UNDER 21 HURLERS CRUISE TO EASY VICTORY
By Nathan Wall PRO

U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP:
Carrigaline stormed into the next round of the under u21 hurling championship with a convincing victory over local rivals Shamrocks in Minane Bridge on Monday night. Conditions for this game were great with both teams well up for this game. Both teams were beating respectively in the first round by Tracton and Valley rovers and this was their last chance of staying in the campaign. Carrigaline opened their scoring with a superb well-taken point by Craig Neville on the 3rd minute. Carrig never allowed Shamrocks to get into the game and scored some excellent points throughout the game with Carrig’s full forward line causing major headaches for the Shanbally men. Carrig’s first goal came after some fine play by Barry O’ Keeffe who picked out Neville for a superb goal. Carrig continued to dominate all over the field and further points from Elliot O’ Keeffe and Barry O’ Keeffe had Carrig on their way. Shamrocks were finding it very hard to break down the Carrig defence due to some outstanding play from Ray Keohane, Gary Harrington and Man of the Match full back Andy O’ Keeffe. The Shanbally club registered their first point of the game with a pointed free after 20 minutes and they only managed to score another 2 points throughout the rest of the game. Carrig led at half time 1-5 to 0-2 with points from Mitch Cuddihy and the nippy corner forward O’ Keeffe. After a good start Shamrocks were finding it hard to get the scores they so badly needed and dominated for 5 minutes early on but Carrig really killed the game when sub Michael O’ Sullivan slotted 2 superb efforts over the bar and this was followed up by a point from half back Colin Lynch. Shamrocks throw everything they could at the Carrig defence but couldn’t break the last line of defence and with further points from Neville, O’ Sullivan, O’ Keeffe and a superb goal by Timmy Kennelly sealed off a great victory for Carrig. Final score Carrigaline 2-12 Shamrocks 0-3.
JUNIOR 2 CITY LEAGUE FOOTBALL:
Last week the junior 2-city football team had two very important matches as they are seeking promotion to the top league next year and victories in these games were vital. On Tuesday night they played their first game at home against St. Nicks. Nicks got off to a flying start with a goal in the opening seconds that shocked the Carrie players. It was their first game since the defeat to Ballymartle in the championship and there were times in the opening half when you could see the rustiness. Carrig soon got motivating with points from Sean Corkery, Michael O’ Sullivan and Craig Neville. This game was played at a fast level and corner forward Paul Campbell could have scored Carrig’s first goal of the game only to see his fine effort tapped over the bar to give Carrig the slightest of leads. The Northside club could have been well ahead but they were finding it hard to get the scores even though they controlled a lot of possession. On the 25th minute Carrig scored a controversial goal after Craig Neville hand-passed the ball to Paul Campbell who got the slightest of touches to put the Nicks keeper the wrong way. The Blackpool club claimed that Campbell did not touch the ball but the referee allowed the goal and Carrig were on top. Two St Nicks points brought them back into the game but further points from Michael O’ Sullivan, after good work by the Midfielders and half back line put Carrig two points clear at the break. Halftime score Carrigaline 1-8 St. Nicks 1-6. The second half saw Nicks get the first score of the half with a superb point and throughout the half they were the better side. The sides were soon level with a pointed free but a Stephen Griffin point put Carrig slightly ahead. Carrig’s hopes of winning were dashed with a Nicks goal after 15 minutes. They scores were limited in this half with both teams playing a lot of ball before attempting to convert any scores and the direct football we would have liked to have seen was not provided. Further points from both sides reduced the deficit to a goal with five minutes remaining on the clock. Then out of the blue Carrig staged a remarkable comeback, a Griffin point put only two points between the sides and then a break out of defence by both Colin Lynch and Ray Keohane, both players assisted each other up the field with the ball and lynch played off a fine pass to Paul Holland, who rattled the net with an excellent strike. This gutted the Nicks players and there final effort of a goal attempt was denied by Ray Keohane who played very well when he came on. Carrig rounded off a great comeback with a Griffin point and to be fair to Nicks they were the better side, but hungry for a victory, Carrig came out the winners on a scoreline of Carrig 2-11 St Nicks 2-13.
FIXTURES AND OTHER NEWS:
This weekend sees the Junior A hurlers take on Kinsale in the South East Semi-Final in Ballygarvan. This has all the signs of been a cracking contest with both teams evenly matched. Carrig were beaten by Ballinhassig in the opening round but since then have put in a great effort and preparation and have seen off challenges from both Belgooly and Ballygarvan. With the experience of Noel Cooney, Sean Corkery, Peter Murphy and the evergreen Philip Ahern Carrig have a good chance of competing in a South East final but must get over their hardest game yet. This game has a 1430 throw in on Sunday 21st August in Ballygarvan and is followed by the 2nd semi Final Between Shamrocks and Ballinhassig. Best of luck to everyone involved.
TUESDAY 16TH AUGUST: P.M.F.L V’S ST FINBARRS IN TOGHER @ 1900
SUNDAY 21ST AUGUST: SOUTH EAST JUNIOR A HURLING SEMI-FINAL- CARRIGALINE V’S KINASLE @ 1430 IN BALLYGARVAN
MONDAY 22ND AUGUST: MINOR A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP V’S BALLINHASSIG IN SHANBALLY @ 1900

