defeat in the face, granted one last lifeline.
Sensibly, Shane O`Brien guided a close in free into the thick of the action where in a flash the sliothar was first timed to the bet, Cal Aherne credited with the equalising goal and on a score of 2-13 to 0-19, this most exciting of championship matches is heading for twenty minutes of extra time. Ten a side, two substitutes combining. Liam Kearney releases Pa Roche for the lead point. Catherines now ahead for the first time since the eighth minute of the first half at 2-16 to 0-21.
Yet in a twinkling Kieran Cashman guides over a well struck point. In a frenzy of excitement Catherines and Lisgoold are level for a twelfth time. Six minutes elapsed in the first period of extra time when another impressive substitute Stephen `Skinner` Morris gets Richie O`Connell away to lash in a skillfully taken third goal. An invaluable score. Such was the closeness of the teams to each other. Catherines three points ahead at 3-17 to 0-23. First ten minutes complete. Kearney, O`Connell, Mangan and Galvin all quickly pointing as the advantage was standing at 3-21 to 0-25 six minutes into the second period.
But sure enough there was another twist to the tail when Liam O`Shea, a Munster minor medal winner with Cork in Thurles the previous Sunday goaled for Lisgoold. Whittling it down to just a point. Wingback Conor Hegarty stretches it again. Pointing from a long distance much to the delight of Catherines supporters in a large sized attendance. Lisgoold were searching for what would prove the match winning goal. Out emerges Shane Cotter with the ball. While fouled he clearly displays his possession of the sliothar. That`s it, no more time. An absorbing match grinds to a halt. Catherines advance to a quarter-final pairing with Cobh on an end scoreline of 3-22 to 1-26. Should the two teams stay afloat another meeting is a possibility.
Lisgoold scorers: J Cashman (0-14 frees) (0-01 65`) (0-20), L O`Shea (0-01 sideline cut) (1-03), B Flynn, K Cashman and C Cronin (free) (0-01 each).
St Catherines scorers: D Mangan (0-07), S O`Brien (0-05 frees)(0-01 `65`) (0-06), R O`Connell (1-02), R Galvin (0-04), Rd Galvin and C Aherne (1-00 each), P Roche, L Kearney and C Hegarty (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Aherne, P Keane, L O`Connor, E Kenneally, C Hegarty, S Cotter, W Walsh, S O`Brien, C Kearney, C Aherne, D Mangan (team captain), S Kearney, R Galvin, Rd Galvin and R O`Connell.
Subs: L Kearney for S Kearney (35`), S Morris for C Kearney (61`), P Roche for Rd Galvin (63`), S Kearney for C Aherne (73`).
Also on panel: C Leahy, K Neville, S O`Regan, D Lane, N O`Regan, S O`Brien, J Mulcahy and J Casey.
Referee: Patrick O`Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
Juvenile column
Coiste na nÓg county U15 B hurling championship final
Owen Gaels 1-17 St Catherines 1-09
Owen Gaels retained their title won twelve months ago at Peddlar`s Cross when this Coiste na nÓg county U15 B1 hurling championship final was played at a well prepared Mayfield venue on Friday evening last. A decider overshadowed when following a collision between two saints players saw Joe O`Keeffe, central to the equalising point on four minutes, stretchered from the field and taken to hospital with an ankle injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. No doubt it would have put a cloud on the team’s efforts and a fully warranted eight minutes of first half injury time having played with the benefit of a strong breeze were behind on an interval scoreline of 0-09 to 0-05. Clearly facing an uphill struggle.
That said a positive response was forthcoming inside a minute of the change of ends Harry Draper, the other player momentarily injured in that unfortunate collision after six minutes, pointed from an almost impossible angle. But the response was emphatic. Centre forward Cian McCarthy immediately surging through for the opposition goal. But the saints kept their efforts going. Tom Hartnett pointed, a subsequent Kevin Barry free wasn`t dealt with and Cathal Dineen, ideally placed, first timed the breaking ball to the net and the margin was trimmed to three points at 1-11 to 1-08 to forty seven minutes.
But Owen Gaels, a combination of Ballinascarthy and St Oliver Plunkett`s and coached by Jerry Ryan, a Cork senior selector in the Denis Walsh regime, finished strongly. With man of the match McCarthy pointing six of the games last seven scores including four magnificent points in succession, all from play bringing his overall tally to 1-14. Coiste na nÓg chairman John Purcell presenting the successful cup to Owen Gaels captain in their respective speeches. Well done to the saints for their commendable efforts in advancing thus far. They were due to commence their U15 B2 football championship campaign last night (Wednesday) in Ballynoe.
Owen Gaels scorers: C McCarthy (0-07 frees) (0-01 65`), (1-14), B Lovell, C Cullinane and J O`Brien (0-01 each).
St Catherines scorers: K Barry (0-04 frees), C Dineen (1-00), H Draper and C O`Brien (0-01 65`) (0-02 each) and T Hartnett (0-01).
St Catherines team: Evan Philpott, Gearoid O`Brien, Mark Geary, Eoin O`Riordan, James Duncan, Ciaran O`Brien (captain), Darragh Galvin, Josh McGuckian, Tom Hartnett, Cathal Dineen, Harry Draper, Joe O`Keeffe, William Leamy, Kevin Barry and James Hayes.
Sub: Cathal Bryan for Joe O`Keeffe (14`). Also on panel: Callum Roberts, Gerard Leahy, James O`Callaghan and William McAuliffe.
Referee: Tony O`Brien (Ballygarvan).
Rebel Óg East
U16 B2 hurling league round four
St Catherines w/o Grenagh
What’s up next?
In with the heads in Castlelyons pavilion on Saturday evening last were the draws for the junior A hurling championship quarter-finals were taking place. A clear message emanating there was for the U21 A hurling championship quarter-finals to go ahead this upcoming weekend. St Catherines are paired with Carrigtwohill.
Sympathy
Our condolences to the Murphy family, Bartlemy and the Bride Rovers club on the sad passing of esteemed gentleman, Martin Murphy last weekend. Ar dheis Dégo raibh a anam dilís.
Lotto results
Results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Plough, Curraglass, on Monday night last, July 17th. Numbers drawn were 1, 3, 5 and 11. There was no winner of the €6,400 jackpot. While the consolation winners were Majella Pietropaolo c/o PO, Vera and Bernie, Ballynoe, Ann Finn c/o Helen O`Connor, Maura O`Sullivan, Mohera, Castlelyons and Gabriel and Geraldine Gregan, Clarecastle, Co Clare. A draw for a jackpot of €6,600 goes ahead at McAuliffe`s, Ballynoe on Monday night coming, July 24th.
