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Month Ended – January & February 2016
AGM 2016- 7/1
The AGM of the club in preparation for 2016 took place in the Grace McCarthy Rooms on Thursday night last before a good sized attandance. The outgoing chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer gave their very detailed and comprehensive reports to the meeting.
All outgoing officers of the Executive were returned unopposed, with the exception of one or two positions. The outgoing Vice Chairperson Declan O'Neill did not put his name forward – Kieran Lynam resumes his role as Vice Chairperson. Dave O'Neill stepped down as players rep and a replacement will be appointed hopefully next week when training for the season ahead resumes. The two outgoing SE Board representatives John Hanley and Declan O'Neill stepped down and the club will have to find replacements for them over the next 2 weeks.
Michael Kidney was elected as the football manager while Colin Brady was elected as the hurling manager. The outgoing u21 hurling selectors of Colin Brady, Jonathan Tuohy and Aidan O'Leary were returned while it was decided by the meeting that the minor selectors for 2016 will look after the u21 football, which will be played around March, coinciding with the beginning of the minor season.
The Chairperson reported on the ongoing fundraising efforts for the clubs major redevelopment project which is hoped will commence this year also.
James McCarthy RIP (Feb 2nd)
On Monday night the very sad news of the death of James McCarthy, late of Loughbeg, broke.
He passed away after a long illness, bravely borne, in far away Alaska. We all mourn and regret his death at the age of 39 years.
Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to his parents Dick and Val, sister Triona and brothers Peter and John.
James was a member of an old and hugely respect Ringaskiddy family steeped in rich tradition. His outgoing and extroverted manner endeared him to everybody but the call of the sea in distant Alaska, where he fished in the wild waters of The Berring Straights, was his chosen vocation.
Like his father, he played hurling and Football with Shamrocks. He was always up for the challenge and never found wanting, especially when a big effort was required. He loved the game of hurling and in his spare time and for recreation he always had his hurley and sliotar.
It is sad and lonesome for all of who knew him, that he has dies so far away from his beloved Loughbeg, but we all know very well that his rich spirit will always be near.
In his final journey may his boat sail into a calm harbour where he will be at peace.
JAFL V Courcey Rovers – 21/2
Shamrocks 5-11, Courcey Rovers 0-5
Shamrocks got their league campaign off to a winning start with this victory over a clearly weakened Courcey Rovers team. The pattern of the game was very similar to the league game played almost 12 months back and will resemble nothing like the championship matches that both will play later on in the year. Shamrocks were always in control of the game and led 2-6 to 0-1 at halftime; with a nice spread of scorers including Brian Sweeney and Seanán Collins alongside points from new captain Barry Mulqueen, Mark Hitchmough, David Andrews and Andrew O'Grady.
Courcey Rovers got a couple of early points in the second half but Shamrocks got on top again and registered more scores from Sweeney, Collins and Philip Brady (goals) and further points from Brady, Sweeney and Mickey Prout. Much tougher tests lie ahead for sure. Training continues this week with a possibility of a challenge match next weekend.
Team: F. O'Neill, S. Andrews, S. Hurley, J. Browne, S. Kidney, C. Kidney, M. Hitchmough, A. McCarthy, B. Mulqueen, D. Andrews, M. Prout, A. O'Grady, S. Collins, B. Sweeney, R. Twomey. Sub used – P. Brady.
JAFL V Tracton – 27/2
Shamrock 1-14, Tracton 2-6
This well contested league game was close for much of the hour with Tracton leading 1-5 to 1-4 at halftime. In the second half Shamrocks changed their game and played more direct football and the scores came regularly. With ten minutes to go Shamrocks led 1-11 to 1-6 but a well taken goal from Tracton closed the gap to two points. The Shamrocks reaction was to lift their game and they kicked three splendid points to record a merited win.
Team: F. O'Neill, S. Andrews, S. Hurley, J. Browne, D. Hayes, C. Kidney, J. Shanahan, B. Mulqueen, M. Hitchmough, A. O'Grady, M. Prout, D. Andrews, R. Twomey, B. Sweeney, S. Collins. Subs. S. Kidney, M. Jordan, D. O'Neill.
Week Ended – 13th March 2016
U16 CFL V St Vincents – 5/3
Shamrocks 4-7 , St Vincents 6-9
Shamrocks started our season last Saturday in Shanbally where we played a strong St. Vincents side in the U16 C league. We held our own in the first half but found the going difficult in the second period when we played against a very strong wind. Great credit is due to the players and to Tim Hayes & Jed for running the line. A lot of our players are just out of the U14 age group and is a credit to them that they put up such a good performance against a much stronger and bigger team. The final score was 6-09 to 4-07. We travel to play Castlelyons this Sunday where we hope to see more players turn out for the club.
MCFL V St Vincents – 6/3
Shamrocks 5-15, St Vincents 2-2
The minor footballers got off to a winning start against St Vincents second team in Shanbally on Sunday afternoon. The conditions were poor for both teams but the players on duty give it their best shot and there was no doubting Shamrocks victory in the end.
Shamrocks (wearing their changed strip of green, white and black to avoid a colour clash with our visitors) were slow enough to settle but a couple of goals midway through the first half settled them down and enabled them to dictate matters from then on. Playing up against the hill, Shamrocks controlled possession and it was obvious that it was only a matter of time until St Vincents caved in, despite their brave efforts. Shamrocks led 2-5 to 1-0 at halftime.
St Vincents mounted a mini revival of sorts just after halftime with a quickfire 1-1 but Shamrocks reasserted; they finished much the stronger and tagged on 2-6 in the last 15 minutes without reply to stamp their authority on things. There was a nice spread of scorers throughout the team. Overall, a workman like display, job done, with plenty more in the tank for sure. Players used: C. Corkery, J. Lynam, D. Barry, J. O'Keeffe, C. Scriven, D. O'Mahony, M. Hitchmough, D. Andrews, A. O'Grady, S. Flavin, K. Murphy, C. Hayes, C. Murphy.
John Twomey (Ringaskiddy) Presentation – 12/3
John Twomey (Ringaskiddy) last month won top prize in the Cork GAA Clubs Draw, a Kia Rio. It continued a remarkable run of success for our memebers following on from last years success by Diarmuid Murphy in the April draw 2015 and many others. John officially received his prize today from Pearse Murphy (Tressurer of the Cork Co Board) and John Coleman of Coleman Motors, Milstreet who sponsor the prize each month. We also had other members of the clubs adult and juvenile executive and some of our current players.
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Award 1 Coaching Course -12/3
Well done to all 21 coaches who have participated in and completed the Award 1 coaching course in the club over the past two Saturdays. The course was 16 hours long so required a decent level of committment. Shamrocks had members from mostly the Juvenile section and Girls Football and it was great to see six members of our current minors (or just out of minor) making vital contributions and completing the course.
Shamrocks are now hopefully set up for many years of top level coaching with up to 90% of our current Juvenile team mentors at Award 1 level – you will travel very far before you will meet a figure like that. Also, thanks to the two tutors who facilitated the course over the past two weekends – Brendan O'Driscoll (St Finbarrs) and Shamrocks own Pa Andrews.
14 Football Challenge V Ballinhassig – 13/3
Shamrocks and Ballionhassig played out am football challenge on Sunday morning in Shanbally. The Shamrocks mentors of Pa Andrews and Jed O'Flaherty were very happy with the turnout and performance of the players with some lovely football being played throughout. Thanks to Ballinhassig for travelling down for the game and hopefully it sets up both teams for their respective league games. Shamrocks start next Saturday away to Lisgoold.
U16 CFL V Castlelyons – 13/3
Shamrocks 3-13, Castlelyons 4-2
Our U16 footballers had a great win last Sunday in Castlelyons in the second round of the U16 football league. Both teams were evenly matched through out this contest and Shamrocks only pulled clear in injury time when they scored two very late goals.
Shamrocks started well and had the better of the earlier exchanges but was finding it difficult to get scores on the board. Castlelyons got two qick goals before the interval leaving us trailing at half time on a score line of 2-01 to 0-05. Words of encouragment were given to the players and sure enough when the game resumed they dominated all over the pitch. Some lovely points were scored from play. We were five points to the good when Castlelyons were awarded a late penalty which they converted to leave just two points in it. A great interception by Evan Seymour in goal for Shamrocks resulted in play switching to the other end and after a great move, Seán Andrews found the back of the net to leave Shamrocks with breathing space again. Shane Downey pounced on a poor clearance from the kick out and he also scored a goal to leave Shamrocks winning by eight points in the end. Special word of praise must go to Tim Hayes and Jed O' Flaherty who led the side line with these lads.
Team, Evan Seymour, Jody Sisk, Cathal Murphy, Mark Sisk, Nikita (0-01), Daniel O Mahony, Cillian Hayes(0-06), Dylan O Flaherty(0-02), Shane Downey(2-03), James O'Callaghan (0-01), Cillian O Mahony, Seán Andrews(1-00).
Week Ended – Sunday April 3rd
U14 FL V Lisgood – 19/3
Lisgoold 3-6, Shamrocks 2-8
Shamrocks and Lisgoold played out a cracker in Lisgoold on Saturday afternoon in Shamrocks first league game of the season and it resulted in a one point win for Lisgoold.
The teams were evenly matched all through but Shamrocks will rue the 17 wides they kicked over the hour. The scoring was low in the first half with Lisgoold leading 1-3 to 0-5 at HT with Shamrocks getting points through Harry Andrews, Shane Darcy and Adam Maye.
Shamrocks were the better team in the second half and went ahead after a great team move was finished expertly to the net by Cian O'Flaherty. Lisgoold responded almost straight away with a goal of their own to level things up but Shamrocks edged ahead by 3 points after a few points from Eoin O'Flynn (frees), and Dylan Gregson.
The game hung right in the balance with 10 minutes to go. Shamrocks scored a great Eoin O'Flynn goal to push them 3 points clear with time almost up but the home side were really pushing now and the dam broke unfortunately from a Shamrocks point of view in injury time with that last second 1-1 concession. It was a fantastic display from Shamrocks and despite the result, it argues well for the season.
Team: D. O'Brien, N. O' Sullivan, P. Dorney, C. O'Flaherty, M. Sick, A. McSweeney, D. Gregson, A. Maye, H. Andrews, S. Darcy, E. O'Flynn, J. O'Leary.
MCFL V Lee Gaels – 20/3
Lee Gaels 2-7, Shamrocks 1-10
Shamrocks played out a draw with Lee Gaels in Drispey on Sunday March 20th. Lee Gaels got a last minute point to draw the game.
U21 BFC V Kinsale – 28/3
Shamrocks 3-17, Kinsale 1-7
Shamrocks are through to the quarter finals of the B championship after beating Kinsale in Round 1 in Minane Bridge on Easter Monday. Shamrocks were always in control of this game and two early goals from David O'Sullivan and Andrew O'Grady settled them. Further points from those two players along with David Andrews, Darragh Scriven, Brendan Crowley and Aonghus Boland left them ahead at the break 2-10 to 0-3.
Kinsale were an improved team in the second half and scored 1-3 in the space of 5 minutes midway through the second half. But Shamrocks remained in control through a goal from sub Chris Hayes with further points from O'Grady, Scriven, Boland, Andrews and Shane Kelleher who had ventured up the field. They play Ballygarvan in the quarter finals.
Team: C. Corkery, S. Kidney, S. Kelleher, D. Barry, C. Scriven, C. O'Grady, M. Hitchmough, A. O'Grady, D. Andrews, A. Boland, D. Scriven, D. O'Sullivan, B. Vrowley. Subs used – J. O'Keeffe, C. Hayes, J. Lynam.
U16 FL V Brian Dillons – 28/3
Shamrocks 6-14, Brian Dillons 1-0
Shamrocks had their second win in a row of the season on Easter Monday with a comfortable win over Brian dillons in Shanbally on Easter Sunday evening to complete a good day for the club. Shamrocks were in total control from the first minute and all the players were on form, including the younger members of the panel making their debuts.
Panel on duty: B. Hughes, E. Seymour, Nikita, D. O'Flaherty, D. Allen, C. Murphy, Cillian Hayes, D. O'Mahony, S. Andrews, H. Andrews, S. Geary, C. O'Flaherty, S. Downey, S. Darcy.
