U16 Premier County
Carrigaline U16 footballers were at home to Glanmire in the quarter final of the fe16 Premier County Football Championship. Conditions were quite good for this time of the year. In the opening half, both teams found scores difficult to come by. By the end of the first half, Carrigaline had registered just 2 points from Stephen Griffin in the 10th minute and Tony Murphy in the 27th to Glanmire 4 points.
In the second half, what could have been a goal was blasted over the bar by Stephen Griffin to draw the game in the opening minutes. Glanmire then had the next 4 points without reply. We then had points from Stephen Griffin and Niall Coakley. A goal from the boot of Tony Murphy gave Carigaline a point lead for the first time in the game. But Glanmire equalised again in the 25th minute. A tense last 5 minutes followed with both sides scoring points and the match was level at the full time whistle.
Extra time was to follow, 10 minutes a half. This proved to be Carrigaline’s best period and the game and they played some excellent football. Glanmire did have the first point, but Carrigaline responded well with a point from Craig Neville and a goal from Niall Coakley, giving us one goal advantage going into the final half of extra time. The lads continued to work hard and scored another goal and a point to win on a scoreline of 3-9 to 0-11.
Scorers: Tony Murphy 2-02, Niall Coakley 1-01, Stephen Griffin 0-4, Craig Neville and Peter Ronayne 0-1 each.
Team: P. Donnellan, J. McCarthy, C.Hurley, P.O’Mahony, P. Ronayne, J. Moran, D. Cullinane, M. Cuddihy, S. O’Regan, E. O’Sullivan, T. Murphy, P. Campbell, S. Barry, N. Coakley, S. Griffin, S. Corcoran, C. Neville and Kieran Manley.

U15 City Hurling
Carrigaline Vs Douglas.
This was a very entertaining and extremely hard fought 2nd round tie of the U15B City hurling championship, played in excellent underfoot conditions at Douglas on Sunday afternoon last. Douglas were first out of the traps and had two points on the board in the 2nd and 3rd minutes without reply. Before Carrigaline could catch their breath, they conceded a further goal in the 4th minute, primarily due to some hesitancy in the full backline and things began to look ominous. Carrigaline had to work very hard for their scores at this stage, and had their opening point in the 7th minute followed by a great goal in 12th minute, to two points from Douglas in the10th and 13th to leave them 1-04 to 0-01 up after the first quarter. Aided by a stiff breeze, Douglas continued to apply the pressure, but the visiting team now managed to steady the ship, particularly as their half- backline of Captain,Mark Williamson, Conor Hurley and Andy O’ Sullivan began to gain the upper hand, which they were never to relinquish for the remainder of the game. Another notable feature was the high work-rate and skill level of Robert Foley at mid-field allied to the determined, no-nonsense, direct hurling of his mid-field partner Tony O Connor, which ensured a plentiful supply of good ball into the forwards. Entering the second quarter, the forwards began to show their form, none more so than the strong bustling centre forward David O Regan, who had the ability to round his opponent and won several frees, and fellow half-forwards, Tony Murphy and Eoin Harrington whose slick sharp shooting and direct ground hurling respectively were very impressive. The inside forwards were also moving well, with full-forward Niall Coakley creating a lot of openings. Brendan Cashman working very hard in the corner and particularly impressive was skilful fellow corner-forward Eoin O Sullivan’s wristy first touch-hurling, which yielded several scores. Between the 16th and 30th minutes, Carrigaline chalked up seven points to Douglas’ one, to leave the half-time score Carrigaline 1-08 Douglas 1-05.
In the opening 20 minutes of the second half, Carrigaline enjoyed a territorial advantage with the half backs and midfield continuuing to have the upper-hand, but managed to score only four points against a very resolute, doggedly determined, skilful Douglas team, who scored three points. With ten minutes remaining, they finally drove home their advantage with a goal and two points to leave the final score Carrigaline 2-14 Douglas 1-08
This was a very encouraging team performance, but the old adage seems applicable,’ much done, much more to do’
Panel: Simon O Brien, James O Reilly, Daragh Coughlan, Brian Giltenan, Mark Williamson, Conor Hurley, Andy O Sullivan, Robert Foley, Tony O Connor, Eoin Harrington, David O Regan, Tony Murphy, Brendan Cashman, Niall Coakley, Eoin O Sullivan, Jamie O Sullivan, Kevin Ahern, CJ O Sullivan, Michael O Sullivan.