County U21 hurling
Stupendous scoring performances in this grade like Seanie O`Leary from the early seventies and Aidan Walsh from six seasons ago were rekindled by Declan Dalton from the provincial U21 hurling championship semi-final in Walsh Park, on Wednesday evening, July 12. Dalton recorded Cork`s four opening scores including contributions from a placed ball, open play and a subliminal sideline cut. In all he was responsible for seven of the county`s ten first half points and while down injured on at least two occasions throughout the contest added a further 1-05 on the resumption. With the match winning goal coming from a penalty five minutes overtime. A masterful performance from the Fr O`Neill`s man equally proficient as a goalkeeper. Cork now play Limerick in the Munster final. Limerick have mangled all opposition encountered thus far. Running up huge tallies in the process and will be fancied by many to attain outright honours.
As the focus slowly but surely now shifts to the grand opening. This weekend the newly revamped Páirc Uí Chaoimh plays host to three all Ireland hurling quarter-finals. One minor and two senior spread out over the two days. Playing wise the picture should be clearer after that. Spare a thought amidst all the hype that Cork play Mayo in a senior football qualifier in Limerick on this forthcoming Saturday evening.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA club sponsors.

Challenge game and juvenile
league programme take up the week
A junior hurling challenge game allied to the regular and ongoing programme of underage league matches is what consumed the back of last week’s playing activity. Don’t forget being a bank holiday weekend lotto results will surface next week. There now follows a brief report on those aforementioned games.
Junior hurling challenge game
St Catherines utterly dominated the opening segments of this junior hurling challenge when played under lights at Ballynoe on Thursday night last. A Ronan Clancy effort to which Daniel Mangan added a duo of mesmeric points and a slightly fortuitous Brian Mulcahy goal saw them ahead at 1-06 without reply. Just ten minutes elapsed on the clock. Eoin Dillon was now commanding at centre back. It meant a supply was guaranteed and the scores gradually ensued. Anthony Watson goaded for Milford their first score of the hour, after eleven minutes and with Pa O’Regan unerring in his free taking parity was restored at 1-09 apiece at the interval. Scores were level twice more with the home team edging three points ahead when after good Eoin Wallace work, Kevin Mangan, on as substitute first-timed the breaking ball to the net and the lead now stood at 2-15 to 1-13 to forty seven minutes. Stephen O’Brien, also sprung from the bench, guaranteed the win on an end scoreline 0f 3-17 to 1-15 when adding a third goal five minutes from time. Match referee was James Daly from Youghal. A few more practice matches through the codes and grades were mooted. Though not played. Easter weekend sometimes it can be difficult to get teams together.
Juvenile Rebel Og East Under Fourteen B hurling league section two round one St Catherines v Mayfield
St Catherines almost let a dominant lead slip against Ballycastle Gaels in an under fourteen hurling challenge when played at Ballynoe on Monday evening, April 10th last. Conor England and Gearoid O’Brien were constant threats in setting up a lead of 5-03 to 1-04 at half-time. Extending to 6-06 to 3-06 to the three quarter mark. But the Ballyhooly/Castletownroche combo were made of stern stuff and with Dan Cooney, Cathal Wilson and Rob Atwood all prominent, had cut the margin to just two points at game’s end. Catherines winning. Final score at 6-07 to 5-08. That then provided the back drop to the opening under fourteen B hurling tie when played at Ballynoe on Saturday last. Throw in at 12 midday. Catherine’s very much own top from the outset. All three inside forwards Cathal Dinneen, William McAuliffe and Gearoid O’Brien had planted the sliotar in the opposition net inside the opening ten minutes of play. Harry Draper and Conor England also on target against weakfish albeit gallant and sporting Mayfield outfit. Realistically it was over by half time. Catherine’s were able to give the entire planet a run. Even though the visitors were much better on the change of ends.
Catherine scorers: C Dinneen (5-01), H Draper (3-0), G O’Brien (1-02), W McAuliffe and C England (1-00 each), F O’Connell, K Wallace, W Leamy and D Temple (0-01 each), Team: E Philpott, J O’Callaghan, M Geary, B Barry, B O’Connor, E O’Riordan, D Galvin, K Wallace, H Draper, F O’Connell, C England, W Leamy, W McAuliffe, G O’Brien and C Dineen. Subs: G Leahy for H Draper (21’), S Cotter for C Dinneen (23’), J Mulch, A O’Donnell and D Temple for E O’Riordan, W Leamy and C England (all second half). H Draper for F O’Connell (47’). Referee - Edmond Galvin (home club).
Under twelve A hurling league Section one - round three St Catherines 0-4 Youghal 0-2
St Catherines maintain their winning run. Just seeing off a formidable Youghal challenge in this closely fought low scoring under twelve A hurling league tie, played in overcast conditions at Ballynoe on bank holiday Easter Monday evening last, April 17th. Sean O’Donoghue was masterful at centre back as first half scores from Kian O’Donoghue free and Ciaran Pietropaolo had two evenly matched teams together at 0-02 each at half-time in a clear low scoring contest. As the struggle continued the victory was sealed with a masterful Oisin Fitzgerald point from a tight angle with about seven minutes to go against a Youghal outfit who had prominent players in Aaron O’Donnell, Cody Hickey and Bobby Nicholson.
Scorers: C Pietorpaolo, O Fitzgerald, K O’Donoghue (free) and S O’Donoghue (65) (0-01 each). Team: C Leamy, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, T Barry, S O’Donoghue, O Fitzgerald, D Morrison, C Pietropaolo, D O’Connell, K O’Donoghue, C Hayes, S Cotter, C Sheehan, C McAuliffe. Also A O’keeffe, C McCarthy, P Lucey and C Feeney. Referee: Michael Franklin (Midleton).
Minor A Hurling league - round one St Catherines w/o v Cloughduv Scr Juvenile fixtures
Thursday, April 20th Rebel Og East Minor A Hurling league round two v Ballygarvan (away), at 7.30pm. Friday, April 21st at Ballynoe Rebel Óg East under fourteen B football league section one round three v Fr O’Neill’s, at 8pm. Monday, April 24th at Ballynoe Rebel Óg North under sixteen B2 football league v Ballinacurra, at 7pm. Wednesday, April 26th Rebel Óg North minor B2 football league v Buttevant (away), at 7pm. There are Rebel Óg meetings this week. Further fixtures to follow.
