SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE TAKES PREMIER MINOR FOOTBALLERS TO COUNTY FINAL
BY NATHAN WALL PRO

PREMEIR MINOR FOOTBALL COUNTY SEMI FINAL:
I never turned out to be a classic, but a very good second half performance from Carrigaline saw them overcome Mallow in this county semi final played in a very cold ovens pitch last Sunday. Carrigaline knew from the start that they would be up against it after hammering Mallow in the County hurling final only two weeks ago and both teams had a very nervous start to this game. What won the game for Carrigaline was their second half performance where they totally controlled very blade of grass and held constant possession but on saying this they could have nearly thrown the game away in the final few minutes when they stopped concentrating and began to allow Mallow into the game, if they want to win the County final next Sunday against Macroom they will need to up their performance and discipline. In a very low scoring second half in which Mallow got off to a flying start with a point from play after a minute and a half both teams found it very hard to get used to the heavy ground, silly errors from both teams where possession was given away for poor ball handling and bouncing of the ball and in the first half we saw a scoreless spell for 15 minutes where the ball was like a yo-yo, Mallow going forward, Carrig backs winning possession, Carrig going forward, Mallow backs winning possession, so it was really a game for the backs and it was Carrig’s half back line that was the winning line, winning a lot of possession, out front to every ball and supplying the forwards with very neat passes. After 4 minutes Carrig got one of the best worked goals I have ever seen, Jason Kidney won possession in the back line and worked the ball up the field to Alan Noonan, who laid the O’ Neil’s off to Creed Nolan and after his fine pass Kyle Meehan had an easy tap in for Carrig’s first goal of the game. Both teams began to shot from very awkward angel and you wouldn’t see the great Maurice Fitz score, (well maybe on a good day he might have). Then game the final point after twelve minutes, Mallow worked a great ball from and they saw two fine efforts rattle the woodwork but the third effort finally went over for a point. Then came the 15-minute Yo-Yo spell where both sets of backs dominated. Then on the 28th minute Mallow finally broke down the Carrig defence for a point but then corner forward Timmy Kennelly upped a gear and for the rest of the first half and whole of the second half he was one of the major factors to why Carrig won, he scored two great points in the 29th and 30th minute and throughout the second half his ability to win possession was a major turning point, he was involved in everything, when he wasn’t scoring for Carrig he was involved in every other score, especially in the build up where he won great ball and laid off pin point passes and his second half goal was a wonderful strike. Mallow had the final say in the first half with a point from play very late on and as both teams ran for shelter from the bitter cold at half time the teams were level at 1-2 to 0-5. In a second half were Carrig really stood up and had leaders in Timmy Kennelly, Joe Moran, Alan Noonan and Ray Keohane after they settled you could never take this victory away from them. Carrig got off to a dream start after Kennelly goal after 2 minutes but Mallow stayed in the game with a point on the fourth minute and soon hit the post but that’s all the pressure they piled on for the rest of the second half. Carrig began to play some great football and create some great chances and should have really beaten Mallow by more on the day. Towards the end of the game when Mallow came back Carrig could have been licking their wounds if they hadn’t scored some of the points but as I said they should have taken their earlier and easier chances instead of going for the classic point from the sideline, I think any player would be happier with a victory from well worked points rather than a defeat by a single point even though every score you got was a classic. I’m not taking the victory and the fact that the lads have reached a county final away from the lads but next Sundays game is a big one, it was great to see the lads regroup from their defeat to the Glen in the hurling county final and as I have said all year the lads are a privilege to watch and are great ambassadors to the club of Carrigaline. Well back to the game, Carrigline took total control and in the space of twenty minutes kicked a total of 0-6 points where Mallow scored 0-1 these points coming from well worked defending and great passes. Mallow began to get frustrated and began to forget about football but poor referring saw them get away with it to the frustration of the Carrig players. And with a 8 point lead coming into the final few minutes a little melee broke out in the Carrig backline, Mallow were awarded a free which was put to the back of the net, then Mallow pointed to put only four points between the clubs with only seconds left, I have to be honest but I thought I was going to witness these lads hearts been broken for the second time in the space of a week but thankfully that did not happen. Mallow were awarded a controversial penalty and as my heart reached boiling point the Mallow player fluffed his shot wide and to the delight of the Carrig players, management and crowd Carrig won by four points and in the space of twelve months a team that was beaten in a South East final 12 months ago had beaten all the odds by reaching the county section Premier minor football final, it would be a great year if the lads could continue their success with a victory over Macroom and bring more silverware back but that’s a topic for the clubhouse next Sunday evening. Carrig were well served on the day by every single back. Jason Kidney, Ray Keohane, Kieran Kelleher, Conor Hurley, Alan Noonan, Colin Touhy, Joe Moran, Timmy Kennelly. The final is fixed for this Sunday, Sunday 4th of December @ 1430 in Ovens vs. Macroom. Best of luck to all involved and also best of luck to the U16 footballers who are playing the county final the day before. Please come out and give the support to the lads that they deserve.
OTHER NEWS:
The AGM is on next Monday night the club at 1930, all member has the right to attend the meeting and it is in everyone’s interest that they attend to have their say. Also congratulations to Tony Barry and Neilly O’ Keeffe who are involved with the Cork Minor hurlers and footballers for 2006. Best of luck to the both of them on that. And finally I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me out this year as PRO, if the minors are successful on Sunday I will have one more game to report on but it could also be my last, for job reasons I will not be going forward a Pro. It will be something that I will miss but the person who takes over I’m sure will just be as good so I want to thank you all for baring with me in the past twelve months (which flew) and I will be back.
FIXTURES:
PREMIER MINOR FOOTBALL COUNTY SECTION FINAL V’S MACROOM: SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER IN OVENS @ 1430