U11 South East Football League.
Carrigaline 1 (2-5) V Valley Rovers (3-2)
This first round fixture produced an exciting game early on Saturday morning last. Carrigaline were very slow to get into the game and found themselves four points down inside the first ten minutes. Still not at their best they worked their way back into the game to be at level terms at the break. Valleys playing the better football up the pace in the second half and took the lead again, but Carrigaline got to grips with the game and went ahead by three points going in to the final ten minutes. Valleys fought hard to the end and got a deserved goal to draw level. Both sides had chances to win the game, but a draw was a fair result in a very competitive game.
Team: E. O’Donavan, J.O’Keeffe, A.O’Reilly, J.Kind, C.McSweeney, K.Conlon,
K.Kavanagh, S.Dwane, R.O’Shea, D.O’Brien, M.Quinn,E.Moynihan, E.O’Donnell,
C. Cremin, D. O’Sullivan, B.Curran, M.Curtain M.Lynch.
U12 City Hurling
Carrig’s U12’s played against the Glen last Saturday morning. This turned out to be a pulsating encounter from start to finish. Carigaline took an early lead with both Darragh McCarthy and Pauraic Conway finding the back of the net. Martin Molloy also pointed to leave the half time score 2-1 to 1-1. Carrigaine managed to withstand a storm of pressure from the Glen in the second half and notched on points through Kevin Murphy, Luke O’Hanlon, Morgan O’Hanlon and the impressive Diamuuid Hickey. The final score read Carrigaline 2-7 to 2-2.
Squad: S.O’Flynn, C. Naughton, C. Allan, P. Bresnan, G. O’Mahony, M.O’Hanlon, S.O’ Mullane, L. O’Hanlon, M. Molloy, A. Cooney, D. Hickey, A. Ali, P. Conway, D. McCarthy, J, Glennon, J Lynch, K. Murphy.
U13 City Hurling Semi-Final
The U13’s faced the Glen in the semi-final of the city hurling league. This was an evenly contested match and Carrig fought hard with some impressive hurling. It was a great performance from both teams, but the Glen ended up the winners on a scoreline of 1-8 to 1-6.

Minor Footballers fail in bid for SE Double

For the second season in a row, Valley Rovers prevented Carrigaline from taking the South East double on a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-6 in the final in Ballinhassig on Sunday morning.

Valleys dominated from the start and had three points on the board before Tony O’Sullivan opened Carrigs account from a free in the 17th minute. Valleys held the upper hand in the middle sector and added to points in succession. A goal in the 23rd minute put seven points between but this was cancelled out by Timmy Kenneally when he burst through and planted the ball in the net. Valleys had the last score of the half to leave the half time score Carrigaline 1-1 Valley Rovers 1-6.

Carrig came out a totally different team in the second half and early points from Gary Harrington and Hugh Cox left just three points between the teams. Disaster struck in the 7th minute when a defensive mistake left Valleys in for a soft goal. They added a further point in the 9th minute. Tony O’Sullivan pointed in the 15th minute but there were eight points between the teams with five minutes to go. A reshuffle of the team saw centre back Ray Keohane move to midfield and full back Colin Lynch to centre forward. This had an immediate impact with Ray Keohane pointing in the 26th minute. Straight from the kick out Colin Lynch burst through to put the ball in the net. Another point from Lynch had the arrears down to three points with two minutes to play. Carrig through everything at Valleys in the closing period but could not find another goal. Valleys had the last saw with a point in injury time.

A gallant effort just fell short but the team showed a lot of heart and commitment under duress and hopefully this will see us through to a victory in the hurling county final the week after next.