MCFL V Crosshaven – 31/3
Shamrocks 6-12, Crosshaven 4-11
Shamrocks got off to a flying start against Crosshaven on a beautiful Thursday evening at a busy Shanbally pitch. They were 2-5 to 0-0 ahead after 15 minutes before Crosshaven started to come more into the game. David O'Sullivan and Chris Hayes did most of the scoring damage with some nice scores coming from other players. Crosshaven then scored 2-4 themselves to lead the HT score standing at 5-5 to 2-4 for Shamrocks.
The second half was even enough with both teams dominating. Shamrocks again started the stronger and scored 1-4 early on before Crosshaven came back into it and made a right go of cutting the defecit. They brough it back to 7 points but that was as close as it got as Shamrocks had enough work done earlier in the game to win. Hurling this Saturday at home to Vincents.
Panel: C. Corkery, C. Murphy, D. Barry, J. O'Keeffe, M. Hitchmough, D. O'Mahony, D. Andrews, Cillian Hayes, A. O'Grady, S. Flavin, Chris Hayes, D. O'Sullivan, R. Meighan, S. Fox, S. Downey, K. Murphy.
MCHL V St Vincents (B) – 2/4
Shamrocks 3-20, St Vincents (B) 0-10
Shamrocks hurlers started off the league year with a comfortable win over St Vincents second team in Shanbally on Saturday evening. St Vincents were game and battled hard throughout and had some good hurlers throughout the pitch but Shamrocks found the scores much easier to come by and 20 points is impressive shooting no matter what the level of the game.
Andrew O'Grady and the impressive Matthew Fleming were the first half goal scorers for Shamrocks who led 2-9 to 0-5 at HT. Chris Hayes, Cillian Hayes, Ruairí Meighan (some great long range shooting), David Andrews, Mark Hitchmough, O'Grady again and Fleming with his second goal completed the scoring as Shamrocks eased to the win. This was the players second game in 3 days and they responded well to the challenge.
Team: C. Scriven, C. Murphy, D. Barry, J. O'Keeffe, M. Hitchmough, R. Meighan, A. O'Grady, Cillian Hayes, D. Andrews, S. Downey, Chris Hayes, M. Fleming.
Week Ended – Sunday April 10th
U16 CHL V Laochra Óg – 4/4
Laochra Óg 5-11, Shamrocks 6-7
Our first U16 hurling league game was played in Shanbally and resulted in a 1 point defeat to Laochra Óg team. Both teams found the heavy ground conditions tough going.
Laochra scored some early scores but the excellent combination of Cillian Hayes and Seán Andrews kept us within touching distance as the half time whistle approached. Daniel O' Mahony was put on a man marking job on their excellent full forward and coped very well throughout. A great goal scored by Seán Browne had only 4 points in it at half time. Shane Downey in the half forward line was causing their defense all sorts of problems. He scored an excellent goal and this was followed by another from Luke O Driscoll.
Both teams were tiring in the heavy pitch as full time was approaching. Sam Geary scored two late goals to leave just a point between the sides in injury time. Alas we couldn't find the equaliser. Still in all it was a great team performance and everyone can feel proud of themselves. Team: Harry Andrews, Cathal Murphy, Evan Seymour, Jody Sisk, Daniel O Mahony, Dylan O'Flaherty, Seán Browne (1-00), Seán Andrews (0-02), Shane Downey(1-02), Cillian Hayes (1-03), Luke O Driscoll (1-00) Daniel Allen, Sam Geary (2-00), Mark Sisk.
U12 CFL V Tracton – 5/4
Tracton 2-3, Shamrocks 1-5
Our first Football league game of the season took us to Minane Bridge. We dominated the game for the most part but unfortunately came away with a 1 point defeat.
We failed to score in the first half despite having a number of good scoring chances. The 2nd half performance was much improved and we led by 3 points half way through the half.
However, we conceded 1-1 in double quick time to trail by 1 point.
Despite peppering the Tracton goal for the last 10 minutes, we couldn't muster up an equaliser. The lads themselves were very disappointed afterwards.
We will no doubt learn from the experience.
Panel: Derry Howard, Aidan Brady, Fionn Herlihy, Robert Barrett, Michael Foy, Dara McCormack, John Coleman, Ferdia Hayes, Nathan O'Sullivan, Aaron Clarke, Eoin O'Flynn, Josh Bartlett, Conor Coleman, Cathal O'Brien, Sam Foy, Cathal O'Donovan.
JAHL V Courcey Rovers – 6/4
Courcey Rovers 3-14, Shamrocks 0-8
As the score suggests this was a game dominated by the visitors on a wet cold night where prevailing ground conditions were poor. Courceys fielded an experienced side that took the elements and conditions in their stride and despite some fine Shamrock efforts early on, were always likely to win.
At halftime Courceys led 1-7 to 0 -1.
Shamrocks hoped for better in the second half with the wind in their favour. It was Courceys who lifted their game and were in a commanding lead with nine minutes to go when Shamrocks were registering their first second half score. Shamrocks finished in a higher gear scoring six points in the remaining eight minutes.
Shamrocks fielded a rather youthful sided and this experience will surely benefit them going forward. As opposition, Courceys will always be a good yardstick.
U14 HL V St Vincents – 7/4
St Vincents 5-5, Shamrocks 0-6
St Vincents handily won the first hurling league game of the year in Shanbally on Thursday night. Shamrocks preparations for the game were disrupted for various reasons and one could see that they were slow to get to the pace of the game, especially in the first half when St Vincents did most of their damage. Shamrocks played with the strong breeze in the first half but it was Vincents who hurled the better and seemed to control matters. They threatened scores way more than Shamrocks and went in ahead at HT leading 3-3 to 0-4. The Shamrocks scores came from Seán and Harry Andrews.
Shamrocks were more competitive in the second half without ever threatening to make a comeback. St Vincents scored 2 goals straight after after HT to put the game to bed. Shamrocks kept at it and never gave up. One or two goalscoring chance went narrowly wide before Harry Andrews scored 2 points late on.
Team: E. O'Flynn, F. Herlihy, D. Gregson, C. O'Flaherty, M. Sisk, A. McSweeney, T. Sheehan, H. Andrews, P. Dorney, M. Foy, A. Maye, D. O'Brien, J. Coleman. Sub used – S. Andrews
U12 FL V Cill na Martra – 9/4
Shamrocks 6-12, Cill na Martra 2-5
We welcomed our Gaeltacht friends to Shanbally this afternoon. The first half was evenly matched but two late Cill na Martra goals gave them a lead of 5 points at the break.
A number of switches were made and we took off in the 2nd half – well done Stephen Keane!!
A scoring burst half way through made the game safe for us. This was a much improved performance from the Tracton game – there was a good spread of scorers which is welcome!
We were missing a couple of older lads but younger lads like Sam Foy & Cathal O'Donovan came in and did very well.
Thank you to all parents, grandparents, siblings & friends for your support.
We're up and running now and have great hopes for this team!
Squad: Aaron Clarke, Aidan Brady, Dara McCormack, Nathan O'Sullivan, Sam Foy, Declan Carroll, Michael Foy, Jack O'Leary, Ferdia Hayes, Josh Bartlett, Cathal O'Donovan, Derry Howard, Robert Barrett & Eoin O'Flynn.
JAHL V Tracton – 13/4
Tracton 2-14, Shamrocks 0-9
Another sizeable defeat for our Junior Hurlers, who could have won this one if their shooting was better and an opening half hour to match the second half.
Some players were playing their first game of the season and we had some regulars unavailable. This enabled other players to enter the fray from the start. But start is the operative word and we were very slow to get into the pace and thrust of the game for most of the opening period. Tracton had a fine team in action and they hurled with hunger, skill, force and determination.
In the second half Shamrocks were now beginning to incorporate these characteristics and what a difference it made. Some poor finishing around the Tracton goalmouth and the lack of a reliable freetaker made an attainable victory unlikely. Our finishing lacked the killer instinct. It was disappointing to see so many fine chances go wayward.
The older the wine, the better, and this was surely true of outstanding centre back Senan Collins who led and hurled with great gusto and determination, registering some great long range points as well. Our younger players will need some time to upgrade and adjust to traditional Junior hurling which was typical of their Tracton opponents.
U14 HL V Aghada – 14/4
Aghada 4-10, Shamrocks 5-5
That first win of the season is only a game or two away after a great effort away to Aghada on Wednesday evening. Numbers are tight in the hurling but all players are making themselves available which is a good sign going forward – and the level or performance was a step up on the previous week.
These were two evenly enough matched teams for the entire game. Both teams led at different stages, the largest being 7 points for Aghada in the first half; however Shamrocks were in battling mode on this occasion and fought back through goals from Eoin O'Flynn and Philip Dorney. Aghada led 3-3 to 2-2 at HT.
Shamrocks played their best hurling after the break and went ahead courtesy of 2 goals from Mark Sisk and points from Sisk, Adam Maye and Seán Andrews. However, Aghada's greater natural hurling ability came through towards the end and despite a Seán Andrews goal, Aghada held on for the win after a very exciting game.
The mentors were pleased with the players attitude and performance.
U21 BFC Quarter Final V Ballygarvan – 16/4
Ballygarvan 4-7, Shamrocks 2-11
Shamrocks were knocked out of the championship by Ballygarvan in Minane Bridge on Saturday afternoon. This was a strange game with both teams playing sweepers, double sweepers and players all over the place.
Shamrocks threatened to run away with it early on and opened up a 1-5 to 0-1 lead in the early stages and were full value for it. Every time they got the ball into the forwards they scored. Ballygarvan reasserted themselves and fought back onto it and scored 3-3 to haul themselves right back into the game at HT in a very open game. At that point Shamrocks led 2-8 to 3-3.
The second half was bizarre. It was very congested around the middle and Ballygarvan had all the possession but scores were very hard to come by for both teams. On the few occasions Shamrocks attacked, they struck the post once and squandered 2 other quilt-edged goal chances as well.
From a Shamrocks point of view, one just knew that something wrong was going to happen and with 8 minutes to go, Ballygarvan finally got through for the all important score when a high ball in wasn't dealt with and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Ballygarvan were ahead for the first time in the game.
Both teams exchanged points but the damage had been done and Ballygarvan held on to advance to the semi final.
Team: C. Corkery, S. Kelleher, S. Kidney, C. O'Grady, M. Hitchmough, D. Barry, C. Scriven, A. O'Grady, D. Scriven, A. Boland, D. Andrews, B. Crowley, D. O'Sullivan. Sub used – C. Hayes.
U12 HL V Grenagh – 17/4
We travelled to Grenagh with a very young team last Monday evening. Despite that, we were well in control of the game up to the last 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, we conceded 2 goals and 1 point in that time resulting in a narrow defeat.
We are short of numbers in hurling at this age group which is disappointing. Nevertheless, we'll persevere with the lads that turn up and hopefully we'll improve in time.
We are overdue a win and if we continue to perform as we did here, then we're not far away from that.
Special thanks to Cian Lynch & Barry O'Mahony who made the journey at short notice; which meant we were able to fulfill the fixture.
Team – Cian Lynch, Michael Foy, Sam Foy, Robert Barrett, Fionn Herlihy, Aidan Brady, John Coleman, Conor Coleman, Eoin O'Flynn, Barry O'Mahony, Cathal O'Donovan, Ferdia Hayes.
MFL V Lisgoold – 21/4
Shamrocks 5-16, Lisgoold 2-13
No report available
U14 FL V St Catherines – 21/4
Shamrocks 4-14, St Catherines 3-7
The u14 footballers made the long trip to Ballynoe on Thursday night and made it count with a great second half display. This was a good game between 2 good teams and Shamrocks took a while to get into the game after St Catherines went 1-2 ahead early on. Shamrocks responded with Cian O'Flaherty and Harry Andrews goals and a few points from Seán Andrews and Harry Andrews. Shamrocks were under pressure in the backs all through and were constantly making adjustments to stymie the dangerous St Catherines forwards. Daniel O'Brien in the Shamrocks goal made some smart saves as well at times. Shamrocks led 2-4 to 1-5 at HT with it all to play for in the second half.