PREMIER MINOR HURLERS LOSE DESPITE BRAVE CHALLENGE
BY NATHAN WALL PRO

PREMIER MINOR HURLING COUNTY FINAL:
The premier minor hurling team were beaten last Sunday in the county final in front of a large attendance, but provided us with great entertainment throughout the year, they were playing the Glen who, throughout the years broke this team hearts but yesterday the Minor team went out with the attitude of winning. After watching this cracking encounter, in which the Glen won by 4 points, it was soul destroying to see the sadness on the players faces as they waited around for the speeches, only a week earlier and they were celebrating a famous victory over Mallow in the county section final. You could see the hunger from both sides straight from the throw in and it was the Glen who had the first word in this game with a point after sixty seconds. With both teams having numerous of early chances it was yet again the north side club that registered the second point of the game but this point was soon equaled to after Tony Murphy pointed superbly from a sideline cut to bring Carrig back into the game. As the game reached the 10th minute the Carrig backs were finding themselves under savage pressure but with leadership and quality of full back John Walsh and corner back Conor Hurley, who was without a doubt my man of the match, the Glen were finding it hard to take their goal chances, but soon found themselves 5 points to 1 up. The main highlight of the first half was the Glen Rovers goalkeepers save from Stephen Corcoran, young Corcoran was straight through on goal and as he calmly hit the sliothar the keeper pulled of a classic save to the disgust of Corcoran but he made up for his miss with 3 points in the last ten minutes of that half and a point from Wesley O’ Brian gave Carrig the final tally of 5 points in this half. Carrig began to hassle the Glen and not allow them as much space as they were giving in the opening ten minutes. As things began to come to life, Carrig began to fumble the sliothar and give away a lot of possession. In the center of the park Mitch Cuddihy began to take command and with his bursting runs and great determination he supplied a lot of ball to the forwards but the Glen kept knocking over the points and as the team strolled off the pitch for their deserved break it was the Glen whom led at half time on the scoreline of Carrigaline0-5 Glen 0-8. In a second half where Carrig gave it absolutely everything it was the Glen who walked away with silverware, they took every chance they got and when Carrig scored the Glen went up the field and pointed. The lead was stretched straight away with a lovely point. Carrig upped a gear and through everything at there opponents and were handed a lifeline after Creagh Neville was fouled, Ref blew for a penalty, upped stepped Corcoran who blasted high to the top right hand corner to the delight of the excellent Carrig support. But in my opinion then came the turning point, Carrig were on a roll and were giving the Glen a nervous time, straight from the puck out Carrig gave away 2 very silly frees in which the Glen’s top scorer Patrick Horgan put straight over the bar to the disgust of the Carrig side. Moments later young Neville scored a sublime point for Carrig. Conditions on the pitch began to worsen with the Glen coming to terms with the conditions more than Carrig and were winning all the right balls. Points from both teams kept the game flowing and as Carrig tried in vain to get that all important second goal which would have rattled the rovers time began to come to an end. Then came the heartache for the Carrig side and joy for the Glen, referee Cathal McAllister blew the final whistle and the Glen had won on a scoreline of 1-8 0-15. These players throughout the year were a joy to watch and be involved with, Manager Billy Walsh, Trainer Tony Barry, selectors Andy O’ Keeffe, Anthony Harrington, Pat Corcoran and Tom Kiely have to be congratulated on the work they have done with the lads. They have given this team 110% over the past few years and have made the players understand that they can be successful. Hopefully the lads can re-group for next Sunday because the hurling is over but the Football County is back. The premier minor football team plays Mallow on Sunday 27th November in the county semi final so lets hope that the lads will also be successful in the football but that they will get the same support from the supporters who traveled in their numbers for the hurling final. Well done to all the players and I hope that ye can continue the success in the football.
Other news:
Over the weekend the Junior 2 and 3 city football teams played in the City league with the Junior 2 footballers playing Nemo in the league final and were narrowly beaten by a point in which was scored in the last second of the match. The Junior 3 footballers played Gurranabraher in which ended all square, the Intermediates played Ballinora in the Munster league in which ended in Carrig been defeated by 2 points, at the moment I have no report on these game so hopefully next week ill have some. Finally best of luck to the Premier Minor Footballers who play Mallow in the county final this Sunday 27th November.
FIXTURE:
PREMIER MINOR FOOTBALL COUNTY SEMI FINAL- CARRIGALINE V’s MALLOW- SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER (VENUE TBA)