Team: Michael Webb, Jason Kidney, Colin Lynch (1-1), Colin Tuohy, Joe Moran, Ray Keohane (0-1), Alan Noonan, Gary Harrington (0-1), Stephen O’Regan, Wesley O’Brien, Hugh Cox (0-1), Alan Jenkinson, Tony O’Sullivan (0-2), Timmy Kenneally (1-0) and Cormac Creed Nolan. Subs Used: Darragh Cotter, Peter Roynane and Kieran Kelleher.

Minor B Football Championship

The Minor B Footballers were in championship action, playing two matches last week. On Tuesday night they defeated Crosshaven under lights in Ballygarvan 3-8 to 2-2. They were defeated in the semi-final by Tracton on the following Saturday 2-12 to 1-3.

There was plenty good football played during these games and a number of players will be playing at a higher level over the next couple of years

Team v Crosshaven: Shane O’Hanlon, Brian Cotter, Conor Hayes, John O’Brien, Wesley Roynane, Kevin Corbett, Darragh Cotter (0-1), Jonathan Cowhig, Brian O’Donnell (2-1), Alan Murphy (1-2), David Naughton (0-1), Simon Deedy (0-3) and Valy Protocolov. Sub John Bray

Team v Tracton: Shane O’Hanlon, Brian Cotter, Conor Hayes, Wesley Roynane, John O’Brien, John Bray(0-2), Darragh Cotter, David Hennessy, Brian O’Donnell, Alan Murphy, David Naughton, Simon Deedy (1-1) and Valy Protocolov. Sub James O’Reilly

CARRIGALINE’S U11’S DOUBLE VICTORY AT FINAL

U-11 South East League Hurling Final
Carrigaline 1 (4-6) Ballinhassig (1-2)
On what was a very busy weekend for the club, pride of place on Sunday morning last went to the young stars of the future, when both teams from this years U11’s won the U11 South -East hurling league finals, which took place in Riverstick.
Carrigaline playing against a stiff breeze started the game at a blistering pace and with an early ball out wide found Robert O’Shea, he put the ball over the bar for the opening score. This settled the Carrig lads down and were quick to add two further goals again from Rob O’Shea and Kevin Kavanagh. Ballinhassig found it hard to get into the game and anytime they came into the Carrig half, the sliothar was sent back up field by our excellent half back line all of which deserve a mention, Stephen Dwane, Cillian McSweeney, and Jamie Kind. Mid way through the first half Kevin Conlon had to be substituted, as he received a blow to his leg as hurley’s flew in the Ballinhassig goalmouth. Before the break, forwards Eoin Moyihan and Dylan O’Brien with some good play set up good scoring chances for a further three points, John O’Keeffe added a goal to lead at the break 3-4 to 0-1.
Even though this was a commanding lead at half time the lads were determined not to let this one slip remembering what happened to them in a previous final earlier in the year.
Ballinhassig started the second half in a determined mood and had some early pressure in the Carrig half, but found our two corner backs and full back rock solid, who cleared their lines brilliantly. They did score two points, but this was matched by two excellent long-range points for Carrigaline. Conor Cremin got a goal five minutes from time, a goal that was richly deserved, as he showed great effort when he came on early in the second half. Ballinhassig fought to the end, but could never claw back the lead that this promising young team had built up during the first half. The final whistle sounded and lads celebrated a great win. Dylan O’Brien accepted the trophy on behalf of the team. This group of lads have been together for a number of years and lets hope they keep hurling for many years to come.
Congratulations also to the U11C who won the C Final against Ballygarvan (Report in the street league section).
Team: E. O’Donavan, I.Silke, M.Lynch, A.O’Reilly, J.Kind, C.McSweeney, K.Conlon, K.Kavanagh, M.O’Grady, S.Dwane, R.O’Shea, D.O’Brien, M.Quinn, E.Moynihan, J.O’Keeffe, E.O’Donnell, C.Cremin, D.O’Sullivan.