Shamrocks dominated the early part of the second half and built up a 6 point lead 10 minutes in. However, St Catherines refused to give up and dominated the next 7 minutes to actually go back into the lead with 15 minutes left, 3-7 to 3-6. This is when some astute positional switches kicked in and the Shamrocks players took over, scoring a flurry of points and a goal from sub Eoin O'Flynn to seal the win. Mark Sisk, Tim Sheehan and the two Andrews were the points scorers.
The one disappointing thing from the night was the (accidental) hand injury suffered by the captain Dylan Gregson which necessitated his removal from the game early on. Dylan is a cast after the incident and the club wishes him a full and speedy recovery.
Panel: D. O'Brien, J. Coleman, D. Gregson, D. Carroll, A. McSweeney, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, T. Sheehan, A. Maye, S. Andrews, S. Darcy, H. Andrews, C. O'Flaherty, F. Herlihy, E. O'Flynn, M. Foy.
JAFL V Ballygarvan – 22/4
Shamrocks 3-11, Ballygarvan 3-9
Shamrocks played their first match in 2 months on Friday night and battled to a tight win over Ballygarvan. It was a closem contest all through and could have gone either way but when Ballygarvan drew things back to within a point towards the end on a few occasions, Shamrocks were able to respond with vital points at the other end.
After the teams exchanged early frees, the game came to life with a flurry of goals from both teams. Andrew O'Grady scored Shamrocks first goal but this was cancelled out by not one but two Ballygarvan piledrivers within a minute of each other. Ballygarvan in front but then Shamrocks went down the field and scored two goals of their own through full forward Brian Sweeney. The teams exchanged points up until halftime, at which point Shamrocks led 3-5 to 2-5.
Ballygarvan scored from a penalty shortly after halftime after Shamrocks had gone 4 clear. The game got somewhat scrappy thereafter with Ballygarvan having most of the possession and scoring the odd point but Shamrocks were able to respond each time. The 2 point margin that existed throughout the second half remained until the final whistle, thanks to points from Joe Shanahan, Mark Hitchough and Chris O'NEill and a great save from keeper Fergus O'Neill in the Shamrocks goal.
Team: F. O'Neill, J. Tuohy, S. Hurley, S. Andrews, M. Hitchmough, C. Kidney, J. Browne, B. Mulqueen, A. McCarthy, D. Scriven, J. Shanahan, A. O'Grady, S. Collins, B. Sweeney, R. Twomey. Subs used – M. Jordan, S. Cunningham, D. Hayes, D. O'Neill, R. Harrington.
Noah Sisk wins Shamrocks Lotto – April 2015
The Shamrock Hurling & Football Club's Lotto Jackpot was won last week by one of Ringaskiddy's youngest citizens. Two year old Noah Sisk scooped the big prize.
The winner's cheque was presented to Noah and his parents at the FBI Bar, where the lucky ticket was purchased.
Noah comes with a huge Hurling pedigree and many of his ancestors were leaders in the GAA.
His paternal Grandfather Raymond Sisk, was one of Shamrock's most talented hurlers. He played Junior, Intermediate and Senior Hurling with Cork and lined out with Christy Ring.
His maternal Grandfather was Martin Kidney who collected two Harty Cup medals playing hurling with The North Mon. One of his team colleagues in those days 1934|35 was the one and only Jack Lynch.
His paternal great Grandfather Paddy Sisk had a truly outstanding and distinguished career in the GAA. He played with Shamrocks and was a Club Secretary. He was one of the founding fathers of the South-East Board and was elected Hon. Secretary in 1935 and held the post for 34 years.
He was Chairman of the Cork County School Shields Board for 12 years. He was a Cork Hurling Selector and numerous occasions. Between MInor, Junior and Intermediate he was involved with eight All Ireland Winning teams.
Of course his paternal Grandmother Mrs. Shiela Sisk represented Shamrocks as a solo singer in Scor competitions on many occasions and won County Titles.
If he was a horseAidan O'Brien and Willie Mullins would be paying him a call.
Present for the ceremony were Noah's parents Padraic and Lisa, his brother Aaron, his Grandmother Shiela Sisk. The presentation was made by Mrs. Geraldine Twomey, representing the Club's Lotto Committee and Chris Davis represented the FBI Bar
Little Noah Sisk receives his prize as winner of the recent Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto from draw co-ordinator Geraldine Twomey in Ringaskiddy last weekend. Also pictured are John Twomey, Club Treasurer; Padraic, Aaron and Lisa Sisk; Chris Davis, Ferryboat Inn and Shiela Sisk. Picture: Howard Crowdy
Week Ended – Sunday May 1st, 2016
U16 FL V Kiltha Óg – 26/4
Shamrocks 6-12, Kiltha Óg 2-4
Shamrocks had a comfortable win over Kiltha Óg on Tuesday evening in Castlemartyr. After losing their first league game of the year, the lads have responded well to the mentors of Tim Hayes, John Twomey and Jed O'Flaherty's help and have won 3 matches in a row. There is great team spirit being shown throughout the team and while numbers are reasonably tight, they are now top of the table. Thanks to the players and parents for their enthusiasm so far. This was their last game before the break for exams and we'll take this opportunity to wish any players doing their Junior Cert the best of luck. Its hoped to keep ticking over by doing one session a week going forward.
JAFL V Belgooly – 26/4
Shamrocks 4-14, Belgooly 1-7
No report available but news filtered through that Darragh O'Sullivan and Roy Twomey did most of the scoring damage for Shamrocks who recorded a good win.
U14 FL V Fr O'Neills – 28/4
Shamrocks 2-8, Fr O'Neills 1-5
The u14 footballers got their second win a in a row on Thursday evening with a hard fought win over the visitors from East Cork. Once again, for the second week in a row, the Shamrocks team faced into their captain being taken to hospital after only 5 minutes resulting in a total rejig of the team. And faced by a much bigger and older team playing with the strong wind, the Shamrocks players dug deep in this one, especially in the first half when playing up the hill. Before Seán Andrews went off injured, he scored Shamrocks first goal from a well struck penalty and Shamrocks led 1-2 to 0-2. The backs were playing brilliant stuff when facing the elements, snuffing out many attacks. Shamrocks bundled home another goal but Fr O'Neills finished the half with a goal of their own. At HT, Shamrocks led 2-2 to 1-2.
Shamrocks scored 0-3 early in th second half, all from play and this gave them the cushion to hang on for the rest of the macth. All 19 players who togged out played a part (13 a side) and the mentors were delighetd with the win after but more importantly the attitude of the players. Attention switches to hurling for the next 3 weeks now.
The club wishes Seán Andrews all the best with his injury, suffered early on in the game. It appeared to be a displcated finger and he was removed to hospital. All the best Sean and we hope to see you back playing very soon.
Panel: J. Coleman, S. Darcy, C. O'Flaherty, A. McSweeney, H. Andrews, S. Andrews, M. Foy, D. Carroll, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, N. O'Sullivan. E. O'Flynn, J. O'Leary, F. Herlihy, D. O'Brien, A. MAye, T. Sheehan, A. Brady, D. Howard.
U14 FL V Fr O'Neills, 28/4/16. Back row, l to r: J. Coleman, S. Darcy, C. O'Flaherty, A. McSweeney, H. Andrews, S. Andrews, M. Foy, D. Carroll, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, N. O'Sullivan. Front row l to r: E. O'Flynn, J. O'Leary, F. Herlihy, D. O'Brien, A. MAye, T. Sheehan, A. Brady, D. Howard.
U12 FL V Whitechurch – 30/4
Shamrocks travelled to Whitechurch today short a number of regulars. Nevertheless, they came away with a hard fought win, showing commendable spirit in the process.
Shamrocks played against a significant breeze in the first half.
The Shamrocks backs were excellent, restricting Whitechurch to 2-3 in a closely contested half.
Shamrocks scored 2-2 to find themselves 1 point in arrears at the break – Eoin O'Flynn with 1-2 and Jack O'Leary with 1-0.
Whitechurch enjoyed quite an amount of possession during the second half.
But for some trojan defending, Whitechurch might have been out of sight. Shamrocks found ourselves 5 points down half way through the second half and in big trouble.
They had introduced their youngest player, Cian Lynch, at half time.
Three goals in roughtly three attacks from Cian were the standout highlights of the second half.
To be fair, all players made important contributions during the game which was pleasing.
Their Manager, Stephen Keane, was delighted afterwards and congratulated each and everyone of the players for their contribution.
A fantastic win and a big boost to the lads who lost to the same opposition unlucklily in the U12 Hurling League last week.
A big thank you to all the grandparents, parents, siblings and friends who came to support us.
Next game is U12 Football League v Castlelyons next Saturday in Shanbally – texts will be sent during the week.
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aaron Clarke, Aidan Brady, Robert Barrett, Fionn Herlihy, John Coleman, Dara McCormack, Derry Howard, Jack O'Leary, Eoin O'Flynn, Conor Coleman, Cian Lynch. A big thank you also to Harry O'Leary who made himself available.
Week Ended – Sunday May 22nd, 2016
MHL V Laochra Og – 2/5
Shamrocks 5-20, Laochra Óg 1-4
U12 FL V Castlelyons – 6/5
Shamrocks 6-4, Caslelyons 3-3
Shamrocks good run continued tonight in Shanbally. The players were well up for this game from the off and held the upper hand for most of the half. They went a point down against the run of play but their reaction was exemplary. They hit 3 goals and one point before half time to lead by 4-1 to 1- 2 at the break. A number of substitutions were made coming up to half time and also at half time to facilitate all the players who turned up.
The second half was a more evenly contested game and in fairness to our opponents, they made a great effort to get back into the match.
However, Shamrocksbacks held firm and repelled most of their attacks.
The game was well over when we conceded 2 late goals and the Shamrocks keeper, Josh Bartlett, produced a fine penalty save.
Manager, Stephen Keane, was delighted with the result and congratulated all the players for their efforts.
Shamrocks have a number of young players on the panel and it would be remiss of me not to mention the progress they have made over the past number of weeks – keep it going lads!! They had a big support tonight and this was a great lift to the lads – thank you all most sincerely!
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aaron Clarke, Aidan Brady, Nathan O'Sullivan, Fionn Herlihy, Declan Carroll, John Coleman, Derry Howard, Michael Foy, Dara McCormack, Jack O'Leary, Eoin O'Flynn, Ferdia Hayes, Conor Coleman, Kieran May, Cathal O'Donovan & Sam Foy.
U8 Football Blitz – 7/5
Our first morning out took us to St. Vincents complex in the northside of the city. The inclement weather did not put off our enthusiastic young lads who gave a great exhibition of football.Due to holidays and other engagements, we had less numbers than usual but I'm sure that all those missing this week will return for future blitzes.
We played Brian Dillons, Nemo Rangers & Whitechurch. Our thanks to St Vincents for hosting the event. I also wish to thank the parents and siblings for turning out in atrocious conditions to support the lads.
A number of the younger players were togging out for Shamrocks for the first time and on first viewing, the future looks bright!!
This was the first of many blitzes over the coming months and I would encourage parents etc. to bring their child along to see first hand the fun to be had.
Panel – Calum Fitzgerald, Ollie O'Brien,Ryan Doolan, Billy Hanna, Calum O'Neill, James Keane, Donal Herlihy, David Herlihy & Shane O'Flynn.
JAFC V Valley Rovers – 10/5
Shamrocks 1-11, Valley Rovers 0-7
Truly great night for Shamrock Football where we had a team with a mission and full of purpose. They were fully focused on winning and led throughout the contest.
They made light of the consistent rain and poor underfoot conditions and their team work and great disciplined support play ensured that the Innishannon side would not take this one.
Having led 0-7 to 0-4 they started the second half containing a determined effort by their opponents. A quick piece of interplay between full forward Brian Sweeney and Roy Twomey saw the latter score a brilliant goal to shore up a good lead going into the final quarter.
This was a fifteen man effort where every player can take a bow and the three substitutes introduced all dovetailed into the cut and trust of the game instantly.
Well done to all concerned and no doubt the preparatory work and unbeaten run in the league created a serious team
U14 CHC V St Vincents – 19/5
St Vincents got the better of Shamrocks in the quarter final of the championship on Thursday evening last in Shanbally. The teams had met in the league earlier on where Vincents were easy winners but Shamrocks had done some preparation in the meantime and really put it up to the winners this time around. However, they ran out of gas in the last 10 minutes when St Vincents scored 3 goals to put a better look on the scorline from there point of view – from a Shamrocks point of view there was no way Vincents were 5 goals a better team on the night after a truly battling display from the Shamrocks lads.