U-12 City League. ( 20/11/05 ) Carrigaline (3-3) V Douglas (1-8).

Carrigaline U-12 footballers produced another spirited performance in defeating Douglas on Sunday morning last in the quarter final of the city league. These two teams have had some great matches over the last couple of years and this game was no different with some excellent play from both teams on a heavy pitch. The lead throughout the match changed a number of times with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle, with Carrigaline a point to the good and holding on for a good victory. Many lads played excellently on the day but man of the match must go to Michael Lynch who scored 3-1 in a five star performance.
Semi-Final is due to be played next weekend against Bishopstown time and venue to be arranged.

Note: U-12 hurling training is being held every Wednesday evening between 7pm and 8pm sharp in the Community Complex. Any lad born in the year 1993 is welcome to attend.

Under-12 City League (2) ( 19/11/05 ) Carrigaline (2-2) St.Vincent’s (0-14)

St Vincents were the opposition in this City League football quarter-final at Carrigaline on Saturday morning last. Following a great game of football Vincents emerged victorious on a scoreline of 0 – 14 to Carrig’s 2 - 2.
At half time the scores were level but in the second half Carrig could not maintain their level of performance against a stronger Vincent’s side.
Carrig scorers were Conor Gould (1-0), Anthony O Donnell (1-1) and Cillian McIntyre (0-1). The Carrig defenders were very solid on the day and keeper Killian O Mahony didn’t put a foot wrong.

U13 South East Hurling Championship Carrigaline 5 - 12 Ballinhassig 1 - 2

Carrigaline were comprehensive winners in this first round Championship match. Carrig started the better of the two teams with L. OHanlon, C. MacSuibhne and R. O Shea picking off some fine scores in the first period. Carrig went in at half time with a 7 point advantage despite having a couple of scares. On the resumption C. O Flynn made it difficult for the ‘Blues’ to get back into it with a long range effort that found the back of the net. Carrig really found their stride in the second period and eagle eyed corner forward M. Malloy found the back of the net with a two goal salvo. Carrig hurled well all over the pitch and it would be hard to pick out any one individual in an excellent team performance. Carrig can look forward with confidence to the next round of the competition if they can repeat their levels of performance.

The Under 16 footballers take on Beara in the County semi-final on Saturday next. Please check Club Notice Board for details of time and venue.