U13 City Hurling Championship
Carrigaline’s U13 lads had a marvellous start in the city championship, with a goal win over a very tough St. Vincent’s team.
The first half was a very even affair with end to end fight hurling. Stephen Gorman, Cian Barry and Michael Dwane were playing great defensive hurling. At half time it was 0-2 each.
The second half started at an electric pace and St. Vincent’s took the lead with a well taken point. Michael O’Donovan replied with a great point from play. The next ten minutes saw missed chances by both teams. It wasn’t until Stephen O’Gorman pointed from the half way line that the Carrig lads started to pull ahead. Two goals from Shane O’Halloran and Daniel Drake quickly followed and that finished the game as a contest. Michael O’Donovan added some more points to leave the score at the end Carrigaline 2-7 St. Vincents 0-3.

U12 City Football
Carrig’s U12’s faced St. Nicholas’ in football last Saturday morning and ran out fairly easy winners.

U13C South East Hurling
Carrigaline’s U13C defeated Ballygarvan in the opposition’s pitch last Saturday morning. The Carrig lads gave a very good performance. They scored well in the first half, which left Ballygarvan chasing the game.
In the second half, Ballygarvan couldn’t convey their pressure into scores and Carrigaline came out the winners.

>B/B>U15 City Hurling
Carrigaline’s U15’s played against Ballincollig on their pitch last Saturday. The ground conditions were poor, but Carrig came out the winners on a score line of 1-9 to 2-3.

Minor Hurling County Semi Final

After the heroics of the quarter final victory over Erins Own, Carrig faced the semi-final with little knowledge of their opponents Ballyhea except for the fact that any team that comes out of the Avondhu division will be tough opponents.

Ballyhea played with the wind in the first half. The early exchanges were scrappy with the first three scores coming from frees, two from Stephen Corcoran to one for Ballyhea to leave Carrig leading at the end of the first quarter. Ballyhea levelled matters in the 16th minute. Stephen Corcoran scored from play in the 18th minute, but it was three apiece a minute later.

Great work from Stephen Corcoran set up Timmy Kenneally for our first goal in the 22nd. Minute. However it was Ballyhea, who sensing they needed something before the break, who finished the strongest and three unanswered points left the half time score Carrigaline 1-3, Ballyhea 0-6.

After a somewhat lack lustre first half, Carrig came out a different outfit for the second half. Two early points from Stephen Corcoran, the second the result of a great block down from Stephen O’Regan gave us the perfect start. In the seventh minute Joe Moran thundered up from wing back to score a great rallying point. Stephen Corcoran pointed a 65 and Wesley O’Brien had five between the sides by the end of the third quarter.

Again Ballyhea rallied and had the difference back to three points by the 22nd. Minute. A Stephen Corcoran free had the difference back to four but Ballyhea replied to leave a gaol between the teams with four minutes of normal time to go.

Carrig needed something to put the game out of a battling Ballyheas reach and it came just after the Ballyhea free. Timmy Kenneally won the puck out and went on a great run into the heart of the Ballyhea defence. Waiting for the right moment he laid the ball off to Stephen Corcoran who billowed the net much to the relief of large Carrig following. Stephen followed up with a free from way out on the left wing and points form Wesley O’Brien and Colin Lynch in injury time left the final score Carrigaline 2-12 Ballyhea 0-9 and a minor hurling final appearance beckons for the first time in the history of the club against either Bandon or Blarney.

Once again the defence was outstanding with tigerish displays by Kieran Kelleher, Brian Cotter and Jason Kidney. Centre back Ray Keohane was majestic all through ably supported by wing backs Joe Moran and Colin Tuohy. Up front Stephen Corcoran was in fine scoring form again but was ably assisted by the other five forwards with wing forwards Timmy Kenneally and Wesley O’Brien particularly effective.

Team: Michael Webb, Jason Kidney, Brian Cotter, Kieran Kelleher, Joe Moran (0-1), Raymond Keohane, Colin Tuohy, Gary Harrington, Colin Lynch (0-1), Timmy Kenneally (1-0), Alan Noonan, Wesley O’Brien (0-2), Stephen Corcoran (1-8), Stephen O’Regan and Mitchell Cuddihy. Sub Alan Jenkinson.