The early exchanges were tight but Vincents, playing with the strong wind, started to get on top from the 15th minute until halftime and scored 3 goals and a couple of points to open up a commanding 3-5 to 0-2 lead. Shamrocks managed to give themselves hope when Daniel O'Brien scrambled in a high ball to the Vincents net to leave the score at HT St Vincents 3-5, Shamrocks 1-2.
Shamrocks needed an early goal to set a light under this game but Vincents got it and held Shamrocks at bay. However, Shamrocks had a purple patch from the 5th to the 20th minute and had Vincents on the rack, bringing the deficit back to 6 points after goals from Seán Andrews (who was brilliant throughout and caused endless problems for Vincents) and Eoin O'Flynn who had moved out from goal. Harry Andrews and Philip Dorney were also on the scoresheet for Shamrocks. With 8 minutes to go, it was St Vincents 5-6, Shamrocks 3-6 but unfortunately from a Shamrocks point of view, their attacking all-in line up at this point was caught for 3 goals right before the final whistle.
It was a great game of hurling from both sides with real championship intensity to it. For most Shamrocks players, they are so young that this was their first ever taste of championship action and they will learn lots from it. They improved immeasurably over the last month and left everything on the field against Vincents. They can be proud of their efforts.
Panel: Adan McSweeney, Adam Maye, Harry Andrews, Cian O'Flaherty, Seán Andrews, Tim Sheehan, Mark Sisk, Philip Dorney, Daniel O'Brien, Aiden Brady, Michael Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Robert Barrett, John Coleman.
Shamrocks U14 HC V St Vincents, 19/5/16. Back row, l to r: Adan McSweeney, Adam Maye, Harry Andrews, Cian O'Flaherty, Seán Andrews, Tim Sheehan, Mark Sisk, Philip Dorney. Front, l to r: Daniel O'Brien, Aiden Brady, Michael Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Robert Barrett, John Coleman.
U12 HL V Lisgoold – 20/5
Shamrocks 2-4, Lisgoold 2-1
Shamrocks secured their first win of the season at this grade. It was a fully deserved victory in very poor weather conditions. We fielded a number of younger players and the experience will stand them in good stead.
We had a lot of the play in the first half but unfortunately could not translate that into scores. We conceded 2 goals but other than that we were quite comfortable at the back.
Our midfield and forwards were breaking even with their opponents but just couldn't make the breakthrough for scores. Half time score Lisgoold 2-0 Shamrocks 0-1.
Encouraging words were spoken at half time and the lads themselves motivated each other to go for it in the second half. We conceded an early point (which was to be Lisgoold's last score) but took over for the rest of the game. We launched attack after attack and eventually got through for a couple of goals.We added a few points and on a drier day might have run riot.
In any event, a great win and the confidence gained from this victory will hopefully drive us on for the rest of the season. A number of lads played in new positions and these worked very well.
We can see improvement with every game and the plan is to train and play as much as we can.
Thank you to all our supporters who got absolutely soaked but stayed with us to the bitter end.
Panel: Sam Foy, Aidan Brady, Aaron Clarke, Ferdia Hayes, Michael Foy, Robert Barrett, John Coleman, Josh Bartlett, Derry Howard, Dara McCormack, Eoin O'Flynn, Cathal O'Donovan, Kieran May.
John Kerins Memorial U11 Football Tournament – 21/5
Shamrocks hosted the annual John Kerins Memorial u11 football tournament on Saturday morning last. Shamrocks won all 3 games they played against Crosshaven, Passage and Ballygarvan to qualify for the finals on June 18th in Páirc Ui Rinn.
Week Ended – Sunday June 5th, 2016
U12 HL v Crosshaven – 25/5
Shamrocks 3-9, Crosshaven 2-1
Shamrocks travelled to Crosshaven tonight buoyed by their win last Friday night v Lisgoold.
We were missing two of our regulars, Aidan Brady & Dara McCormack but welcomed back Fionn Herlihy following his hand injury.We also called on three of our younger players, Cian Lynch, Euan Clarke & Barry O'Mahony, to bolster our squad.
It would be fair to say that we dominated this game from start to finish in what was our best Hurling display of the year. In addition to the three younger players, we also had a further four u10 players on the team but you would not have thought it.
As predicted following the Lisgoold match, further positional changes were made for this game. Our goalkeeper, Sam Foy, was almost redundant but when called on was well up to the mark – puck outs were excellent.The full back line of Aaron and Eoin were untested really but dealt efficiently with the ball that came their way.
The half back line is gathering legendary status with Ferdia, Michael & Robert providing a very robust defence. John ploughs a lone furrow in midfield and is commended for the work rate he gets through in every game. Kieran, Josh and Derry made up our very effective half forward line. Josh scored a tremendous opening goal which settled us down.
Cathal & Fionn were in the inside line and were lively all night; Cathal scoring his very first u12 goal – well done! We kept rolling on and off the subs all through and this worked very well for us.This win puts us back into the league and if we continue to improve we may surprise a number of teams later in the summer.
A big shout out to the grandparents, parents, siblings and friends who again turned out in big numbers – we out-supported the home team yet again! Seriously, this means an awful lot to the lads and also makes our job on the sideline that little bit easier – thank you!
We're back to Football next Thursday, 2nd June, when we play Grenagh away in a crucial fixture – texts with details will follow in due course.
Panel – Sam Foy, Aaron Clarke, Eoin O'Flynn, Ferdia Hayes, Michael Foy, Robert Barrett, John Coleman, Josh Bartlett, Derry Howard, Kieran May, Cathal O'Donovan, Fionn Herlihy, Barry O'Mahony, Euan Clarke & Cian Lynch.
Shanbally NS Winning Hurling Blitz – 27/5
Congratulations to the successful Shanbally N.S hurling team who won the Carrigdhoun Hurling blitz hosted by Shamrocks GAA last Friday. The team consisted of Adam McSweeney (captain), Mark Sisk, Charlie O Brien, Michael Foy, Dara McCormick, Darragh Hayes, Tim Sheehan, Philip Dorney, Aidan Brady, Daniel O Brien, Eoin O Flynn, Ferdia Hayes, John Coleman and Robert Barrett.
They had great victories against Gurrane, Dunderrow, Summecove and Ringaskiddy to win the shield. The boys have put in a huge effort to improving their hurling skills this year and were very unlucky not to secure a place in the County Sciath na Scol finals in an extremely competitive group. It is also very encouraging to note that half of the panel are only in fourth class so hopefully there will be plenty more success to come. Well done to all the lads involved.
Our girls team were in action earlier in the week and finished runners up to Minane Bridge in their Camógie tournament that was also hosted by Shamrocks GAA. This was a fantastic result in a very competitive group.
Finally Jill Roberts has made the Cork Primary Game Football panel and will play at half time during the Cork v Tipperary Football Championship game.
Winning Shanbally NS hurlers who took part in a Primary School Blitz held in Shamrocks GAA Grounds on Friday May 25th.
U10 Football Blitz – 28/5
The Shamrocks under 10's played their first football blitz of the season in Ballygarvan on Saturday 28th May. We had a good turnout with 12 players in attendance. The lads gave a great account of themselves in all three games against Crosshaven, Sliabh Rua and Cobh with fine display of blocking, passing and tackling on show.
The panel for the day included Harry O'Leary, Euan Clarke, Sam Foy, Barry O'Mahony, Cathal O'Donovan, Charlie Nyhan, Cormac Brady, Kieran May, Matthew Nyhan, Calum Gregson, Cian Lynch and Evan Twomey. A big thank you to the parents and older siblings who turned out in force to support the team. Also a mention to Andrew O'Grady and Mark Hitchmough from the Shamrocks under 21 panel who gave up their morning to help with mentoring and refereeing.
Shamrocks U10 Football Panel who took part in the blitz in Ballygarvan on 28/5/16
U12 FL V Grenagh – 2/6
Grenagh 5-4, Shamrocks 2-10
An excellent football display by Shamrocks did not get its due reward following this one goal defeat away to Grenagh. A slow start where Shamrocks were 3-1 to 0-0 behind after 6 minutes, cost them in the end. A huge improvement up to half time meant that Shamrocks were within one goal at the break, 3-1 to 1-4.
Had Shamrocks taken a fraction of their chances in the first half, a commanding lead could have been established. Nevertheless, the lads were confident at the break that they would improve in the second half.
This came to pass – they were one goal in front midway through the 2nd half. They were playing brilliantly across every line and looked like easing to a comfortable victory. Unfortunately, they sat back and let Grenagh back into the game and they took full advantage. Despite a big finish, Shamrocks could not get the vital scores to tie or even win the game.
The lads were devastated at the end and understandably so. However, they should all be proud of their performances and I'm sure that we will all learn from mistakes made to make them more clinical in the future. Again Shamrocks had a large travelling support and they roared the lads on from start to finish – thank you!
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aaron Clarke, Aidan Brady, Dara McCormack, Declan Carroll (C), Nathan O'Sullivan, John Coleman, Ferdia Hayes, Michael Foy, Derry Howard, Eoin O'Flynn, Fionn Herlihy, Kieran May, Robert Barrett, Sam Foy, Cathal O'Donovan, Barry O'Mahony, Cian Lynch, Euan Clarke.
U12 FL V Grenagh, 2/6/16. Back row, l to r: Stephen Keane (mentor), Nathan O'Sullivan, Aiden Brady, Declan Carroll, John Coleman, Derry Howard, Fionn Herlihy, Ferdia Hayes, Eoin O'Flynn, Michael Foy, Sam Foy and mentors Seamus O'Flynn and John Jordan. Front, l to r: Cathal O'Donovan, Kieran Maye, Robert Barrett, Dara McCormick, Euan clarke, Josh Bartlett, Barry O'Mahony, Cain Lynch, Aaron Clarke.
Week Ended – Sunday June 19th, 2016
JAHL V Ballymartle – 7/6
Ballymartle 0-17, Shamrocks 1-10
No report available but this was Ballymartles THIRD team beating Shamrocks first team in hurling. History was made.
JAHL V Valley Rovers – 11/6
Valley Rovers 2-14, Shamrocks 1-6
Again, no report available.
U12 HL V Laochra Óg – 11/6
Laochra Óg 3-7, Shamrocks 2-2
Shamrocks made the long trip to the Gaeltacht of Muscraí in Baile Bhurine and came away empty handed after a long day. Shamrocks were short John Coleman (best wishes in your recovery John) while one or two players suffered sickness during the game. To be fair, Laochra Óg had a couple of excellent players and deserved the win. Shamrocks were only 2 points down at HT but Laochra Óg finished the stronger.
U8 Hurling Blitz – 11/6
Our U8s took to the field for the second time this season when they participated in a Football Blitz at St. Vincent's club last Saturday. We had 13 players togged out and all got plenty of playing time. We played Delaneys, Grenagh & Whites Cross. Our lads were excellent and had scores been kept, it would have produced comprehensive wins for us in all 3 games.
Our underage Chairman, John Twomey, honoured us with his presence and indeed filled the role of our "young referee" with some style! Parents, grandparents,siblings and friends turned up in great numbers and provided wonderful support to the young lads.
Panel – Calum Fitzgerald, James Keane, Calum O'Neill,Shane O'Flynn, Donal Herlihy, Ryan Doolan, Luke Jordan, Liam Walsh, Seamus O'Mahony, Matt Maplebeck, Harry O'Leary, Ollie O'Brien & Billy Hanna.
U14 FL V Crosshaven – 17/6
Crosshaven 3-9, Shamrocks 1-11
The u14 footballers of Shamrocks and Crosshaven served up a cracking game of ball in Camden on Friday evening before the home side came out on top after a topsy turvy game. Both teams lead at different stages but the one that counts is the 60th minute.
Shamrocks played with the wind in the first half and led 1-8 to 2-3 at half time (the Shamrocks goal from Adam Maye). The forwards were in great form but the backs were under pressure and conceded those two goals that kept Crosshaven right in the game.