Jode Morrison RIP
We were in the car park at Blackrock GAA Club on Church Road on the southside of Cork city, players and mentors arriving for an upcoming junior hurling challenge between the two clubs. Car radios beaming out coverage of the Aintree Grand National one of the great annual events of the British sporting year. Then comes a phone call from Pat Hartigan, it was the second time for the phone to ring. It took a while to grasp imagine what it was like for the family. Going back through the decades and the Morrison name is intrinsically linked with the club. Brothers Toss and Dick members of the team that made that historic breakthrough with the winning of the East Cork junior A hurling championship for the first time in the autumn of 1957. Over the subsequent years both would have acted as selectors to various teams. Committee members going right back the time. Toss was twice chairman, Dick in his sixth decade as treasurer succeeding the late John Casey as president following the 1993 AGM held at Conna hall. Their sister Patricia was married to the late Martin Flynn who lined out at corner back for Castlelyons against Catherines in a frequently still spoken about divisional A final of 1955. From the current vintage Ger and Tom have been secretary. Tom is current club chairman. Pat who delivered a moving and touching eulogy to his late uncle in the church on the day of the funeral also played for the club. Highlight would be a first half hat trick of goals for the saints against a fancied Carrigtwohill in a junior B quarter final on their way to outright success with the third choice team in 1996. A phenomenal achievement for a club of its size. Kieran played all grades of championship hurling with the county was a member of the ’98 league winning Cork team. Panelist on the ’99 Munster and All-Ireland winning outfit, Jode, though not so much in recent years, was invariably involved. Remaining a loyal supporter up to the end. Last week what came up time and time again was how great a neighbour he was. He loved horses and was an esteemed and loyal supporter of the races. Seeing after his duty right up to the recent Ballynoe point to point. He was a passionate card player. Played regularly in Ballynoe on the Sunday nights. But now Jode is gone, no longer with us. That deck of cards, along with the race card and club colours along with the cap he would be always associated with, presented at the altar as symbol of Jode’s great loves in life. Jode passed away suddenly on the afternoon of Saturday, April 8th last. He was eighty years of age. Making him the youngest of that particular family. He was moved from his home in Monty’s Meadow to the church next door. Where from the funeral Mass in Conna he was interred in Ballynoe graveyard on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 12th last. To Toss, Dick, Patricia, Ger, Antoinette, Tom, Pat, Edel, Maria, Kieran, Paul, Ann and Maureen, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and neighbours our deepest sympathy at this poignant time. Ar dheis Dé go rabid a h-anam dílis.
Lotto
First of all we put in Noel Kielthy, Glentrasna, Ballynoe whose name was left out in the list of last week’s consolation winners. Being a bank holiday this week’s draw with a jackpot now standing at €3,800 was held over until Tuesday night last, April 18th. Winners will be notified. Locals have access to posters. Results will be on the website.
Sponsor
T~A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catheroines GAA Club sponsors.

Defeat in first junior hurling league match

East Cork Junior Hurling League – Division One – Round One Lisgoold 2-12 St Catherines 0-16
Not sure of the relevance of this result come the end of June when the same two teams clash again in the championship. But for now the opposition have the bragging rights, winners by a two-point margin when this East Cork junior hurling league division one round one tie was played in Lisgoold on Saturday evening last. It brought an end to the Saints winning run over five challenge games spread through a five-week period, prior to the commencement of their competitive programme. It was an evening that started with a win for Carraig na bhFear over Cobh in the divisional U21 C football championship final. Final score standing at 1-07 to 2-01. Catherines started promisingly and with Daniel Mangan, Liam Kearney and Eoin Wallace finding the target, surged into a four-point lead at 0-08 to 0-04 to seventeen minutes. Parity was restored when corner forward Darragh Fleming first-timed the sliotar to the net. Lisgoold in the ascendancy. Kieran Cashman goaling from a placed ball on twenty-seven minutes, establishing an interval advantage for Lisgoold on a 2-07 to 0-09 scoreline. Shane O’Brien was accurate with the frees, striking crisp, clear and accurate. Points ensued from Shane Cotter and Cal Aherne levelling it all up again at 2-07 to 0-13 after forty-one minutes. But mainly through the accuracy of Cashman from placed balls, Lisgoold were able to see it out from there to the finish.
Scorers: S O’Brien (0-05 frees), D Mangan (0-03), L Kearney, E Wallace and C Aherne (0-02 each), S Cotter and R Clancy (0-01 each). Team: E Aherne, K Neville, C Hegarty, P Keane, W Walsh, C Aherne, S O’Regan, Shane O’Brien, S Cotter, Stephen O’Brien, R Clancy, Richard Galvin, L Kearney, D Mangan and E Wallace. Subs: E Condon for Richard Galvin (second half), P Roche for Stephen O’Brien (48’). Also on panel: B Mulcahy, J Casey and P Lane. Referee: Niall O’Neill, Midleton.
Junior Hurling Challenge
Goal getting full forward Brian Mulcahy was the scorer and difference in chief, as the Saints kept their solid start to the new season with a fifth win from as many outings following this victory over a Watergrasshill selection in a junior hurling challenge, when played under lights at Ballynoe on Tuesday night March 28th last. Mention of a subliminal Shane O’Brien point ten minutes into the second half of a hurling challenge refereed by Brian Murphy of Carrigtwohill and where a few Saints players lined out in unaccustomed roles. Often the purpose of these type of matches. Ahead at 1-11 to 0-05 at half time, it finished up St Catherines 2-16 Watergrasshill 0-09.
Junior Football Challenge
St Catherines were just striving to assume control. Back to back points from Liam O’Connor and Eoin Corcoran had them two points to the good, when conceding the defining score of this junior football challenge, when played in Ballynoe on Friday evening last. Seán Brackett with the all-important goal. Setting up a lead for Araglin on a half time scoreline of 1-03 to 0-05, adding to their dominance, as the third quarter advanced with Tom Kenneally prominent and now 1-09 to 0-08 to the good to forty-six minutes. Late points from Rory Galvin, John Walsh and Peter Ryan in turn cut the margin to the minimum one point in a junior football challenge refereed by Mike Walsh from the home based club. Time running out Araglin winning on an end scoreline of 1-09 to 0-11. St Catherines second choice team play Lisgoold this weekend in the quarter-final of the East Cork junior C football championship. Araglin are back in Ballynoe meeting Cobh in the first round of the county junior B football championship on this upcoming Saturday evening.
Juvenile News Easter Camp
St Catherines juvenile GAA Easter camp runs from Tuesday 18th to Thursday, April 20th. Time is 10am to 12-45pm. It’s open to all primary school children. Cost is €20 per child or €50 for family of three or more. To book a place text name and age of child to club secretary Lisa O’Mahony or assistant secretary Imelda O’Connell. All welcome, especially new faces.
U11 Hurling League Game One
With back-to-back successes already attained on the football field against Carrigtwohill and Fr O’Neills, in turn St Catherines maintain their consistent early season form. Winning their first U11 hurling league tie against Ballinora on Saturday evening last at Ballynoe. Final score being 1-05 to 1-01.
Panel: S Cotter (1-04), D O’Connell, C Dunning, C Hayes, E O’Driscoll, C Pietropaolo (0-01), D O’Donovan, J Bryan, A Bryan, J Leahy, S Hegarty, C Hegarty and D Murphy.
