Intermediate and Junior Hurlers advance
HURLERS ENJOY FIRST ROUND SUCCESS
Both the intermediate and Junior hurlers tasted first round success over the weekend. The Intermediate were first out last Thursday in Caherlag in their first Championship outing in the Premier grade. This was an important game for this team after winning last year’s Championship and stepping up a level. Playing St. Catherine’s who were coming down from the Senior ranks was never going to be easy but after a nervous finish Carrigaline were well worth their three point victory.
Then on Sunday evening The Junior Hurlers started their campaign against Valley Rovers in Belgooly in what turned out to be a close encounter. A Brian Irwin goal in the second half was a major factor in the Carrigaline victory despite having lost two of their starting fifteen due to injuries in the first ten minutes. So it was a good start to both Championship campaigns and both teams now eagerly await the third round draw.
CARRIGALINE 1-16 ST CATHERINES 1-13
A first half which yielded thirteen points, a goal from Creagh Neville after the break and a top class save from Eoin O’Sullivan were the main reasons that Carrigaline are in the draw for the third round of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship and not having to worry about the threat of relegation. Simon O’Brien scored Carrigaline’s first point in this grade and by the time the half was over all six forwards were on the score sheet plus Peter Ronayne in the middle of the field and Joe Moran from centre back who put over a free from well within his own half of the pitch. Simon added two more from frees in between a number of Catherine’s points before points from David Drake, Wes O’Brien and Tony Murphy meant Carrigaline took a firm grip of the game. The Carrigaline half back line Joe Moran in particular, were strong under the high ball being sent to their opponents attack and this laid the platform for the Carrig superiority. As the half wore on Carrig had further points from Simon O’Brien frees, Peter Ronayne, Ray Keohane and Creagh Neville meant that Carrig went in at the break 0-13 to 0-6 to the good.
The second half started well for Carrigaline with a pointed free from Simon O’Brien and then a well taken Creagh Neville goal. Joe Moran added another free shortly after to leave Carrigaline 1-15 to 0-7 in front and seemingly in total control. But Catherine’s had other ideas and used all their experience in taking control of the game and whittling away at the Carrig lead. They goaled in the ninth minute and continued to add points ensure a tense finish. Simon O’Brien added another free, Carrigaline’s last score of the game, in the fourteenth minute but still Catherine’s peppered the Carrigaline goal. A top drawer save and clearance from Eoin O’Sullivan with time running out kepf Carrig in the lead and some strong defensive work at the death ensured Carrigaline victory on a scoreline of 1-16 to 1-13. The victory ensures Premier status for another year and the knowledge that this team is able to compete in this grade. TEAM; E O’Sullivan, C Lynch, G Dillon, T O’Connor, j Cowhig, J Moran, C Hurley, P Murphy, P Ronayne, W O’Brien, R Keohane, S O’Brien, D Drake, T Murphy, C Neville. SUBS; N Murphy, G Harrington.
CARRIGALINE 1-9 VALLEY ROVERS 0-8
Despite having to make two enforced substitutions in the first ten minutes of the game Carrigaline settled well to come out on top of this JAHC tie. Brendan O’Driscoll’s accuracy from frees in a difficult wind gave Carrigaline the edge and when half time sub Brian Irwin put the sliotar into the Valley’s net Carrig never looked back. TEAM; M O’Mahony, P Donnellan, A O’Keeffe, S Noonan, A Noonan, D Bagnall, D Coughlan, S O’Regan, CJ O’Sullivan, C Barry, D O’Regan, B O’Driscoll, N Coakley, J McCarthy, P Campbell. SUBS; J Keohane, A Lynch, B Irwin.
La na gClub
The La na gClub day will take place next Sunday in the club, The day will begin with a Blessing of the club grounds and the raising of the 125 flag. During the day there will be street league games, novelty games, a dunk tank, a photo exhibition, a Scor exhibition, a pig on the spit and much more. Hopefully the weather will be good on the day and will mean that a big attendance is assured. It is Carrigalines way of marking this special anniversary so we are calling on all club members and their families to call in during the day and sample the atmosphere.