Crosshaven went ahead in the second half but Shamrocks battled hard but a host of chances went abegging – a combination of legs in the way, wides, some great defending from Crosshaven and some outstanding goalkeeping from the Crosshaven keeper kept Shamrocks from scoring that all important goal they needed. Meanwhile, when Crosshaven attacked at the other end, they did damage and invaribly scored.
It was a courageous performance from Shamrocks especially in the second half but they can be proud of their part they played in a high class game of football.
Team: D. O'Brien, F. Herlihy, C. O'Flaherty, P. Dorney, A. McSweeney, D. Carroll, M. Sisk, S. Darcu, S. Andrews, T. Sheehan, A. Maye, H. Andrews. Subs used – D. Howard, J. O'Leary.
JAHC V Kinsale – 17/6
Kinsale 2-8, Shamrocks 0-13
A most disappointing evening for the junior hurlers in the first round of the championship as they suffered a one point defeat to Kinsale. Shamrocks will spend a long time wondering how in the world they lost this game.
Kinsale played with the wind in the first half and went into a 0-2 to 0-0 lead early on before Shamrocks went 0-3 to 0-2 ahead. The teams were pretty much even in that half and Shamrocks were playing well. At HT, the teams went in level at 0-6 to 0-6 apiece.
Kinsale scored an early point in the second half to go 0-7 to 0-6 ahead but then Shamrocks took over for the next 20 minutes. Andrew O'Grady was on form from frees and Shamrocks moved into a winning position with 15 left on a scorelone of 0-10 to 0-8 and were on top all over the field. Then the game changed on a long high ball into the Shamrocks square which may have come off a Shamrocks stick and trickled over the line. Kinsale ahead 1-8 to 0-10. Frees for Shamrocks then started to go wide and a few goal chances were missed. O'Grady and Fergus O'Neill put Shamrocks ahead again 0-12 to 1-8 but then goal number 2 – a long high ball in as an attempted point went all the way to the Shamrocks net.
Incredibly, Shamrocks were behind and Kinsale's tails were up and with 5 minutes to go, this game was only going to have one winner no matter what Shamrocks tried. The lads are going to have to dissect this one and pick themselves up for whatever back door game is next. With a few players to come back onto the panel, they can certainly do that as they have the ability.
Team: C. Scriven, J. Tuohy, C. Kidney, J. Browne, M. Hitchmough, C. O'Neill, D. O'Neill, B. Mulqueen, A. O'Grady, A. McCarthy, F. O'Neill, A. Boland, D. Andrews, S. Collins, S. O'Neill.
Johnny Tuohy drives up the line V Kinsale in JAHC in Riverstick on 17/6/16
John Kerins Memorial Tournament – 18/6
Shamrocks travelled to Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday for the annual John Kerins Memorial U11 football competition. We had high hopes for this group of lads who are showing great potential over the last few seasons. A lot of work over the long winter evenings in the National Maritime College and on the pitch is now starting to show rewards. We quailfied for the semi finals of this after beating Crosshaven, Passage & Douglas in the qualifiers which was hosted in Shanbally at the end of May.
We were pitted against Whitechurch in the semi final. We soon found ourselves in a tough contest and were 5 points down approaching half time. Some good team work resulted in us kicking over four points without reply. Eoin O' Flynn then scored a great goal to leave us up by two points at the break.
Words of encouragement were spoken at half time and this resulted in the team playing some great football to take control of the game. Each player upped their game to leave us winners at the end on a scoreline of 3-06 to 3-01.
Up next was Mayfield in the final. The two were lead around Pairc Ui Rinn behind the Ballpheane Pipe Band. We were dealt a blow before the start of the game when our midfield player, Ferdia Hayes had to go to Southdoc but after treatment was able to return to the field of play and resumed his midfield position for the second half.
We started great in the final and dominated possession in the early stages of the game. Sharp shooter Eoin O'Flynn scored two goals in the first half to leave Shamrocks leading by seven points approaching the short whistle. We left Mayfield back into the game and they scored 1-02 without reply to leave us leading by only 2 points at half time.
More words of wisdom and encouragement were spoken to the lads and when the game resumed we again started in great form again. Some lovely points were scored and when Eoin O'Flynn got his third goal it left us in a commanding lead which we never gave up, final score Shamrocks 4-6, Mayfield 1-5
Great scenes of delight were witnessed at the final whistle. The very large and vocal Shamrock support were in great form. The trophy was presented to our captain Eoin O'Flynn and all the players on the panel received their winners medals. The day still wasn't over as the routine victory parade took place through Shanbally & Ringaskiddy and on to the Ferryboat Inn for the party. The club would like to thank Sarah & her staff for their hospitality they showed us at such short notice.
The club would also like to thank the excellent Shamrocks supporters who turned out in the green & white in great numbers. Special praise must go to the team selection committee. Minor players Andrew O'Grady and Mark Hitchmough took charge of this team earlier on in the year. They took the training in the pitch and the indoor training in the NMCI. The words that they spoke to the lads throughout the tournament were of great benifit. In fact both Andrew & Mark were players on the team that last won the John Kerins Memorial in 2007. Minor players James Lynam and Cristeoir Corkery also helped out with this team throughout the year. Shane O Donovan, John Jordan & John Twomey made up the backroom team.
Panel of players, Sam Foy, Barry O Mahony, Aaron Clarke, Robert Barrett, Dara McCormack, Aidan Brady, Michael Foy, Eoin O Flynn, Ferdia Hayes, Cathal O Donovan, Cian Lynch, Kieran May, Evan Browne, Evan Twomey, David Herlihy, Harry O Leary, Shane O Mahony, Nigel O Sullivan Kearney, Ewan Clarke, Calum Gregson
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John Kerins Panel, 18/6/16 – Back row, l to r: Evan Browne, Calum Gregson, Robert Barrett, Ferdia Hayes, Michael Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Cathal O'Donovan, Ewan Clarke, Aiden Brady, David Herlihy. Front, l to r: Harry O'Leary, Aaron Clarke, Cian Lynch, Barry O'Mahony, Nigel O'Sullivan Kearney, Dara McCormick, Sam Foy, Shane O'Mahony, Evan Twomey, Kieran Maye
Week Ended – Sunday July 3rd, 2016
Shamrocks 7-13, Crosshaven 3-4
A comfortable win for the u14 hurlers on Tuesday evening against Crosshaven. This was their first win of the season at hurling but it had been coming as the lads were keen, enthusiastic and have definately been improving.
After Crosshaven scored an early goal, Shamrocks settled down and the two Andrews boys Harry and Seán were in good form, and soon had 2-5 on the board. Mark Sisk was having a great battle at midfield with the Crosshaven midfielder and also got on he scoresheet. Shamrocks went in at HT leading 4-9 to 1-1.
The full panel of 16 players that togged off were rotated throughout the second half and everyone made a valuable contribution on what was Shamrocks best hurling display of the year. Some players played in new and different positions and not a word of complaint and it was great to see the attitude of the players. Well done to them all and also a big thanks to our support on the line who cheered on every score and play. Hurling training on Saturday morning at 11.15am.
Panel: M. Foy, F. Herlihy, C. O'Flaherty, P. Dorney, A. McSweeney, A. Brady, M. Sisk, T. Sheehan, S. Andrews, A. Maye, H. Andrews, D. O'Brien, E. O'Flynn, F. Hayes, R. Barrett, D. Howard.
Panel v Crosshaven, u14 HL: Back, l to r: M. Sisk, D, Howard, C. O'Flaherty, H. Andrews, S. Andrews, E. O'Flynn, A. McSweeney, P. Dorney, S. Foy. Front, l to r: A. Brady, F. Herlihy, R. Barrett, T. Howard, M. Foy, A. Maye, D. O'Brien, F. Hayes.
U12 HL V Castlelyons – 23/6
Shamrocks 1-5, Castlelyons 1-5
A fair result in the end as both teams finished level in Shanbally on Thursday evening. Shamrocks had 16 young players togged off for this one and all got game time as the squad was rotated throughout.
Castlelyons started the brighter and went 1-3 ahead playing with the wind. It looked bad for Shamrocks at that point but they settled down somewhat and managed to battle back to score 1-1 before HT to leave 2 point between the teams at HT.
Again, Castlelyons started the brigher and opened up a 4 point lead, 1-5 to 1-1 mid way through the second half. However, they werent to score again and the Shamrocks players were determined to get something from the game. They scored two great points from from play through Dara McCormick and Aiden Brady and then two Eoin O'Flynn frees went over and the game finished level. Well done to all the players and to the parents for their invaluable support. The lads are making progress and its important that they keep practising at home all the time.
Panel: S. Foy, N. O'Sullivan, M. Foy, E. O'Flynn, R. Barrett, D. Howard, F. Herlihy, A. Brady, K. Maye, E. Clarke, C. Lynch, B. O'Mahony, A. Clarke, D. McCormick, F. Hayes, C. O'Donovan.
U14 HL V Castlelyons, 23/6/16. Back row, l to r: J. Jordan (mentor), N. O'Sullivan, M. Foy, E. O'Flynn, R. Barrett, D. Howard, F. Herlihy, A. Brady, S. Keane (bainisteoir). Front, l to r: K. Maye, E. Clarke, C. Lynch, B. O'Mahony, A. Clarke, S. Foy, D. McCormick, F. Hayes, C. O'Donovan
Shamrocks travelled to St. Michael's grounds in Mahon on Saturday last for a U8 Hurling Blitz.
They were grouped with Sliabh Rua, Valley Rovers & Sarsfields. They had nine players togged out with a number of apologies due to holidays.
The standard was very high and our lads were more than comfortable in this company. As always, the excitement was at fever pitch with some tremendous pulling & striking.All in all, a great morning's work.
Panel – Calum O'Neill, James Keane, Shane O'Flynn, Donal Herlihy, Calum Fitzgerald, Seamus O'Mahony, Jason O'Driscoll, Liam Walsh & Billy Hanna.
Aghada 4-2, Shamrocks 0-2
If ever a result did an injustice to a game, then this was it! Whilst Aghada were the better side overall, Shamrocks battled away all night without any reward. They had a good number of scoring chances but luck deserted them on the night.
Shamrocks has 18 players togged out – the best by far this year – and agreed with Aghada to play 15-a-side. Shamrocks had a very young team out and all players got plenty of playing time. A tight first half, where Shamrocks missed some scorable opportunities, was highlighted by some tremendous hooking & blocking by our lads, especially the younger ones. Shamrocks turned around 1-2 to 0-0 in arrears.
The second half was nip and tuck for the most part but three late goals put a distorted slant on the scoreboard. Manager, Stephen Keane, was delighted with the display and whilst it is another defeat, the performance more than made up for it.
The lads are now free from games until August and this is a blessing! A number of them are carrying niggling injuries which can only be cleared up with rest. Enjoy the break lads! We had, as usual, a great travelling support and thank you all.
Panel – Sam Foy, Barry O'Mahony, Eoin O'Flynn, Aaron Clarke, Robert Barrett, Michael Foy, Ferdia Hayes, Derry Howard, Dara McCormack, Euan Clarke, Aidan Brady, Kieran May, Cian Lynch, Fionn Herlihy, Cathal O'Donovan, Conor Coleman, Nigel Kearney-O'Sullivan, Shane O'Mahony.
U14 HL V Lee Gaels – 29/6
Shamrocks 4-11, Lee Gaels 3-7
A second win in a row for the u14 hurlers as they beat Lee Gaels in Dripsey by 7 points. The teams were fairly well matched but on this occasion Shamrocks had that bit more hurling than the home team and were able to get scores at the vital times.
Lee Gales scored a goal from the throw-in but Shamrocks tapped over a few points from Harry Andrews and Mark Sisk. Things were fairly even up until midway through the first half when Seán Andrews burst through for two well taken goals. Harry Andrews also got in on the act and at half time Shamrocks were reasonably comfortable, leading 3-6 to 1-4 and playing well all over the field.
Lee Gaels rejigged their team for the second half and came right back at Shamrocks. Having seen a 9 point lead reduced to a 3 point lead mid way through the second half, the lads were in trouble but this was as close as Gaels got. Michael Foy in goal got some vital touches to dangerous shots and the full backline of Cian O'Flaherty and Fionn Herlihy put their bodies on the line on a few occasions. Mark Sisk will wake up sore once again in the morning after having a great battle with their excellent and physically strong centre forward.