Under 16 Premier County Final

Carrigaline’s dream of an Under 16 County title was dashed in Douglas on Saturday afternoon, going down in the final for the second year running to Glen Rovers.
Carrig played against the wind, but Stephen Corcoran had the opening score from a free in the second minute. The Glen equalised a minute later and took the lead through a converted 65 in the 10th minute. Stephen Corcoran had the teams level again by the 14th minute. Carrig were working very hard to contain the Glen and restricted them to two more points until the Glen goaled in the 24th minute. Another point in the 26th minute left a not insurmountable tally of five points between the teams, as the game went into injury time in the first half. It was in this period that the game turned against us. Firstly, Ivan Ward was unlucky to see an effort for goal come back off the crossbar, and then we allowed the Glen in for three unanswered points to leave the half time score, Glen Rovers 1-8 Carrigaline 0-2.

Playing with the elements Carrig raised their game, but it was the Glen who had the first score of the half with a point in the 4th minute. This was immediately cancelled out by Ivan Ward. Two points from frees from Stephen Corcoran had the deficit down to seven points entering the final quarter.

The physically stronger and more alert Glen team sensed the danger and had three points in succession. Carrig refused to give in and Tony Murphy had two points in as many minutes, but it was the Glen who had the last say to run out worthy winners on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-7.

Shane Barry was brave in goal and saved well on a number of occasions. Outside him Ger Kiely, Peter O’Mahony and Jonathan Cowhig were very effective. Stephen O’Regan worked very hard in midfield. Up front the forwards struggled to get space in conditions that did not favour forward play. This was their fourth championship game in five weeks and having had to pull out all the stops to win each of these games there was little left in the tank. However, they fought to the end and team manager Pat Corcoran and his selectors Tony Barry, Tom Kiely, Anthony Harrington and Andy O’Keeffe can be very proud of the contribution their team has made over the year.

Team: Shane Barry, Ger Kiely, Conor Hurley, Peter O’Mahony, Jonathan Cowhig, Joe Moran, Patrick Donnellan, Stephen O’Regan, Peter Roynane, Craig Neville, Mitchell Cuddihy, Tony Murphy (0-2), Stephen Corcoran (0-4), Ivan Ward (0-1) and Paul Campbell, Subs Used David O’Regan and Simon O’Brien

U14 Premier County Semi-Final
Carrigline 4-10
Bandon 3- 7
On Sunday morning last, Carrigaline U14’s travelled to Ovens to play Bandon in the U14 Premier hurling semi-final. The day was very wet and it made hurling conditions very difficult. Carrig had an early point from Adrian Lynch and this seemed to settle the Carrig lads. Bandon replied with a point of their own. Carrigaline were playing into a strong wing and seemed to be holding their own well. Gary Naughton in goal had made a couple of magnificient saves in the first half. Both sides went in level at half time, 1-5 each.
Carrigaline were playing now with the aid of a strong breeze and soon added on another point, which was cancelled out by Bandon. Then, for the next ten minutes it was nip and tuck all the way. The Bandon team were really pushing Carrigaline all the way. Then, when Bandon scored 2 goals and another point, to move 7 points clear with 12 minutes to go, it seemed this was not going to be Carrigaline’s day.
But Carrigaline regrouped and Mark O’Mahony came into goal and Gary Naughton went in centre forward. This had an immediate effect with a very well taken point by Gary. Stephen Gorman then pounced for a goal and all of a sudden there was only a goal between the sides. Brian Twomey at wing back played brilliantly. Tony O’Connor at centre back kept Carrigaline going with some excellent clearances, and Adrian Lynch in corner forward also moving very well. It took Carrigaline 40 minutes in this game to show how they really can play, but we were running out of time fast. Bandon then scored another point. Then, from the puck out Jason O’Leary delivered a long ball in and David O’Regan headed for goal and scored, to leave Carrigaline a point down. Carrigaline then had the bit between their teeth and went in search of an equaliser. A couple of points by Carrig put them two points ahead, when a great catch by Tony O’Connor was cleared up field, Simon O’Brien collected it and headed towards the goal, with everyone shouting point it, he put a low shot into the corner of the net for a goal and the job was completed. The lads had reached the County Final next weekend.
This was an excellent team performance by a great determined bunch of lads and now hopefully we can go one better next weekend. We wish Kaelan Spillane a speedy recovery and hope he will be available for selection. The backs had a very hard game on the day and James O’Shea, Michael O’Donovan and Daniel came up trumps at the end and Mark O’Mahony also excelled.
Scorers: Simon O’Brien 1-6, Eoin Conway 1-0, David O’Regan 1-0, Stephen Gorman 1-0, Adrian Lynch 0-3, Gary Naughton 0-1.
The final next Saturday, against Eire Og, at 1.30 in Bishopstown.