CARRIG HURLERS ARE CROWNED COUNTY CHAMPIONS

BY NATHAN WALL PRO

PREMIER MINOR HURLING COUNTY FINAL:
The premier minor hurling team was crowned county champions on Sunday last after a great performance against Mallow. It was Carrig’s first half performance in which they tallied a total of 3-7 and overall performances by John Walsh, Alan Noonan, Wesley O’ Brian and Stephen Corcoran that saw Carrig beat their opponents. Carrigaline, who entered this match on the back of a titanic semi-final tussle with Sarsfields, overwhelmed Mallow from the off and the destination of this county section title, had been decided long before this encounter came to a halt. The South-East team were a commanding force from the off, with their resolute defence erecting immediate shutters and their livewire attack feeding off the good supply of ball to post an impressive first half lead. Having restricted Mallow to a mere 2 points, the contest was over as both sides left the field for their half time break. Early in the game Mallow put Carrig under a lot of pressure and throughout the entire game it was the Carrig backs who had won the battle in that area, holding Mallow to 1-3 after 60 minutes of hurling isn’t such a bad thing with the 1-3 coming from corner forward S Quilligan. Full back John Walsh was a colossal force in defence offering leadership and strength. Their half back line was excellent with Alan Noonan having a superb game of hurling. While Wesley O’ Brian and Peter Ronayne inserted some classy movements into the game. However their star turn was Stephen Corcoran, operating at corner forward it was Corcoran who made the sport of hurling so easy, he tormented the Mallow full back line all afternoon as he casually and adeptly knocked over scores from all angels. His three-point burst in as many minutes before half time was a real standout. This match was a tough and frustrating one for Mallow as they tried in vain to score some second half goals. The concession of three first half goals were a major blow to Mallow. Corcoran’s adroit flick registered the first, Paul Campbell’s persistence provided the second while Timmy Kenneally pounced for Carrig’s third. What exacerbated Mallow’s plight was the fact that the goals were a combination of opportunistic carrig finishing and hesitant Mallow defending. What Mallow needed in the second half was goals and a lot of them if they wanted to win the game. Yet again they piled the pressure on the Carrig defence, who stood tall and rose to the challenge and all that Mallow could score was 1-1 in the second half. There were some other chances for goals with luck and some great defending on Carrig’s side. Young Corcoran finished with 3 late points to finish off proceedings in a fitting manner. The lads now face the tough task of playing The Glen in the county proper final next Sunday and by god are they up for this game. For the past few years this team as it progressed through the underage were very unlucky in many county finals, and to see the delight on the players faces after the game said it all, this is what is sport is about and I have belief that with these lads being Carrigaline Gaa clubs future that we will have a lot more successful days out. Personally I want to congratulate every single player and to the Management of this team for getting the lads this far, the year is not over yet for these lads with next Sunday been very important. Scorers: Stephen Corcoran 1-9 (0-2f), Timmy Kenneally 1-1, Paul Campbell 1-0, Wesley O’ Brian 0-2, Ray Keohane, Creagh Neville and Tony Murphy 0-1 each. Team: Shane Barry, Colin Touhy, John Walsh, Conor Hurley, Joe Moran, Ray Keohane, Alan Noonan, Peter Ronayne, Mitch Cuddihy, Creagh Neville, Wesley O’ Brian, Tony Murphy, Stephen Corcoran, Timmy Kenneally, Paul Campell. Subs used: John Cowhig for Joe Moran and Stephen O’ Regan for Timmy Kenneally.
Great credit must be extended to Fermoy Gaa club for the condition of the pitch, the pitch and grounds were in great condition and both clubs couldn’t ask for a better sod for a match.
OTHER NEWS:
Well done to the Junior 2 city league football who have qualified for the Junior 2 league final. They had a great victory over Ballypehane and are waiting on the winners of Nemo and Ballinure to play the final. This Sunday the 20th November sees the Premier Minor hurling team play then Glen in the county proper final, the venue and time has not been decided to look out for notices in the village for venue. The support for the lads in their past two games has been excellent but the turn out for Sundays game was amazing. Lets hope the lads get the same support this Sunday, as they want to finish the year in style. Bingo every Sunday evening at 2000 in the club pavilion.
FIXTURES: SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER (VENUE TBA): PREMIER MINOR HURLING COUNTY PROPER FINAL: CARRIGALINE V’S GLEN ROVERS. Please check notice boards around the village and club for venue and time for this game.