Harry Andrews was on form from frees, Adam McSweeney who was simply everywhere scored two great points from midfield and Seán Andrews burst through with 7 minutes left to goal for his hatrick to give Shamrocks the cushion they needed to see out the game.
Once again, it was a great team effort from all over the field. The half backs of Philip Dorney and Eoin O'Flynn cleared some ball in the second half. The half forwards of Adam Maye and Tim Sheehan won good ball and drew fouls at times which resulted in pointed frees. And Derry Howard from the u12's played his first full u14 match and kept the ball moving and is improving with every outing. Shamrocks were short players tonight so every belt could have been costly but the players just got up and got on with it. Well done. Thanks also to the great travelling support as well.
U14 Panel away to Lee Gaels, 29/6/16. Back row, l to r: Mark Sisk, Philip Dorney, Cian O'Flaherty, Seán Andrews, Harry Andrews, Adam McSweeney, Derry Howard. Front, l tor: Adam Maye, Fionn Herlihy, Michael Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Tim Sheehan.
JAHC V Tracton – 1/7
Shamrocks 0-16, Tracton 1-11
Shamrocks are back in the championship proper after this gutsy win over Tracton on Friday evening in Carrigaline. The stakes were high for Shamrocks as they would have been out of the championship if they had lost. But they responded to a late Tracton surge to battle to a deserved 2 point win.
Shamrocks played against a strong breeze in the first half and turned in their best display of the year. They were never lead and had opened up a 0-7 to 0-2 lead after 20 minutes and they were playing with real intensity and spirit. Andrew O'Grady was on form from frees, Chris O'NEill scored a point from midfield, Stephen O'Neill put one over from an acute angle and their tails were up. Tracton punished some fouls from Shamrocks just before halftime with a brace and that left it 0-8 to 0-6 for Shamrocks at HT.
The second half was a real battle. Cormac Scriven in the Shamrocks goal made a brilliant full lenght diving save from a Tracton penalty at 0-9 to 0-6 and soon after Shamrocks went 0-10 to 0-6 up. From here on until the final few minutes. Shamrocks found scores much harder to come by and Tracton started to win all the puckouts. Shamrocks had drifted out of the game and the Tracton free taker was punishing any Shamrocks fouls. Midway through the second half they had drawn level and after Shamrocks had gone a point ahead through Stevie O'Neill, Tracton pounced for a great goal at the other end and suddenly they were 3 points up with 10 minutes left.
This is where Shamrocks stood up and were counted and refused to panic. The two Scrivens were on the scoresheet (keeper Cormac with his second long ranger) and Andrew O'Grady put over a free after Tom Langton and sub Darragh O'Sullivan combined to engineer a close in free. The game drifted into injury time and the next score was going to be vital. Shamrocks won vital possession around the middle and Stephen O'Neill set up Darragh O'Sullivan who was foulded again 30 yards out from the posts. Shamrocks up a point via O'Grady. Then Grady himself won a free way out on the wing and squeezed that one over and soon after ref Michael Harrington blew the full time whistle.
Shamrocks played their best hurling of the year on Friday night and will no doubt improve from this performance. They really got stuck in and displayed an appetite for hard work and regurarly crowded out the Tracton man in possession. The work rate was high and every man can take a bow on a job well done, they ran themselves into the ground. No news as yet as to when or who they play next but they can relax for a few days now and enjoy this one!
Team: C. Scriven, S. Andrews, C. Kidney, J. Browne, M. Hitchmough, S. Collins, B. Mulqueen, T. Langton, C. O'Neill, A. Boland, A. O'Grady, A. McCarthy, S. O'Neill, D. Scriven, D. Andrews. Sub used – D. O'Sullivan.
Shamrocks JAHC Panel V Tracton, 1/7/16. Back row, l to r: Tom Langton, Darragh Scriven, Cathal Kidney, Mark Hitchmough, Andrew O'Grady, Barry Mulqueen, Alan McCarthy, Cormac Scriven, Seanan Collins, Dave O'Neill, Matthew Fleming, Stephen O'Neill, David Barry, Shane Kelleher. Front, l to r: Jonathan Tuohy, Jason Browne, David Andrews, Aonghus Boland, Senan Andrews, Chris O'Neill, Brendan Crowley, Coby O'Grady, Darragh O'Sullivan
U10 HL V Ballinhassig – 2/7
Ballinhassig 4-2, Shamrocks 3-3
This league is a 10 a side is pilot project by Rebel Óg and both teams played their first game of the season on Saturday in Shanbally. There was plenty of excellent hurling on offer on both sides in this three periods of 15 minutes games. Ballinhassig won by 2 points on the day but the 15 Shamrocks lads hurled their hearts out and for most of them, this was their first ever competitive Gaelic Games match. Well done to all players, to the youthful managers on the Shamrocks sideline, to Mark Hitchmough who reffed the game excellently and to the supporters who were present on the line.
Team: Sam Foy, Barry O Mahony, kieran May, David Taggert, Cathal O Donovan, Nigel O Sullivan/Kearney, David Herlihy, Cian Lynch, Shane O Mahony, Harry O Leary, Cormac Brady, Diarmuid Cahill, Zach Coughlan, Donal Herlihy, Evan Twomey
U10 HL V Ballinhassig, 2/7/16
U14 HL V Whitescross – 3/7
Whitescross 8-8, Shamrocks 5-13
A very high scoring game of hurling went Whitescross' way on a beautiful Sundfay monring for hurling. The old adage that goals wins games rang true here as though Shamrocks got more socres than the visitors, the 8 goals conceded proved the losing of the game.
Shamrocks were 1-1 up early on, then 2-2 to 1-1 up soon after. Sean and Harry Andrews along with Mark Sisk were doing all the Shamrocks scoring. Then Whitescross went on a goal scoring spree and led at HT 5-4 to 2-6. Shamrocks had work to do.
The high number of scores didnt stop there. Whitescross got through for another 2 goals and they led by 10 points with 15 minutes left. Shamrocks refused to give up and with Seán Andrews causing havoc at full forward, they clawed it back to 3 points but time ran out in the end. An admirable effort at a comeback all the same. The lads are on a break now till late July/early August. Dont forget to keep practising at home/on holiday even!
Team: M. Foy, F. Herlihy, C. O'Flaherty, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, E. O'Flynn, A. McSweeney, T. Sheehan, S. Andrews, A, Maye, H. Andrews, D. Howard. Sub used – R. Barrett
Week Ended – Sunday July 24th, 2016
Club Ciarán 2016
Club Ciarán got off to a great start on Monday morning where, despite the drizzle, everyone was enthusiastic and ready for action . We had 90 boys and girls this year which is an excellent turnout and is very managable. We had 15 coaches and helpers, many from our u21 and minor teams who have been coached up to the required level. We also had Clara O'Grady and Aisling to help out from the Girls side.Club Coaching Officer Pa Andrews was in charge of coordinating all the coaches and overseeing all the action on the field. Everything so far has gone smoothly and the sausages and sandwiches provided at break time for the coaches didnt last too long! Thanks to Deirdre for doing the kitchen all morning.
The two John Twomeys were on duty and they have put in a massive shift along with Deirdre Twomey who really have done all the donkey work behind the scenes over the past 2 weeks getting everyone organised. Kieran Lynam was on helmet and hurley duty and Donal Turner and John Jordan were on equipment duty.
The Club will continue for the week and we hope that the FUN continues.
U16 HC V St Vincents – 4/7
St Vincents 8-18, Shamrocks 7-10
Take no notice of the 11 point winning margin here. St Vincents and Shamrocks could barely be seperated for 72 minutes of this amazing game that went into extra time, but unfortunately for Shamrocks, Vincents finished the stronger in the last 8 minutes to score a flattering 11 point win and move into the next round.
This was an incredible game of championship hurling played in St Vincents on Monday evening and you'll go a long way to find a more exciting game all year with all players on both sides being 100% committed and displaying all the skill that hurling has to offer. To summarise – Shamrocks played with the very strong wind in the first half but found themsleves 2 goals down to one of the tournament favourites after 1 minute. Oh no we thought, here we go. But Shamrocks settled down and took over and started to run at the Vincents defence. They replied with 1-6 (Sam Geary goal and Cillian Hayes frees and from play) and all of a sudden they were in a game. Shane Downey burst through for the first of his incredible 4-1 from play and Shamrocks went 10 points up with 5 minutes to HT. Vincents brough it back to a 6 point game at HT and Shamrocks knew that they faced a mountain to climb facing the breeze and a fired up Vincents in the second half.
Downey ran through for a goal to put Shamrocks 9 up. Basically, the final 25 minutes was a rearguard action to try and get themselves over the line. With Evan Seymour performing heroics in goal, Shamrocks kept them at bay but could do nothing about their points. Vincents chipped away and had it down to 5 points with 10 left, 4 points with 6 left, 3 points with 3 left, 2 point entering injury time, 1 point 1 minute into injury time and with the final puck of the match, they drew it up, Shamrocks 6-7, Vincents 5-12. Back to square one and into ET; the drama continued.
Shamrocks played with the aid of the strong breeze in the first part of ET and in reality, being level at HT in ET cost them. Going by the wind, they needed to be at least 2 scores ahead at this point. They just couldnt score enough to give them the cushion they needed. With no subs, the legs were hanging at this point. Sure enough, 2 minutes into the second period, Vincents scored 1-2 to move ahead for the first time since the start of normal time. Shamrocks responded, attacked and went up the middle but a goalmouth scramble was cleared, the ball was driven downfield where Shamrocks were short at the back and the killer blow was driven home into Seymours net. That was it, the heads and legs were gone, Vincents added another goal in the final 80th minute to run out totally flattering 11 point winners. However, the best of luck to them in the next round.
It was rough justice on the Shamrocks lads who played themselves to a standstill and matched Vincents all the way until the very end. They were a credit to the jersey and there is no doubt that that there are fine hurlers on this team – they need attention on teh hurling side of things and also need to practice at home themselves. They can look forward to their few remaining league games with confidence after this display.
Team: E. Seymour, C. Murphy, M. Sisk, J. Sisk, D. O'Mahony, D. O'Flaherty, C. Hayes, S. Browne, S. Downey, D. Allen, S. Andrews, S. Geary, L. O'Driscoll.
Words of encouragament at the end of normal time V St Vincents, 4/7/16
JAFL V Ballinhassig – 6/7
Ballinhassig 0-10, Shamrocks 0-6
Two rusty teams were trying very hard to get back into a football mode after a prolonged absence.
Shamrocks had the perfect start with two copybook points from Canice Caffrey in the 2nd and 3rd minute. Then the home side moved into gear and were on top for most of the half. At halftime it was 0-3 each after Shamrocks playing with the very strong wind. Ballinhassigj kicked ten wides in the opening half to Shamrocks two.
Ballinhassig resumed and kicked four points from play without reply. Their tenacity and physicality were key factors in their dominance. Shamrock's three second half scores came in the last ten minutes. The Selectors used the full compliment of subs to give players playing time.
Team; F. O'Neill, J. Tuohy, M. Prout , C. Kidney, S. Andrews, C. O'Neill, J. Browne (0-1), A. McCarthy, A.O'Grady, C. Caffrey (0-2), D. O'Sullivan (0-2F), J. Shanahan, M. Jordan, B. Sweeney(0-1) R.Twomey. Subs used; D. Hayes, P. Brady, S. Collins, D. O'Neill, J. Wilson, S. Hurley.
MCHL V Donoughmore – 8/7
Shamrocks 3-17, Donoughmore 0-7
Shamrocks first game back after the exams was a comfortable outing against the visitors to Shanbally on a wet Friday evening. Shamrocks were in total command from the first whistle to the last and eased to victory while putting up a nice score considering the conditions. They led 1-10 to 0-2 at HT and the second half was of a similar vein.
The lads play Lee Gaels on July 20th in the hurling championship.
The annual Hurling week for boys and girls under the Club Ciaran banner proved to be another unqualified success. The planning and the organisation were excellent and we had eighty seven youngsters between the ages of five and thirteen who were there to learn and to play our greatest national game of hurling.
Good weather is a huge bonus and that we had over the five days. All our young coaches were qualified thanks to forward thinking and training engineered by an Bainisteoir Pádraig MacAindriú.