Rebel Óg North U16 B2 Football League – Round Three
St Catherines continue to find the going tough, losing out to a heavy defeat in this Rebel Óg North U16 B football league tie when played in Killavullen on Thursday evening last. It finished up Killavullen 3-17 St Catherines 0-02.
Team: C Roberts, E McCready, J Duncan, E Sheehan, C O’Brien, J McGuckian, G England, J O’Keeffe, J Hayes (0-02), A O’Brien, C Dinneen, H Draper and E O’Riordan. Subs: B McKee and M Geary for C Dinneen and H Draper (second half). W McAuliffe for J O’Keeffe (42’). Also on panel: D Galvin. Referee: Brendán O’Regan (Doneraile).
1999 Minor League Final in Killavullen
In geographical terms it may be just at the other side of the Blackwater, but that U16 football league match on Thursday evening last was a first visit to Killavullen in seventeen years for a Saints outfit in a competitive fixture. Last occasion was the minor county B hurling league final for 1999. But it wasn’t played until Sunday, February 6th 2000. Victory went to Duhallow based team Croke Rovers on an end scoreline of 0-07 to 0-03. Presentation was made by Martin O’Brien, then PRO of the county minor board. Referee was Noel Brosnan from Killavullen. Just to get you thinking, we will hold back on the team line out until next week. Clue! Two of them were selectors on Thursday night last. You’re probably in for a week of sleepless nights!
Peil na nÓg
St Catherines using up every member of the available panel, thus giving them all substantial game time, lost both their group matches when participating in the Peil na nÓg (Féile football) at Mayfield on Saturday morning last. Losing out to Kiltha Óg on a scoreline of 1-03 to 0-02 at the host venue. Final score standing at 3-07 to 1-00 in favour of Mayfield.
Panel of Players: Brian Barry, Cathal Dinneen, Conor England, Darragh Galvin, Eoghan O’Riordan, Evan Philpott, Harry Draper, Mark Geary, Tom Hartnett, William Leamy, William McAuliffe, Adam O’Donnell, Denis Temple, Fionn O’Connell, James Mulcahy, James O’Callaghan, Jaimie Pratt, Kyle Wallace, Stephen Cotter and William O’Driscoll.
Fixtures – Juvenile
Sunday, April 9th at Castlemartyr- Rebel Óg East U12 A Hurling League round two v Kiltha Óg at 11.30am. Sunday April 9th at Brian Dillons: U16 B2 Hurling League v Raonuithe na nGael at 6.30pm. Wednesday, April 12th at Ballynoe – Rebel Óg East Minor A Hurling League round one v Cloughduv at 7pm. It’s a Rebel Óg meeting week. Further fixtures will emanate from that.
Fixtures – Adult
Saturday, April 8th at Ballynoe - County Junior B Football Championship Araglin v Cobh at 5pm. Sunday, April 9th – East Cork Junior C Football Championship quarter-final v Lisgoold at 12pm. Venue: TBC.
Condolences
Can we offer our sympathy to the family of Michael Kenneally, Coolroe, Conna who passed away recently in his ninety eighth year. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
National Leagues
Tipperary’s success over Offaly aside and all last weekend’s winners had come through Division One B of the National Hurling League, perceived to be the weaker section. Yet last two outright winners of this competition emerged from group one B. Overall, yet another forgettable week for Rebel followers. Starting out with a mauling inflicted by Kerry in the provincial U21 football final. Then securing just a share of the spoils with Down in the seventh and final match in Division Two of the national football league. A third draw for Cork in the course of the campaign. Most significant feature of the result is that it meant Down just retained their divisional status. Then the county senior hurlers lost out to Limerick. So the overall picture is much clearer now. It’s a Dublin v Kerry National football league final. Galway play Kildare in the division two decider. All four national football league finals are on in Croke Park this weekend. With the hurling league semi-finals the weekend after.
Lotto
Results from the most recent weekly lotto draw, which was held at The Plough, Curraglass on Monday night last April 3rd. Numbers drawn were: 8, 14, 20 and 21 and the €3,400 jackpot wasn’t won. While the consolation winners on the night were: Eoin, Cathal, Áine and Aisling, Glentrasna, Ballynoe, John Heffernan, Garryanne, Aghern; Caroline Jones, c/o TVM, Bartlemy; Jim Roche, Castlebrook, Conna and Jim Kearney, Ballybride, Conna. Next draw for a €3,600 jackpot will be at McAuliffe’s, Ballynoe on Monday night, April 10th.
Sponsor
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors.

Junior A football championship resumes
Behind at 1-07 to 0-03 at the break yet the Saints rallied losing out by a point to Russell Rovers in a junior football challenge when played in Shanagarry on bank holiday Easter Monday evening last. Rovers winning on an end scoreline of 1-08 to 0-10.
Enjoying better fortune winning another challenge in Glenville early on Sunday morning last. Eoin Condon in flying form at full forward. A hatrick of first half goals had the Saints ahead at 3-06 to 0-10 to the interval. James Gowen and Ger Cahill pointing for the home team. Glenville whittling the deficit right down to 2 points at 3-11 to 1-16 to fifty three minutes. Condon coming good again. Finishing as he started. Pointing the games last three scores from play as the Saints emerge victorious in a junior football challenge refereed by James Hennessy of Dungourney on a final scoreline of 3-14 to 1-16.
These games being a precursor to the East Cork junior A football championship quarter-final against Glenbower Rovers this upcoming weekend. Venue not confirmed. We wish the best of luck to both the panel of players and mentors involved. St Catherine’s are also in the divisional junior C football championship semi-final. Opposition there will be provided by either Carraig na bhFear or Glenbower Rovers again. Watch out for the junior hurling league scheduled for the afternoon of the May bank holiday Monday against Russell Rovers in Shanagarry.
Rebel Óg East Minor A hurling league - round two
Ballygarvan 2-14
St Catherines 1-12
It was the home team that were quickly into their stride in this round two minor A hurling league tie when played in Ballygarvan on Thursday evening last. A Ray O’Halloran goal as early as the third minute allied to some accurate Dylan O’Mahony free taking, had it at 1-04 to 0-02 after ten minutes. Moving on to 1-07 to 0-03 at the interval.
But the visitors were much better on the turnaround. Some delightful Ciarán O’Brien stickwork allied to some staunch defending from Philip Keane, Shane Kelleher and Eoin Wallace gradually resurrected their challenge. Stalled yet again when full forward Patrick McSweeney goaled for the home team. Making it 2-09 to 0-06 to thirty nine minutes.
A magnificent aerial leap from Niall O’Regan lead to the Saints goal. Ben O’Brien kept the scoreboard ticking over from placed balls, when on the run set up Owen O’Neill, for a well taken point. Trimming the margin to 21-12 to 1-12 to fifty seven minutes. Ballygarvan were still able to see it out.