MURPHY RECEIVES SPORTS STAR OF THE MONTH AWARD
BY NATHAN WALL PRO

The past week has been a great week for Cork star Nicholas Murphy. On Sunday he helped Cork get into an All-Ireland football semi-final and 3 days earlier he was announced as the Cork Gaa Sportstar of the month for July. Over the past few years Nick has been a major player for the Cork Senior football team but this year especially he has been playing the best football yet. During the league campaign he was outstanding getting Man of the Match against the Kingdom in the opening game of the year and throughout the Championship he has been also outstanding at midfield. People are very fast at slating a player but people don’t realize the amount of effort and commitment that these players are doing for their club and also at Inter county level and it is great to see Nicholas pick up this reward cause all along for both his club and county he has been giving it 110%. The club would like to congratulate him on this excellent award and hope he will be bring Sam back to the club on the 25th September. On the games front for the past week there has been none but the week ahead sees both the Junior 2 City footballers in action and also the Under 21 hurling team. The Junior 2 City team has two important games this week which are vital because if they win both games they automatically are promoted back up to Junior 1 City next year. The U21 ‘A’ hurling team play local club Shamrocks in the losers round of the championship next Monday night 15th August in Minane Bridge. In the opening round Carrig were beaten by an extremely good Valley rovers side and Carrig are hoping that they can get through to the next round with a win over Shamrocks.
FIXTURES:
Tuesday 9th August- Intermediate football league v’s Delaney’s in Carrigaline @ 1900
Junior 2 city league v’s St Nicks in Carrigaline @ 1900
Thursday 11th August- Junior 2 city league v’s Ballypehane in Carrigaline @ 1900
Monday 15th August- U21 ‘A’ south east hurling championship v’s Shamrocks in Minane Bridge TBA

U-12 “A” County Hurling Final: Carrigaline 2-8 Blackrock 1-6.