CARRIGALINE V SLIABH RUA
Carrigaline under 16 footballers played Sliabh Rua in the Southeast final in Minane Bridge on Monday night. Most of this team played in the premier hurling final on Saturday, and after their disappointment, knew they had to pick themselves up and give their all. This they did admirably, giving an excellent display of football. From the start they were well on top and led at halftime 2-6 to 0-5. In the second half they were playing with a fairly strong wind and took their scores well. Sliabh Rua played some good football also, but Carrigaline were physically stronger and were easy winners in the end.
Scorers: Stephen Griffin 2-5, Niall Coakley 1-2, Shane Barry and Stephen O’Regan 1-0 each, Paul Campbell 0-2, Eoin O’Sullivan 0-2, Danny Cullinane and Craig Neville 0-1 each.
Team: P. Donnellan, J. McCarthy, C. Hurley, P. O’Mahoney, P. Ronayne, J. Moran, D. Cullinane, S. O’Regan, E. O’Sullivan, P. Campbell, C. Neville, T. Murphy, S. Barry, N. Coakley, S. Griffin, M. Cuddihy, S. Deedy, J. Bray,G. Kiely, and S. Corcoran.
Craig Neville sustained an injury during the game and we wish him a speedy recovery.
U11 South East Hurling League Semi-Final
Carrigaline 1 (4-10) Courcey Rovers (1-3)
Carrigaline U11’s put in a near perfect performance on Sunday morning last to reach the U11 hurling final. They controlled the match from the off and the result was never in doubt once they opened the scoring with two pointed frees from Robert O’Shea and an early strike to the net from Captain Dylan O’Brien. Courcey’s responded with a goal, but this was quickly cancelled out by two long range frees from Cillian McSweeney and after a wonderful passing movement up the right, Kevin Conlon whipped on the ball from 25 metres to the back of the Courcey’s net. This was a great first time strike and put the Carrig lads into a commanding first half lead 2-5 to 1-1.
The second half was much of the same with Carrigaline hurling at a great pace, and it wasn’t long before they added two further goals from new full forward John O’Keeffe. Mikey O’Grady hurled brilliantly in midfield and kept driving Carrigaline forward with his great work rate. The Carrig backs were outstanding, Michael Lynch had a super game at full back. Stephen Dwane and Ian Silke were on top of their game throughout to give a very strong look to the Carrig back six. Robert O’Shea added four points in the second half and a pointed free from Mikey O’Grady gave Carrigaline a great victory with a score of 4-10 to 1-3.
Team: E. O’Donavan, I.Silke, M.Lynch, A.O’Reilly, J.Kind, C.McSweeney, K.Conlon, K.Kavanagh, M.O’Grady, S.Dwane, R.O’Shea, D.O’Brien, M.Quinn, E.Moynihan, J.O’Keeffe, E.O’Donnell, C.Cremin, D.O’Sullivan.

At the moment we have two very busy GAA households, each with three of their sons involved in finals. Ger and Deirdre Lynch have Brian in the final of the U11 south east hurling, Colin in the county minor hurling semi-final and Adrian in the U14 county hurling final. Likewise, Kevin and Gillian O’Brien have Dylan on the U11 south east hurling final, Simon playing in the U14 county hurling final and Wesley with the county minor hurling semi-final. Best of luck to you all, and to all our players.