Scorers: B O’Brien (0-06 frees), N O’Regan (1-00), RD Galvin (0-02), R English, C Galvin, O O’Neill and E Wallace (65’) (0-1 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, A O’Brien, P Keane, S Kelleher, B McKee, E Wallace, C O’Brien, Rd Galvin, R English, C Galvin, O O’Neill, N O’Regan, K English, B O’Brien, E Sheehan. Subs S Spillane for E Sheehan (46), A Leahy for K English (56). Referee: Liam O’Riordan (Belgooly).
Rebel Óg East under sixteen B2 hurling league - round two
St Catherines 1-19 Kiltha Óg 3-11
St Catherines survived an imposing challenge from Kiltha Óg’s second choice team in this under sixteen B2 hurling league tie, when played in calm albeit overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Tuesday evening April 18th last.
A Conor Ronayne goal kept the opposition challenge going. Response were some excellent long range points. Adam O’Brien and Brendan McKee finding the target. Kevin Barry pointed the frees. A Joe O’Keeffe goal on twenty nine minutes setting up a half time lead of 1-13 to 2-04 for the home team.
Kiltha Óg again dominated the third quarter and Darragh Cashman with his second goal had it all tied up again at 1-14 to 3-08 eleven minutes into the second half. Late points from Cathal Dineen, Harry Draper and Conor England in turn, ensured safety against a Kiltha team coming on strong again towards the finish.
Scorers: A O’Brien (0-07), K Barry (0-02 frees) (0-05), B McKee (0-03 frees) (0-01 ‘65) (0-04), J O’Keeffe (1-00), C Dineen, H Draper and C England (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: E Sheehan, C O’Brien, E O’Riordan, J Duncan, B McKee, E McCreedy, G England, J McGuckian, C Dineen, A O’Brien, J Hayes, H Draper, K Barry, J O’Keeffe.
Sub: C England for J O’Keeffe (‘42). Also on panel D Galvin, W McAuliffe and C Roberts. Referee: Padraig Kearney (Killeagh).
Rebel Óg East under fourteen B football league
Section one - round three
St Catherines 5-11
Fr O’Neills 7-01
Catherine’s were ahead at 1-05 to 1-00 at half-time in this round three under fourteen B1 football league tie when played at Ballynoe on Friday evening last!
But what an explosion of scores o the changearound, during which both teams took it in turns to force the pace. Eye-catching and well taken scores from Conor England, William Leamy, Fionna O’Connell and Cathal Dineen easing the home team now ahead at 5-09 to 3-01 to the three quarter mark. But O’Neill’s, with Paudie O’Sullivan, James Mellerick and James Murphy prominent came right back in to it. No doubt Ben O’Connor who scored a cracking goal on forty three minutes popped over a point very late on as crucial as any other score that went before. Ensuring a lead on a four point margin and there would be no come back from that.
This weekend the same two teams play in the equivalent hurling league at Aghavine. Thanks to Brian Davis for stepping in when it became known that the official referee wouldn’t be available. Brian is currently absent from the playing field and injury means he may not return until the autumn.
We also congratulate his brother, Eoin, substitute goalkeeper on the Cork team following victories over Limerick and Tipperary that has now advanced to the Munster under seventeen hurling championship final against Waterford and scheduled for Dungarvan on Tuesday evening last, April 25th. Best of luck to all concerned there.
Scorers: C England (0-01 free) (1-01 free), C Dineen (2-0), W leamy (1-03), B O’Connor (1-01), M Draper (0-02) and F O’Connell (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: A O’Donnell, J O’Callaghan, E O’Riordan, B Barry, D Galvin, M Geary, K Wallace, H Draper, G O’Brien, F O’Connell, C England, W Leamy, G Leahy, C Dineen and S Cotter. Subs: C Bryan, W McAuliffe and B O’Connor. B Barry, G Leahy and S Cotter (all second half). J Mulcahy for J O’Callaghan (‘46), D Temple for G O’brien (51’). Referee: Brian Davis (home club).
Under eleven football league - round three
St Catherines 4-09 Lisgoold 4-08
After wins over Carrigtwohill and Fr O’Neills unbeaten St Catherines kept their consistent run going but only just. Recording a one point victory over Lisgoold, when this under eleven football league tie was played in Ballynoe on Saturday morning last.
Scorers: D O’Connell (1-04), C Pietropaolo, S Cotter and J Temple (1-01 each), D Murphy and C Hayes (0-01 each).
St Catherines team: C Leamy, C Dunning, E O’Driscoll, G O’Callaghan, McCarthy, J Hickey, C Pietropaola, C Hayes, C Hegarty, D O’Connell, D Murphy, J Temple, S Cotter. Also J Bryan, S Aherne, A Bryan and S Hegarty. Referee Eoin Wallace, (home club).
Fixtures
Adult club
Saturday, April 29th East Cork Junior A football championship quarter-final v Glenbower Rovers, at 7pm venue TBC.
Monday, May 1st at Shanagarry East Cork Junior hurling league division one round eight v Russell Rovers at 3.30pm.
Juvenile
Friday, April 28th at Aghavine Rebel Óg East under fourteen B1 hurling league section two round two v Fr O’Neills, at 7pm.
Monday, May 1st under twelve B1 football league section two round four v Grenagh (away), at 7.30pm.
Easter camp
With the weather being perfect conditions were ideal for the juvenile GAA club Easter camp which was held in the pitches in Ballynoe from 10am to 12.45 daily on Tuesday, April 18th to Thursday, April 20th last. Eighty eight were registered. Eighty taking part daily. Sixty four boys and twenty four girls.
Coaches/mentors through the week were Noel O’Brien, James Spillane, Denis Walsh, Shane O’Regan, Eoin Davis, Mike Walsh, Cormac Galvin, Finola Neville, Rory Galvin, Mairead Rohan, Richard Galvin, Aoife Hurley, Caoimhe Galvin and Laura Hayes.
Helpers over the three days being Brendan McKee, Ciarán O’Brien, Darragh Galvin, Eoin Sheehan, Eoin O’Riordan and Niamh Spillane. Parents who helped out especially cleaning up dressing rooms and dug outs on the last day were Lisa O’Mahony, Cathy Cotter, Dino Pietropaolo, Mags Fitzgerald, Marie O’Donoghue, Brian Sheehan, Imelda O’Connell, Susan Sheehan, Deirdre Twomey, Niamh Kielty, Frances O’Connor, Mark O’Driscoll, Daphne De Coster and Cathal McAuliffe. many thanks also to Shane Supple GDA who spent most of the first day at the camp on an advisory basis. Also answering any queries. A good share of club gear was sold every morning of the three day mini camp.