Deirdre Twomey who attended to the registration of entrants and who ran the kitchen and fed the hungry was truly a corner stone in this year's event.
Hurling is truly a great game filled with many skills and attributes. It was wonderful to see our Coaches introducing many of the entrants to the various skills and what was most rewarding was the very positive approach and attitude by the would be hurlers. Well done to all.
We were very pleased to have a visit from our esteemed Parish Priest Fr. Sean on Wednesday. Fr. Sean would be a follower of the big ball and was very impressed by the programme. Two other annual visitors were Mary Hegarty and her sister Jennie. Club Ciarán gets its name from Mary's late son Ciarán Hegarty. They both sat and watched the action with great admiration and contentment.
Donal Turner and John Jordan carried out all the preparatory work each morning and when all had departed reversed the operation. Of course Howard Crowdy (Photographer) paid a visit. Without Howard the week would not be the same.
A special word of thanks goes to all the participants and their parents. We have no doubt that many of the youngsters who began their hurling in Camp Ciaran will carry the Club colours with distinction in the years ahead.
We must thank our groundsman Pat O'Neill who had the pitches in great shape and all the people who played some part in making Club Ciaran 2016 a great one.
U10 FL V Passage – 12/7
Shamrocks 4-3, Passage 3-2
JAHL V Ballinhassig – 13/7
A high scoring game went Ballinhassig's way in Shanbally on Wednesday evening. The teams were evenly matched for most of the game but Ballinhassig scored 1-4 without reply coming down the stretch and just about deserved the win.
Shamrocks played with a strong breeze in the first half and would have been disappointed to be only drawing 2-6 to 2-6 at half time – they needed a lead considering the wind. Ballinhassig led early on but Shamrocks slowly began to get on the scoreboard, in particular Fergus O'Neill who scored 2 great goals from play and Stephen O'Neill with 2 points from play along with Barry Mulqueen and Andrew O'Grady points.
Shamrocks battled hard throughout the second half after making a few switches and led until 5 minutes from the end when Ballinhasig struck for that quickfire 1-4. O'Gradys long range free went all the way to the Ballinhassig net in the last minute but it wasnt enough and the referee blew up soon after.
Overall, a decent display against an experienced Ballinhassig 3rd team who were well able to hurl and used their big men to their considerable advantage. Shamrocks can take a lot from its and have another few weeks to get things right before championship.
Team: C. Scriven, D. Barry, S. Andrews, C. Kidney, D. O'Neill, S. Collins, M. Hitchmough, J. Tuohy, B. Mulqueen, A. O'Grady, F. O'Neill, T. Langton, S. O'Neill, B. Sweeney, D. O'Sullivan. Sub used – C. Hayes
U10 HL V Passage – 19/7
The u10's scored a double over Passage on Tuesday evening with a deserved win in Passage in the hurling league, to follow up the football win the week before. Shamrocks had 15 players togged for this 10 a side game and everyone got plenty of game time. Shamrocks led all the way through and stretched away at the end. Well done to all the players, mentors and parents for their support.
U10 HL V Passage, in Passage, 19/7/16. Panel with mentors Andrew O'Grady, Shane O'Donovan and Mark Hitchmough.
JAHL V Kinsale – 21/7
On a wet and soggy evening in Kinsale, after the fog had cleared and the referee had blown his full time whistle, it emerged that Shamrocks had won this league game by 3 points. They also captured the Jack Barrett Cup which is played for every year between these two clubs.
Shamrocks were full value for this win and actually should have won by more; however, they couldnt convert they're possession into more scores,. Kinsale just wouldnt go away and stuck to their task gamely to leave the result in doubt until the end.
Shamrocks started brighter in the lashing rain and some nice points from Andrew O'Grady, Brian Sweeney and Alan McCarthy had them leading by 0-4 to 0-1 after 15 minutes. They were playing the better hurling and might have had a few goals as well but the shots were saved by the Kinsale keeper. Kinsale finished the stronger and at HT, the score was 6 points apiece.
Again, Shamrocks took over and went into a 1-8 to 0-6 lead midway through the second half after Brian Sweeney set up Darragh O'Sullivan who scooped the ball home on the run. Shamrocks were in total command here but they couldnt finish off Kinsale who got a goal late on to bring it back to a 2 point game, 1-8 to 1-6. However, despite a late Kinsale point, Shamrocks got 2 vital points themselves, both superb scores from play from Andrew O'Grady and Cathal Kidney
Team: C. Scriven, S. Andrews, S. Collins, J. Tuohy, D. O'Neill, B. Mulqueen, J. Browne, A. O'Grady, C. O'Neill, A. Boland, D. Andrews, A. McCarthy, D. O'Sullivan, B. Sweeney, M. Hitchmough. Sub used – C. Kidney.
Panel V Kinsale, JAHL, 21/7/16. Back row, l to r: M. Hitchmough, D. O'Sullivan, A. McCarthy, D. O'Neill, B. Sweeney, C. Kidney, S. Collins, C. Scriven, B. Mulqueen, A. O'Grady, S. Kidney. Front, l to r: S. Andrews, F. O'Neill, J. Tuohy, C. O'Neill, J. Browne, A. Boland, D. Andrews
Week Ended – Sunday August 14th, 2016
MCHC V Lee Gaels – 26/7
Shamrocks 3-15, Lee Gaels 1-18
Shamrocks are into the semi finals of the C championship after a hard fought win over a gallant Lee Gaels on Tuesday evening in Shanbally. The high scoring contest was in doubt right up to the final whistle.
Shamrocks played against the strong breeze in the first half and did well to be only a point down at HT, Lee Gaels 1-11, Shamrocks 2-7. Lee Gaels were proving more than a match for Shamrocks and in their inside full forward, they had a potential match winner. They isolated him inside and nearly every ball that went into him resulted in a score for Gaels. Shamrocks werent able to mark him or cut off his supply. Gaels were 0-6 to 0-2 ahead midway through the first half but Shamrocks came right back into it 0-7 to 0-7 after they knuckled down. However, the ever dangerous Gaels full forward waltzed through for a goal and their cushion was restored. Shamrocks replied through a great goal of their own to tie it up approaching HT but Lee Gaels struck over further points to go three points ahead again. Shamrocks struck for goal number two approcahing Ht but Gaels scored their eleventh point of the half to lead by a point at HT.
Shamrocks turned to play with the wind in the second half but took a long time to wear down the Lee Gaels challenge. In fact, with 15 minutes left, it looked like Gaels might hang on as they went 3 points ahead and Shamrocks were struggling for scores up top. However, one or two positional switches worded and after the teams traded points, Shamrocks got that all important goal to level it up and soon followed up with another couple of pointed frees to lead for the first time since the first few minutes. They hung on until the end and the final whistle was greeted with relief all around. They play Kinsale in the semi final on August 24th.
Team: C. Scriven, C. Murphy, D. Barry, D. O'Mahony, J. O'Keeffe, C. Hayes, A. O'Grady, S. Flavin, D. Andrews, S. Downey, C. Hayes, D. O'Sullivan.
U10 FL V Tracton – 2/8
On the 2nd of August on what was a fine evening for football our under 10's traveled to Minane Bridge to play a strong Tracton team in the U10 league. Both clubs have big numbers at this age bracket (we had 17 togged out) and the sides lined out 11 a side rather than the usual 9 a side.
Shamrocks took the lead early with a couple of well taken goals and were winning good ball in the middle of the field and full forward line. Tracton fought back and put some scores on the board and when half time came there was only a goal between the sides. However the second half was all Shamrocks and the lads got on top in every position. Some great goal scoring from the lads ensured the game was over as a contest well before the final whistle was blown.
It was great to see some of our lads get their first score for the club and you can be sure that this will boost their confidence for future matches. This is our under 10's third win on the trot and with matches to come against Kinsale(Hurling) and Sliabh Rua (football) we hope this run continues. We're very lucky to have such superb players in our club at this age bracket and you can see that the new league format and regular matches has brought them all on. A big thanks to the parents and grandparents who came out in force again to support our boys. Thanks also to Sean Kidney and Cormac Scriven who stepped in to help mentor the lads.
MCFC V St Vincents – 3/8
Shamrocks 6-9, St Vincents 0-12
Shamrocks were made to work in the second half by St Vincents second team but they pulled away to win comfortably in the quarter final of the football championship on Wednesday evening,
Shamrocks played with the very srong breeze in the first half and got on the scoreboard early with a few points and a goal. They led 1-5 to 0-0 before St Vincents got their first score 15 minutes in. Shamrocks had plenty of possession but didn't add too much to their tally, eventually going in ahead at HT leading by 2-7 to 0-2.
One would have thought that was way too much for Vincents but they rallied after the break and scored some great points and had Shamrocks worried a bit. They brought the scoreline back to 2-8 to 0-8 but Shamrocks scored 2-1 in a quick two minute spell midway through the second half and that was it as a contest. They added on another 2 goals while Vincents added a few points to round out the hours football. Shamrocks now move on to play in the semi final at the end of August.
Team: C. Corkery, Chris Hayes, J. O'Keeffe, D. Barry, D. Andrews, R. Meighan, A. O'Grady, Cillian Hayes, S. Downey, S. Flavin, K. Murphy, D. O'Sullivan. Subs used – D. O'Mahony, C. Murphy, Nikita.
MCFC V St Vincents, 3/8/16. Back row, l to r: D. O'Mahony, C. Hayes, D. Andrews, C. Corkery, R. O'Keeffe, R. Meighan, D. Barry, K. Murphy, D. O'Sullivan. S. Flavin. Front, l to r: S. Downey, A. O'Grady, C. Hayes, C. Murphy, Nikita
JAHC Semi Final V Courcey Rovers – 6/8
Courcey Rovers 0-22, Shamrocks 1-11
Shamrocks were knocked out of the championship at the semi final stage after a polished performance from Courcey Rovers (second team) in Ballygarvan on Saturday night. Courcey Rovers were simply better than Shamrocks throughout the hour and apart from a couple of 5 minute spells when Shamrocks did most of their scoring, they were full value for the win.
Shamrocks shot 16 wides in total, 10 in the first half and crucially 8 in the first 11 minutes when playing with the wind. This obviously didn't help their cause early in the game when a good start was needed. At the other end, Courcey Rovers were far more economical and were ahead 0-6 to 0-2 midway through the fistr half. They had stretched it to 0-8 to 0-3 thereafter but Shamrocks kept at it and their fine play was rewarded with 3 points in the lead up to halftime to leave the score 0-9 to 0-7 in favour of Courcey Rovers. Andrew O'Grady, Stephen O'Neill, Barry Mulqueen (brilliant in the first half at centre back) and David Andrews were among the Shamrocks scorers and they were well in the game at HT, especially as their halfback line in particular was on top and hurling a world of ball into the forwards.
Whatever happened, Courcey Rovers took over after the restart and scored 4 fast points in 4 minutes between the 7th and 11th minutes of the second half to stretch ahead 0-16 to 0-9. They were in total control now but with 14 minutes left and with multiple positional switches made, Stephen O'Neill scored a Shamrocks goal to bring the deficit back down to 4 points, 0-16 to 1-9. However this was as close as Shamrocks got; Courcey Rovers simply went up the field and started to score for fun all over again and put the game to bed inside 5 minutes with another 5 quick points. The game petered out from there until the end and there endeth Shamrocks hurling championship season which was two defeats and one win overall.
Panel – C. Scriven, J. Tuohy, C. O'Neill, J. Browne, S. Andrews, B. Mulqueen, S. Collins, F. O'Neill, D. Andrews, A. Boland, T. Langton, D. Scriven, S. O'Neill, B. Sweeney, A. O'Grady, A. McCarthy, M. Hitchmough, C. Kidney, D. O'Sullivan, S. Kidney, D. O'Neill.
U16 HL V Grenagh – 7/8
Grenagh 8-14, Shamrocks 9-7
A defeat for the Shamrocks lads in the league on Sunday morning in a high scoring game. It was 10 a side as Grenagh only had 10 and it was tiring conditions for all players who ran themselves to a standstill over the hour and as one can imagine, it was a very open game.
The HT score was Grenagh 3-6, Shamrocks 4-4 and Grenagh played better hurling into the strong breeze and scored enough. Well done to all players.