MINOR HURLERS REACH COUNTY FINAL AFTER OUTSTANDING DISPLAY
BY NATHAN WALL PRO

PREMIER MINOR HURLING SEMI- FINAL:
The premier minor hurling team of Carrigaline reached the final of the county final after a nail biting game of hurling against a very good Sars team played in Riverstown on Sunday morning. The game which was previously fixed for Ballygarvan was changed to Riverstown after both clubs decided to toss for home or away advantage but Carrigaline lost the toss so faced the tough task of playing this game on Sars home soil. In the game, which was nail biting to the end and provided some magnificent scores it was the Carrig team of pure heart and believe that progressed to next Sundays County final versus Mallow. The home team started the better with their forward line causing major headaches for the Carrig defence and early on in the game goalkeeper Shane Barry was put to the test and he pulled off some fine saves but after six minutes a shot form Sars corner forward which was looking like a point suddenly ended up in the top corner of the net with Shane Barry having no chance of saving this shot. The real heart and spirit of this team was put to the test and without a doubt the Carrig lads rose to the challenge and a super point from Man of the match Joe Moran put Carrig on the scoreboard. The home side registered a point straight away until young Stephen Corcoran put another point on the board for Carrig even though his effort could have sailed into the top corner. In a game, which turned out, to be a cracker the poor pitch conditions did not bare any effect on the outcome and yet again it was Moran who got Carrig’s second point with a well taken point. After this Corcoran scored a tight angled point after a great pass by Wesley O’ Brian and the visitors began to settle after this. A pointed free from Corcoran put nothing between the sides. But like throughout the game Sars responded immediately to every Carrig score and the sides were level within minutes. And then came the second of six goals, Peter Roynane who is only recently back from injury drilled his fine effort into the roof of the net to put Carrig ahead and yet another two goals followed within five minutes. The first was from Carrig after a fine catch from Wesley O’ Brian and his effort was saved by the Sars keeper who sadly saw his save hit his own leg and roll into the net but immediately the keepers pin pointed puck out ended up in the Carrigaline net to leave nothing in this game. Further points from both clubs and a super save from Shane Barry was the highlight of the final moments of the first half and as the teams left the pitch at half time Carrig were ahead by the slightest of margins. Half time score Sars 2-4 Carrigaline 2-5. At the start of the second half a Joe Moran pointed free put Carrig on the road victory but Sars yet again registered two great points. It was yet again Joe Moran who got Carrig’s next score with an outstanding point from play and never in my life have I seen such an extradionary individual performance from a hurler. Corner forward Stephen Corcoran pointed from a free to put the blue and yellow further ahead but then we witnessed Sars at their best, four unanswered points from the home club put them two points clear and the large Carrigaline support began to think the worst until substitute Simon O’ Brian buried his shot to the back of the net, this fine score was set up at midfield by Kennelly who passed to Tony Murphy who then layed off a great pass to Stephen Corcoran who then passed to the anxious O’ Brian who expertly slotted his effort to the net and the traveling supporters let an outstanding roar to which was probably score of the game. With only five minutes ticking away of normal time yet again Sars pointed from a place ball to level the game and in the dying moments after chances at both ends Corcoran could have sealed victory for his club but his effort sailed centimeters wide. Referee Diarmuid Kirwan then blew his whistle to mark the end of the game with both teams level this cracker was going into extra time with both teams in the day deserving finalists but as the game goes their can only be one winner. The full time score was Carrigaline 3-8 Sars 2-11. The first half of extra time saw both teams eagerly trying to score points but failed to do so and it wasn’t until the seventh minute of the first half till Sars put themselves a point clear. As the pitch began to give way all players found the going tough but still managed to provide the likely candidates of a heart attack a possible one with the great entertainment provided. Then Carrig were awarded a free after young Simon O’ Brian was fouled, up stepped Corcoran who everybody in the facility of the grounds thought was going to easily tie the game with a point, but the young man decided to make amends for his failed effort late on in the second half and drilled his fine effort into the back of the net to the disgust of the Glanmire men. At the start of the second half the home side pointed to put nothing between the sides but as throughout the game Carrig replied with a point from Simon O’ Brian and then came probably the score of the game, not mind probably the winning point, young Roynane soled up the wing from his own 45m line and when he reached the other 45m line he decided from a tight angel to drill his effort over the bar to the delight of the Carrigline supporters. It looked like yet again that Carrig were going to win the game after this as they were 3 points clear but the never say die attitude which was well seen by both clubs kicked into effect. Two unanswered points from the Glanmire side put only a point in the game and as the game looked well over after a Stephen Corcoran pointed from the placed sliothar. Then came the heartache for the home side, they were awarded a free from the 45m line and as the game was in injury time they only had one option which was a goal, the free taker placed a high ball in on top of the square which rattled the upright and the resulting shot from the Sars full forward was superbly saved by Barry, and as he burst out the wing, the ref blew the final whistle to the joy of the Carrig crowd and heartache to the home supporters. Both sides have to be congratulated on this cracking encounter that had every body on their feet. Another statement which has to be said is the contribution of Joe Moran on the day, he scored 4 outstanding points and throughout the game played out of his skin, every player played their part in this game and every single player on the Carrigaline panel should be congratulated on a tremendous performance. The final is fixed for Sunday 13th of November in Fermoy @ 1430 against Mallow. I beg the people of Carrigaline to come out and support this team as they move one step closer to winning silverware. Support from everyone in the locality welcomed as the lads near their goals set out at the start of the year. Well done to all involved and from everyone within the club BEST OF LUCK IN THE FINAL.
FIXTURES:
SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER: PREMIER MINOR HURLING COUNTY FINAL: CARRIGALINE V’S MALLOW: PROVIOUSLY FIXED FOR FERMOY @ 1430.