League finals
Both local starlets Orla Cotter and Finola Neville made second half appearances as the Rebelettes lost out to the cats in the national camogie league final. It was a curtain-raiser to the Tipperary/Galway national hurling league final and played in Pairc na nGael, Limerick on Sunday afternoon last. Kilkenny are now both All-Ireland and league champions, gradually now the focus will shift to the meeting of Cork and Tipperary in the quarter-final of the Munster senior hurling championships. Fixed for Thurles on the afternoon of Sunday, May 21st.
Lotto
Being a bank holiday last week’s lotto draw was held over until Tuesday night, April 18th at The Big Tree Aghern. Numbers drawn being 8, 20, 25 and 26 and the jackpot of €3,800 wasn’t won. While the consolation winners on the night were Marie Noonan, Ballybride, Conna; Phyllis Smith, Mallow, Gerdi O’Mahony, Ballynoe; Liam Rice, Ballinlegane, Ballynoe and Seamus Spillane, Kilavorilla, Aghern.
Sponsor
T~A, Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors.

Junior footballers lose out to Glenbower Rovers
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors sponsored East Cork Junior A Football Championship – Quarter-Final St Catherines 1-09 Glenbower Rovers 2-14
There were various spells of recovery, especially through the second and fourth quarters. But overall it was Glenbower Rovers who would dominate this divisional junior A football championship quarter-final when played at a dull and overcast Copper Alley grounds in Youghal on Saturday evening last. Apart from a pointed free which saw it at 0-02 to 0-01 after six minutes, Glenbower would then embark on a scoring spree yielding 1-07 without reply. Extending their advantage on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-01 after twenty minutes. Goalscorers were threatening forward Seán Long on twelve minutes and he finished up the game’s top scorer with a contribution of 2-04. Maybe a bit over-elaborate in their opening forays into opposition territory. But Catherines were coming much more into it. Points from Alan Carr and David O’Connor trimmed the margin. But the opposition again confirmed their superiority. Three further unanswered points had them ahead on an intimidating half-time scoreline of 1-12 to 0-04. Catherines to resume with whatever advantage an ever-decreasing breeze would throw up. Long killing the game off as a contest, adding a soft second goal five minutes into the second half. Daniel Mangan kicked over the point and probably the score of the match, before Rory Galvin delightfully flicked the ball onto replacement Liam Kearney, who in turn picked out cousin Conor Kearney to slot home a consolation Saints goal with about five minutes to go. Mild confusion reigned as to the full time score. We are going with the published one. Glenbower 2-14 St Catherines 1-09
Glenbower Rovers scorers: S Long (0-01 free) (2-04), K Lane (0-03 frees) (0-04), J O’Connor (0-01 free) (0-03), S Murphy, M Murphy and D O’Brien (0-01 each). St Catherines scorers: D Mangan (0-02 frees) (0-04), C Kearney (1-00), P O’Connor (0-02), A Carr, D O’Connor and L Kearney (0-01 each). St Catherines team: Eoin Corcoran, Philip Keane, John Mulcahy, James Neville, Alan Carr, Pádraig O’Connor, Dave O’Connor, Liam O’Connor, Rory Galvin, Daniel Mangan, Ed Kenneally, William Walsh, Shane Cogan, Eoin Condon (team captain) and Shane O’Brien.Subs: Pa Roche for Shane Cogan (21’), Liam Kearney for John Mulcahy (second half), Stephen Carr for Shane O’Brien (37’), Conor Kearney for Liam O’Connor (49’). Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Rebel Óg North U16 B2 Football League – Round Three St Catherines 2-05 Ballinacurra 2-05
Unusual backdrop going with this U16 B2 football league tie played in cold conditions at Ballynoe on Monday evening, April 24th last. Two Imokilly based teams playing in a Rebel Óg North fixture, determined by soft border. Kevin Barry was in early top scoring form. Further scores from Conor England just before half time and Adam O’Brien immediately after every bit as important as what went before. St Catherines withstanding an imminent opposition recovery greatly helped by conditions now in their favour. A game not for the purist. Absence of an appointed referee wouldn’t help. You might get through the younger age groups because of this. It’s a bit more difficult at U16 level.
Scorers: K Barry (0-02 frees) (2-03), C England and A O’Brien (0-01 each). Team: C Roberts, E McCreedy, J Duncan, D Galvin, C O’Brien, E O’Riordan, B McKee, J McGuckian, J Hayes, A O’Brien, J O’Keeffe, K Barry and E Sheehan. Subs: C England for J Hayes (11’), M Geary for J O’Keeffe (36’), W McAuliffe for E Sheehan (37’), E Sheehan for A O’Brien (52’). Referee: Joe Coppinger (Ballinacurra).
Minor B2 Football League – Round Three Buttevant v St Catherines
Match not played. Points to be played for when same two teams meet in the championship later in the summer.
Minor Hurling Challenge
With the football situation sorted, quickly arranged was this minor hurling challenge. Played in Aghavine on Wednesday evening April 26th last. Fr O’Neills were having the better of it. But Kevin Barry reacting quicker than anyone else first-timed the sliotar to the net on twenty-three minutes. Cutting the deficit down to three points on an interval scoreline of 2-06 to 1-06. Effectively O’Neills a premier two graded team, sealed the deal with a four goal burst in a glorious six minute spell just on the change of ends. Dominic Barry hit a hat-trick. While the threat of Jason Hankard was never successfully dealt with. Colin Sloane regularly on the ball as well. Nevertheless Catherines weren’t giving up, shifted things around a bit and can be well pleased when they reflect back on scoring contributions from nine players in a minor hurling challenge refereed by Mary Byrne Swayne. From the night before, we congratulate Eoin Davis substitute goalkeeper on the Cork team that defeated Waterford on a scoreline of 3-13 to 1-12 in the Munster U17 hurling championship final. Match played in Dungarvan on Tuesday evening April 25th last. Though not listed on your official programme Ben O’Brien is a member of what’s called the extension panel. Representing Munster the newly crowned provincial champions now face Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final around mid July. Minor match in Aghavine finished on a scoreline of Fr O’Neills 6-15 St Catherines 4-13.
Rebel Óg East U14 B1 Hurling League – Section Two – Round Two Fr O’Neills 4-08 St Catherines 1-05
Following a junior football league match on the first Sunday of March and a minor hurling challenge only two nights previous, a third visit of the year thus far to Aghavine for this round two U14 B hurling league game on Friday evening last. O’Neills exacting revenge, having lost out by a four point margin in the equivalent football tie at Ballynoe exactly a week earlier. That said Catherines started well. Eoin O’Riordan receiving able support from Cathal Bryan and Darragh Galvin were to the fore defensively. Gearóid O’Brien was regularly on the ball around midfield. He hit over their opening three points including a brace from placed balls and played a significant role in the goal. Eventually forced over the line by William McAuliffe after twenty-two minutes. Visitors ahead at 1-05 to 0-02 at the interval. But a physically stronger O’Neills were the dominant force after that, running out emphatic and deserving winners.