What a day Carrigaline GAA Club had last Saturday. The sun was doing its best to break through the clouds from early morning and many households had their 12 year old sons waking up with a slightly nervous feeling that this might be the day when these young lads would create their own bit of history within the Club. That bit of history, would be to beat the hot favourites Blackrock in their own back yard (Pairc Ui Rinn) and bring the first Premier County Hurling Title to the Club. That’s exactly what they did with an almighty display of skill, guts and courage to wild celebrations that went on long into the night. It’s a weekend that will live in the memory for many a year to come.
There was a real sense during the week that preparations had gone well and the lads were relaxed and ready to give it their all. At 4.30p.m. the referee threw in the ball and the Rockies were on the attack. However the ball was cleared back up field and the lads were beginning to settle. Five minutes into the game there was still no score but that changed when Kevin Kavanagh cut in from the right and tapped the ball over the bar for the opening score. Blackrock responded with two points before a lovely weighted pass from Robert O’Shea found Kevin Conlon way out on the touchline and without any hesitation he struck a beautiful shot over the bar. Carrigaline knew now they could match the Rockies. Playing the better hurling and with John O’Keeffe outstanding at fullback along with Anthony O’Reilly and Eoin O’Donnell they drove the Rockies up the pitch, at the same time giving good quality ball to the forwards which led to three excellent points , two from Robert O’Shea and one from Kevin Kavanagh, his second of the half. O’Shea, who was being man marked by a couple of the Rockies, was still causing endless problems and with Michael Lynch the free man Carrigaline gained control of midfield. As half time approached the lads were 5pts to 2 ahead. Blackrock then produced their best spell, scoring 1-2, the goal coming on the stroke of half time. Carrigaline trailed 1-4 to 0-5pts at the interval.
The Carrigaline mentors and players were very positive at half-time and they knew if they kept hurling hard it could be done. The second half began and with the Rockies playing with a slight breeze they had all the early pressure. The Carrig half back line was fantastic, Stephen Dwane, Ian Silke and Captain Cillian McSweeney all hooking, blocking and putting their bodies in the way. The Rockies attack failed to take advantage of this pressure only adding a pointed free to their total. The Carrig defenders held Blackrock to two points from play throughout the game, which was great.
Then came some positional switches, O’Shea to midfield was joined by full forward Kevin Kavanagh. Michael Lynch went to centre forward and Michael O’Grady to full forward, both putting in a great effort during the final 20 minutes. Conor Gould replaced Darragh O’Sullivan. Darragh played his heart out for the team. Shortly afterwards and with the game still finely balanced and the lads still 3pts down, Carrigaline needed a score, any score. When Michael O’Grady was fouled just outside the 20 metre line a piece of quick thinking turned the game on its head. Robert O’Shea got the ball in his hand and as Blackrock argued with the ref, O’Shea coolly asked the ref if he could take a quick free. With the nod of approval he placed the ball on the ground and buried the sliotar in the back of the Rockies net to send the Carrigaline supporters wild. The Rockies were now rocked back in their heels. Carrigaline piled forward and were awarded another free 40 metres from goal. A captains quick thinking found O’Shea free 20 metres from goal. From a tight angle he pointed and Carrigaline led entering the final 10 minutes. Their dander was now up and with Michael Quinn, Michael Lynch, Dylan O’Brien along with Michael O’Grady chasing every ball the smell of victory drove the lads forward while O’Shea picked off another two points to put Carrig three points to the good. Blackrock fought back again but that man John O’Keeffe stood up to the challenge with some high fielding and long clearances. Goalie Eoin Moynihan was so cool in goal with his ability to read the game and he had a calming effect on all of the players in front of him. Blackrock pointed a sixty-five to reduce the Carrigaline lead to two points. Two minutes remaining and with a dangerous lead, the shouts of Carrig, Carrig from the supporters, who were willing the ref to blow the final whistle, rang around Pairc Ui Rinn. Suddenly a ball broke to Dylan O’Brien 10 metres from goal and his low first time shot nestled beautifully in the corner of the net to send everyone into total celebration. On the puck out the final whistle blew and history was made, long deserved for the Club and for everyone involved.
Micheal McSweeney, Secretary of County Bord na nOg was filled with pride as he presented the John McEvoy Cup to his grandson and Captain Cillian McSweeney, a special moment for both. Man of the match awards went to Robert O’Shea and John O’Keeffe. The whole squad were giving a rapturous welcome back to the club as Track 17 was played throughout the evening and into the early hours. Thanks to every one for a truly great effort during the year and especially on Saturday last. Congrats to a great bunch of lads,ye done everyone proud and ye created your own bit of history.
One More Time, Wes, Track 17 !!!

Scores: R.O’Shea 1-5, K.Kavanagh 0-2, K.Conlon 0-1,D.O’Brien 1-0.

Panel: J. O’Keeffe, A. O’Reilly, M. Quinn, P. Ahern, M. O’Grady, S. Dwane, E. O’Donnell. C.McSweeney, K. Kavanagh, E.Moynihan, E.O’Donovan, D.O’Brien, C.Cremin, M.Lynch, R.O’Shea, K.Conlon. J.Kind, S. Brophy, J. Buckley, B.Curran, M.Curtain, C.Ciggins, M.McIntrye, D. O’Sullivan, I.Silke, A.Thomas, D.Drinan, A.Lynch, S.Griffen and C.Gould.

COUNTY U-12 C HURLING SEMI-FINAL

Carrigaline 3 – 5 Na Piarsaigh 5 – 8
Following their great win in the South-East Final this group of lads took on City kingpins Na Piarsaigh in the County semi-final at Togher on Wednesday of last week.
The first half of this game was a great contest with Carrig really putting it up to the favourites. Carrig led at the short whistle by four points after a magnificent first-half team performance. Goalkeeper Shane Griffin and full-back Robert Foster led the way with sterling performances.
Na Piarsaigh, stung by the first-half reverse, made a strong start to the second half and soon forged ahead. Carrig did not die easily and fought their way back into the game with top-scorer Conor Gould ( 1 – 5 ), centre-back Shane Griffin, and team captain Anthony O Donnell to the fore.
However the stronger Na Piarsaigh lads got some late scores to give them a rather flattering three-goal victory.
And so ended a magnificent championship campaign of which players and mentors can be justly proud. Well done also to the loyal band of supporters who gave great encouragement throughout the year.