Scorers: W McAuliffe (1-00), G O’Brien (0-02 frees) (0-03), C England and D Temple (0-01 each). Team: C Dinneen, G Leahy, E O’Riordan, C Bryan, B O’Connor, D Galvin, J O’Callaghan, K Wallace, G O’Brien, A O’Donnell, F O’Connell, C England, J Mulcahy, D Temple and W McAuliffe. Subs: E Philpott and J Pratt for W McAuliffe and A O’Donnell (both second half). A O’Donnell for C Bryan (50’). Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
U11 Hurling League – Match Three Fermoy 2-03 St Catherines 8-02
Another satisfactory performance. Keeping the winning run going following this round three U11 hurling league tie when played in Fermoy on Thursday evening last. Jack Leahy, Dylan Murphy and Adam Bryan showed up well on a night when all the skills of the game were on display.
Scorers: D O’Connell (4-00), S Cotter (2-01), C Pietropaolo (1-01) and C Leamy (1-00). Team: J Bryan, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy, T Barry, C Leamy, C Pietropaolo, J Leahy, D O’Connell, D Murphy, S Cotter and A Bryan.
Juvenile Fixtures
Sunday May 7th U16 B2 Hurling League – round three v Nemo Rangers (away) at 3pm. Monday May 8th at Ballynoe - U14 B1 Hurling League – Section Two – round three v St Vincents at 7.30pm.
Adult Club Fixtures
Friday May 5th at TBC - East Cork Junior C Football Championship semi-final v Carraig na bhFear at 7.30pm Monday May 8th at Ballynoe - Junior Hurling League – Division One – round three v Killeagh at 7.30pm. Wednesday May 10th at Rathcormac - Junior Hurling League – Division Two – round one v Bride Rovers at 7.30pm.
First Communion
We congratulate all those boys and girls who will receive their First Holy Communion in Ballynoe on this forthcoming Saturday morning, May 6th. Boys and girls of Conna will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on the morning of Saturday, May 13th.
Fundraiser – “Guess The Score”
St Catherines are organising a fundraiser of “Guess the Score” on the forthcoming Munster senior hurling championship quarter-final involving Cork and Tipperary. Lines will cost €2 each or three for €5. First prize is €100 with an open draw then taking place if there is no correct winner. Cards will be available from committee members.
Battery Collection
Also on this forthcoming Saturday, May 6th in the pitch in Ballynoe, there will be a used battery collection. Times are 12 noon to 2pm and again at 5 to 7pm. Used car, tractor, truck etc batteries all welcome. All proceeds in aid of St Catherines GAA Club.
Lotto
Reverting to its regular slot and the results from the weekly lotto draw, which was held at The Fisherman’s Rest, Conna on Monday night April 24th last. Numbers drawn were: 2, 18, 24 and 29 and the jackpot of €4,000 wasn’t won. Consolation winners being John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Matt Harper, Glasshouse, Curraglass; PF Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons; Richard Higgins, Kilcronat, Ballynoe and Michael Lane, Shanakill, Curraglass.

Sponsor
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors.

And Finally
We congratulate Finola Neville, a member of the Cork team that defeated Derry in the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League division two final when played in Kinnegad on Sunday afternoon last. That’s a league and a Munster championship medal into the club inside one week. Can’t be bad!

Two point victory over Magpies in junior A
football championship first round
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Sponsored East Cork Junior A Football Championship - First Round St Catherines 3-04 Midleton 1-08
In the notes for Castlemartyr on Sunday morning, by midweek moving to Magner’s Hill, eventually this divisional junior A football championship first round tie relocated again and played in Spring like conditions at Copper Alley grounds in Youghal on Saturday evening last. Taking awhile for both teams to settle, Daniel Mangan carrying the main scoring threat for the Saints. A magnificent individual effort pointing from play after eight minutes sandwiched between a brace of opening quarter points from placed balls helping them to a half-time lead of three points without reply. But the Magpies replied instantaneously on the changeover. Alwyn Kearney with their opening score, pointing from play inside ninety seconds. John Comer pointed twice from placed balls. Parity restored for the first time at 0-03 each. When almost straightaway and in one of the moves of the match initiated by Alan Carr onto William Walsh and eventually Shane Cogan finished with substitute Stephen Carr goaling a pacy, clever combination passage of play on thirty five minutes. Midleton rallied. A brace of Seadna Smith points had it all tied up again, when the scores that decided this junior A football championship tie emerged. Daniel Mangan drilling in the second goal when just over sixty seconds later team captain Eoin Condon, back in the action after being taken off injured late in the first half, won the penalty kick, cooly slotted home by a focused Mangan. Adding another point from a free it meant the Saints now enjoyed a lead of 3-04 to 0-06 to fifty one minutes. But far from game over. Cormac Beausang pointed twice. Margin trimmed to just two points when Declan Ryan goaled from close range, but the Saints held out. Midleton will get another chance in the second round.
Midleton scorers: J Comer (0-02 frees) (0-03), D Ryan (1-00), S Smith and C Beausang (0-02 each) and A Kearney (0-01). St Catherines scorers: D Mangan (1-00 penalty) (0-03 frees) (2-04) and S Carr (1-00). St Catherines team: E Corcoran, J Neville, J Mulcahy, P Keane, D O’Connor, P O’Connor, A Carr, R Galvin, L O’Connor, D Mangan, E Kenneally, W Walsh, S O’Brien, E Condon and S Cogan. Subs: S Carr for E Condon (24’) C Kearney for S O’Brien (39’), E Condon for W Walsh (45’), W Walsh for R Galvin (59’). Also: C Molloy, Richard Galvin, D Wallace, P Roche, S O’Regan, P Ryan and E Wallace. Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Junior Football League - Division Three - Round Three St Catherines 0-11 Glanmire 1-0
St Catherines were completing pre championship preparations resulting in a share of the spoils with Glanmire when this junior football league division three round three fixture was played in miserable conditions under lights at Ballynoe on Tuesday night, March 21st last. Glanmire flew out of the traps and with Tom Mullins finding the range surged into a four point lead without reply to ten minutes. Getting a grip around half back and a competitive middle of the field area and Catherines were now much more involved. Upsides their opposition when David O’Connor popped over a peach of a point from a tight angle as the rain cascaded down on twenty minutes. We were lucky as later this would fall as snow. Both teams added a point each from frees. It was 0-05 each to the break. Alan Carr to which cousin Stephen Carr added two more, pointed Catherines into a lead of 0-09 to 0-07 to the end of the third quarter. Lead short-lived. James Cussen goaling for Glanmire. But Shane Cogan had the home team back in a slender lead in a now exciting and evenly fought junior football league match. But parity was restored for a sixth and final time. Conor Kiely with the Glanmire leveller right at the death.
St Catherines scorers: S Cogan (0-03 frees) (0-04), S Carr and A Carr (0-02 each), P O’Connor, E Kenneally and D O’Connor (0-01 each). Team: E Corcoran, D Wallace, J Mulcahy, P Keane, D O’Connor, P O’Connor, A Carr, S Cogan, L O’Connor, S Carr, E Kenneally, C Kearney, P Ryan, S O’Brien and S O’Regan. Subs: E Wallace for S O’Regan (second half), L O’Callaghan McCarthy for P Ryan (47’). Referee: James Daly (Youghal).
Junior Hurling Challenge
On a scoreline of 2-05 to 0-08 ,visitors Tallow were victorious over the Saints second choice junior hurling team in a challenge game played in bitterly cold conditiions under lights at Ballynoe on Monday night, March 20th last.
Juvenile News
St Catherines have been paired with Erins Own in an eight team Rebel Óg East minor A hurling championship. Draws for which were made following a board meeting at the Nemo Rangers Pavilion on Monday night, March 20th last. Catherines received a bye in the B2 U16 hurling championship. There are seven teams in the fifteen a side B1 East 2 U14 hurling championship. Catherines play St Vincents and likewise are up against Mayfield in an eight team U14 B1 football championship. We gave you Rebel Óg North U16 and minor B football championship draws last week. Coiste na nÓg are looking after thirteen and fifteen knock out draws in both codes.
Rebel Óg North minor B Football League - Round Two. St Catherines 5-05 Killavullen 3-08
A game to savour between Catherines and Killavullen in this round two Rebel Óg North minor B football league tie when played at Ballynoe on Sunday evening last. Two Kieran English goals had the home team off to a flyer. Ahead at 2-03 with reply to the end of the first quarter. Michael Fresh goaled from the penalty spot on forty seven minutes. Gap narrowed with Catherines ahead on a half time scoreline of 3-03 to 1-02. James Fitzpatrick goaled almost straight away on the changeover. Setting up an exciting second half. Catherines now a man short consolidated their position after an Eoin Davis goal. Fionn Magner narrowing the gap again. In the end Shane Spillane’s goal was crucial for a Saints outfit off target with a penalty kick with five minutes to go.
Catherines scorers: K English (2-00), Richard Galvin (1-02), E Davis and S Spillane (1-00 each), P Keane (0-02) and R English (0-01). Team: E Sheehan, A Leahy, C Galvin, S Kelleher, G England, E Wallace, B O’Brien, Richard Galvin, P Keane, R English, N O’Regan, J Hayes, E Davis, K English and S Spillane. Referee: Arthur Murphy (Glenbower Rovers).
Rebel Óg East U14 B1 Football Leeague - Section One - Round Two St Catherines 2-04
Kiltha Óg 6-15
Kiltha Óg dominated from the start, running out comprehensive victors of this round two U14 B football league tie played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Saturday evening last. Scorers: D Temple (2-00), C England (0-02), H Draper and S Cotter (0-01 each).
Team: E Philpott, D Galvin, M Geary, G Leahy, K Wallace, E O’Riordan, B Barry, H Draper, W Leamy, F O’Connell, T Hartnett, C Dinneen, D Temple, C England and W McAuliffe. Subs: S Cotter, J Mulcahy and J O’Callaghan.
U11 Football League - Round Two St Catherines 7-07 Fr O’Neills 0-04
Winners over Carrigtwohill the previous weekend and the Saints maintain their good start to the campaign with an impressive victory over Fr O’Neills in the U11 football league when played in Ballynoe on Saturday last.
Panel: A Bryan, J Bryan, J Leahy, C Hegarty, S Hegarty, C Dunning, C Leamy. C Pietropaolo, J Hickey, C Hayes, D O’Donovan, D O’Connell, D Murphy, E O’Driscoll, S Cotter and C McCarthy.
Fixtures - Juvenile
Tonight (Thursday), March 30th Rebel Óg North U16 B2 Football League Round Three v (away) Killavullen at 6.45pm. Monday, April 3rd at Ballynoe U12 A East One Hurling League v Watergrasshill at 7pm. NB: Peil na nÓg is also on this weekend.
Adult
Saturday April 1st Junior Hurling League - Division One - Round One v Lisgoold (away) at 7pm. Monday April 3rd at Ballynoe Junior B Football Championship Prelimnary Round Youghal v Glenville at 7.30pm.
National Leagues
Overriding factor irrespective of bonuses from last weekend’s series of matches is that both county senior teams consolidated their positions for next season. Cork now face Limerick in the national hurling league quarter-final this weekend. Cork footballers wind up what has largely been a disappointing campaign when they play Down. A game of huge importance for them in a round seven fixture in the national football league division two at Páirc Uí Rinn this forthcoming Sunday afternoon.
Great Success for the Irish
Well that was the week that was as the Irish consolidated themselves as a real force in world sporting circles. Limerick’s Andy Lee made a successful return to the ring. Successful Olympian Michael Conlan makes a winning debut as a professional bantamweight fighter. Cross channel all records were broken. Ireland overcoming the UK by nineteen wins to nine in the race for the Prestbury Cup at the National Hunt Festival of horse racing around the Cotswolds. The annual Cheltenham pilgrimage without fear of argument accepted as the Olympics of the sport. Ireland deny England what would have been a world record of nineteen Rugby Union tests in a row. While closer to home John Caulfield and Liam Kearney continue their ultra consistent start with Cork City to the season. All in and around the cauldron of our National feast day. Memorable achievements all.
Point-to-Points
Hopefully conditions remain favourable for the annual Ballynoe point-to-point races on Pat Spillane’s land at Kilavorilla on this forthcoming Sunday afternoon April 2nd. First race is at 2pm.
Sponsor
T ~ A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are St Catherines GAA Club sponsors.
Lotto Results
First of all omitted from last week’s list of consolation winners were Veronica Martin, Tallow, Jeremiah O’Donovan, Glentane, Ballynoe and Tom English, Conna. Finishing up with the results from the most recent lotto draw which was held at The Winners Enclosure, Conna on Monday night last, March 27th. Numbers drawn were: 7, 8, 12 and 13. There was no winner of the €3,200 jackpot. Consolation winners on the night being: Carol O’Brien, Rathdrum, Ballynoe; Eabha Twomey, c/o Fishermans Rest, Conna; Bill and Therese O’Keeffe, Ballynattin, Ballynoe, Mary O’Dowd, Castlelyons and Ely and Carol (phone number included). Next draw for a jackpot now standing at €3,400 will be at The Plough, Curraglass, on Monday night, April 3rd.