Panel; Shane Griffin, Killian O Mahony, Robert Foster, David O Shea, , Shane Griffin, Killian McIntyre, Peter Mullane, Kevin O Connell, Alan Courtney, Conor Gould, Anthony O Donnell, David Canty, Aidan O Flynn, David O Callaghan, Daragh Corcoran, Jamie Depuis, Brian Lynch, Kevin Harrington, Kevin Martin, David O Donovan, , Cian Lynch, Jason Brady, Derry Gregg, Eoin Buckley, Brian Coakley.

FE 16 B SOUTH EAST HURLING LEAGUE

Carrigaline 3 – 13 Douglas 3 - 9
Carrigaline were at home against Douglas in the South East Under-16B Hurling League on Wednesday July 20th. It was a well-contested and sporting game in the first half with the half time score 2- 08 to 1-03 in favour of Carrigaline.
In the second half Douglas came back strongly but Carrig held firm. Carrigaline had to make some positional switches due to an injury to Simon O’Brien , with Kevin Ahern taking over between the posts. Strong performances were evident throughout the team, particularly from the young players Kalen Spillane, Cian Barry and Oisin Finn. Brendan Cashman, Niall Coakley, Brian Giltinan, and Tony Murphy also played well on the night. The final score was Carrigaline 3.13 to Douglas 3.09.
Scorers for Carrigaline : S O’Brien 2-00, D O’Regan 1-01, B Cashman 0-3,
N Coakley 0-6, T Murphy 0-1 and E O’Sullivan 0-1.

Panel : K.Ahern, K.Spillane, B.Giltinan, C.Barry, M.Williamson, D.Coughlan, A.O’Sullivan, E.O’Sullivan, N.Coakley, T.Murphy, D.O’Regan, E.Harrington, S.O’Brien, B.Cashman, M.O Sullivan, O.Finn,

Carrigaline 1 – 12 Sliabh Rua 2 - 10
Last Wednesday night, July 27th , Sliabh Rua were visitors to Carrigaline for the above game in the Under-16 BHL. Mark Williamson played a strong game in mid-field alongside Simon O’Brien who got a knock to his knee in the first minute of play. Sliabh Rua. scored the first point but the home side responded well. Carrig played some younger players and all credit to these lads who gave a fine display of hurling. Both sides continued to trade points until Sliabh Rua got through for a goal. Almost immediately Carrig were back in the game. A sideline cut from James O’Reilly and a quick delivery from Andy O’Sullivan to David O’Regan who hand passed to Sean Conlon who found the back of the net. Half time score was Carrig 1.4 Sliabh Rua 1.5.
The first five minutes of the second half saw two goal mouth saves from Kevin Ahern. In the 7th minute Sliabh Rua’s right full forward scored their second goal. Carrig continued to score points with Niall Coakley catching a ball from a puck out and delivering over the bar. Final score after a great game of hurling from both sides was Carrig 1.12 to Sliabh Rua 2.10.

FE 16 C SOUTH EAST HURLING
The under 15 team have been competing in the South-East U-16 C League and Championship in recent weeks. They have played some great games and have been unlucky against some very strong opposition.
In the League they were beaten by Ballygarvan in a low-scoring contest having fielded a depleted team. Final Score Ballygarvan 0 – 6 Carrigaline 0 – 3.
Against Kinsale they were outscored 4 – 14 to 3 – 10 in a great game of hurling.
Goalkeeper Mark O Mahony, Mark Canty and James O Shea were outstanding in this game.
On Wednesday of last week they faced a very strong Valley Rovers team in the first round of the championship at Carrigaline. After a great hour’s hurling the visitors were victorious on the scoreline of 3 – 14 to 2 – 9. Jamie O Sullivan and Shane Noonan were very sound in the full-backline while Jason O Leary at midfield and centre-forward Brian Dorgan also played well.

FE 14 B SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL LEAGUE

On Friday July 22nd Bishopstown were the visitors to Carrigaline in the Under-14 Football League. Despite being depleted due to holidays Carrig easily accounted for a weak Bishopstown side on a scoreline of 7-09 to 1-01.
David Spillane, Wayne Bruton, James Sheppard, Cian Sisk and Eoin Kavanagh were superb in a great team performance.
On Friday of last week they recorded a facile victory over Kinsale in a game again played at Carrigaline.

FE 14 C SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Ballinhassig were the visitors to Carrigaline this week in the U14 C football league. A physically stronger Ballinhassig outfit came out on top, but Carrig put up strong fight especially in the second half. Padraic Conway and Alan Cooney were always threatening up front and Gary O Mahony and Martin Molloy played committed, intelligent football throughout.