Team: E. Seymour, J. Sisk, C. Murphy, D. O'Flaherty, D. O'Mahony, C. Hayes, M. Sisk, S. Downey, L. O'Driscoll, H. Andrews, Nikita, D. Allen.
U14 FL V Aghada – 8/8
Aghada 10-7, Shamrocks 4-16
They say goals win games and one look at the scoreline will prove that – Shamrocks scored 20 times at home to Aghada and that would normally be enough to win any game of football but this is 12 a side u14 football where systems dont come into it and unfortunately for Shamrocks on this occasion, the concession of 10 of them proved their undoing in this very exciting game.
Shamrocks elected to play with the stong breeze in the first half but Aghada scored two of those tgoals in the first minute and had three by the 8th minute. However, Shamrocks settled down and started to patiently play their way back into it and scored 2 goals and scored some lovely points to bring themselves right back into it at HT, Aghada 3-3, Shamrocks 2-6. They just couldnt convert the majority of possession into enough scores and in fairness, Aghada defended well at times. A lot of hard work ahead in the second half then.
Again, a terrible start stymied Shamrocks, conceding 1-2 within a few minutes of the restart. It was a tall task but once again the lads responded. They got a goal back from Shane Darcy and added on some great points and eventhough Aghada scored another goal to go two points up, Shamrocks worked the ball through the hands into Seán Andrews who buried it to the Aghada net and Shamrocks were a point ahead and looking good with 10 minutes left. However, the game turned when Aghada scored a goal below and the house of cards fell in – they scored another 3 goals in the last 5 minutes despite more points from Sean Andrews when a goal really was what was needed.
Panel: D. O'Brien, D. Gregson, M. Foy, D. Carroll, A. McSweeney, A. Brady, M. Sisk, S. Darcy, S. Andrews, A. Maye, H. Andrews, C. O'Flaherty, D. Howard, R. Barrett.
U14v FL V Aghada, 8/8/16. Back row, l to r: D. Gregson, M. foy, C. O'Flaherty, S. Andrews, S. Darcy, M. Sisk, H. Andrews, A. McSweeney. Front, l to r: D. Carroll, A. Brady, R. Barrett, D. O'Brien, A. Maye, D. Howard
U16 FL V Lee Gaels – 9/8
Shamrocks got their football season back on track with a deserved win over Lee Gaels in the league in Shanbally. Shamrocks are looking to qualify for the semi final so were after the two league points and did enough on the night.
Shamrocks had 18 players togged and what was most pleasing to see was each and every one getting plenty of game time. Shamrocks were full value for the win and it was more convincing than the scoreline suggests.
Panel: E. Seymour, D. O'Mahony, C. Murphy, S. Browne, N. Zigunov, J. Sisk, C. Hayes, S. Downey, D. O'Flaherty, S. Geary, B. Hughes, L. O'Driscoll, J. O'Callaghan, M. Sisk, D. Allen, P. McGrath, S. Darcy
U16 FL V Lee Gaels, 9/8/16. Back row, l to r: J. Sisk, J. O'Callaghan, B. Hughes, F. McGrath, E. Seymour, S. Downey, D. O'Flaherty, D. O'Mahony, C. Hayes, S. Darcy, S. Geary. Front, l to r: D. Allen, J. Lenihan, L. O'Driscoll, C. Murphy, H. Andrews, S. Browne, N. Zigunov, M. Sisk
U10 HL V Kinsale – 13/8
Shamrocks 7-5, Kinsale 2-1
Shamrocks hosted Kinsale3 in the latest league game and ran out deserved winners. They had 11 players togged on the day and played some lovely hurling. They led at all stages throughout the game and featured some great displayes and scores. Our thanks to all the players and supporters who turned up. It was pleasing to see a Shamrocks team managed by three of our u21 and minor stars – Mark Hitchmough, Andrew O'Grady and Seán Kidney who was also on top form with the whistle.
Team on the day: S. Foy, D. Cahill, K. May, N. O'Sullivan, Z. Coughlan, C. Gregson, D. McCormick, H. O'Leary, C. Lynch, J. Bartlett
U10 HL V Kinsale, 13/8/16. Back row mentors, l to r: S. Kidney, J. Jordan, A. O'Grady, M. Hitchmough. Middle row: K. May, N. O'Sullivan, Z. Coughlan, D. Cahill, J. Bartlett. Front: C. Gregson, H. O'Leary, S. Foy, C. Lynch, D. McCormick.
U16 FL V Lisgoold – 16/8
Shamrocks 7-13, Lisgoold 6-1
U12 FL V Kinsale – 17/8
Shamrocks dug out a fine victory in poor conditions tonight. The non appearance of the appointed referee meant that Team Manager, Stephen Keane, took over the whistling duties with the consent of the opposition and a fine job he did as well.
Kinsale were physically bigger than our lads and it took us a while to settle into the game. The lay off over the last month took its toll and only for the magnificient display by our backs, we would have been in serious trouble early on. We gradually got stuck in and lead 2-3 to 0-1 at half time; Eoin O'Flynn and Ferdia Hayes with the goals.
The weather improved in the second half and so did our football for a while. We created a number of good chances which went abegging but were quite comfortable. Kinsale came more into the game as the half moved on. Our lads were tiring but lead by Declan Carroll refused to bend.
We introduced a number of younger lads – Sam Foy, Conor Coleman, Cian Lynch & Euan Clarke – on rotation and they took up the inner forward positions. This allowed older lads like Michel Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Derry Howard, Aidan Brady to fall back and help the under pressure backs.
Josh was as safe as houses in goal and I cannot recall any one of his kick-outs being won by the opposition – a fair achievement! Aaron Clarke and Ferdia Hayes picked up head injuries during the game and it was great to see that they were in fiine form at the end – both played significant parts in the game.
Fionn Herlihy, Nathan O'Sullivan & Robert Barrett formed a formidable half back line and really came to the fore late in the second half and were ably assisted by our midfield talisman, John Coleman. Derry Howard, with our third goal, secured victory.
Overall, great result, not perfect by any means but should be enough to secure a semi-final position. Thank you to Kinsale for making the long trip on a poor night.
Finally, great turnout of grandparents, partents, siblings & friends – thank you – so important for young players to see and hear family and friends supporting them.
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aaron Clarke, Declan Carroll, Nathan O'Sullivan, Fionn Herlihy, Robert Barrett, John Coleman, Aidan Brady, Ferdia Hayes, Derry Howard, Sam Foy, Eoin O'Flynn, Michael Foy, Conor Coleman, Cian Lynch, Euan Clarke.
MCHC Semi Final V Kinsale – 20/8
Shamrocks 1-12, Kinsale 0-12
Shamrocks are into the East Board C grade final after this 3 point win over Kinsale in Minane Bridge on Saturday last. Shamrocks can count themselves very lucky to be in the final because for three quarters of this game, Kinsale were the better team and everything seemed to be going wrong for the fancied Shamrocks team. But the team seemed to step up a gear when the finishing line was in sight and rattled over 5 points in a row in the last 10 minutes to seal the win.
The very strong wind tried its best to spoil this game but it blew right across the pitch, negating any advantage for either side. Kinsale were up bigtime for this game and raced into a 0-7 to 0-2 lead after 20 minutes. They were doing all the hurling and Shamrocks were not hurling with any authority at all at this point. The lads body language said it all and its to their credit that they battled out of this funk over the course of the next 45 minutes. They managed to score a great goal 10 minutes before HT and this seemed to lift them a bit but at HT, Shamrocks had a mountain to climb such was the lethargy of the first half display. Kinsale led by 2 at HT.
The second half was mostly Kinsale playing the better hurling for the 20 minutes after HT. Shamrocks bought the lead back to a point, Kinsale stretched it to 4, back to 2 and out to 3 with 12 minutes to go, 0-12 to 1-6. However, Shamrocks managed to get reserves of strenght from somewhere and took over and tipped away at the lead, eventually equalising with 4 minutes to go. They carried that momentum forward and struck 3 more points as time ran out and they were into a final, which is scheduled for September 3rd.
Team: C. Scriven, D. Barry, D. O'Mahony, C. Hayes, J. O'Keeffe, R. Meighan, D. Andrews, S. Flavin, M. Hitchmough, S. Downey, A. O'Grady, C. Hayes. Sub used – C. Murphy
U12 FL V Lee Gaels – 20/8
Lee Gaels 3-2, Shamrocks 1-3
Shamrocks travelled to Dripsey this afternoon to complete their 2016 u12 Football League programme. Their opponents were physically stronger than Shamrocks in most positions but in fairness to the lads, they never gave up. In fact, had they taken a number of good chances in both halves, they could have come away with an unlikely victory.
Two goals in a minute midway through the first half were ultimately the difference between the teams. Shamrocks did fight back to score 1-1 before half time to reduce the margin to 1 goal.
The second half was hard fought and though Shamrocks only scored 2 points, they certainly held our own and at times had their oponents on the rack. Unfortunately, a couple of injuries (we had no subs!) and Lee Gaels ability to introduce fresh legs swayed the game in their favour.
Shamrocks are almost certain to qualify for the semi-final and this game will have taken them on a good bit.Thanks to grand-parents, parents, family members and friends for travelling.
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Sam Foy, Declan Carroll, Robert Barrett, Michael Foy, Dara McCormick, John Coleman, Ferdia Hayes, Fionn Herlihy, Conor Coleman, Eoin O'Flynn, Cian Lynch.
U8 Football Blitz – 20/8
Belgooly hosted this morning's blitz. A huge turnout of teams really signalled that the holidays were nearly coming to an end!
Shamrocks had 8 players togged out and also introduced 2 debutants – Sam Jordan & Patrick Keane – who will hopefully go on to have long and successful Football & Hurling careers with Shamrocks! They played Ballygarvan, Courcey Rovers & Crosshaven and I'm happy to report that all games were won!
Thank you to Belgooly for hosting the event; parents, siblings and friends for their fantasic support.
Panel – Sam Jordan, Patrick Keane, Ryan Doolan, Ryan Barrett, Billy Hanna, Ollie O'Brien, Donal Herllhiy, Shane O'Flynn, Luke Jordan & James Keane.
U21 BHC Semi Final V Ballygarvan – 23/8
Shamrocks 2-11, Ballygarvan 0-17
This was hurling as it should be, great scores, great saves, a huge will to win and courage over and beyond the call of duty. In Ballinhassig on Tuesday evening the Shamrock followers were treated to a display by our brave young under 21 hurlers that would give one great faith in the future.
After a shaky start the momentum and raw courage began to manifest itself. We defended bravely and Seán Kidney was back to his very best in front of outstanding keeper Cormac Scriven. Young Hitchmough was hurling with great authority and Dave Andrews knew no fear. At the break Ballygarvan led 0-10 to 0-6.
In the second period, when Ballygarvan seemed to be setting up a victory two great goals turned the game on its head and at full time the teams were even. Four added minutes were called by the referee with Ballygarvan going into a one point lead. Entering the fourth minute Shamrocks were awarded a free sixty metres out on the sideline. Robbie Andrews grandson, Andrew O'Grady stepped up to clinically put the slitor between the posts and get a deserved draw. Andrew was in sixth gear all night.
We salute all the players and substitutes, they wanted only one thing and that was victory for the green and white. On Wednesday evening next August 31st the two sides will contest the replay at Ballinhassig at 6.30pm.
Team: Cormac Scriven,Joe O'Keeffe, Sean Kidney, Mark Hitchmough, Shane Kelleher, David Barry, Tom Murphy, Coby O'Grady, Chris Hayes, Darragh Scriven, David Andrews, Andrew O'Grady, Brendan Crowley.
U14 FC Quarter Final V St Catherines – 24/8
Shamrocks are through to the semi final of the u14 C grade chamopionship after a fully deserved win over St Catherines on Wednesday evening last. This was their second time this year making the trip to Ballynoe and they made it a winning one on both occasions.
The real groundwork for this victory was laid in the first half as Shamrocks totally dominated and played some lovely football to open up a 4-7 to 0-4 lead apprioaching HT. The home side gave themselves some hope with 2-1 scored just as halftime approached. The score at the break was Shamrocks 4-7, St Catherines 2-5.
Shamrocks knuckled down in the second half and controlled matters. A couple of early scores settled them down and the subs made valuable contributions when introduced. All in all it was a solid team performance overall with patches of wonderful football played at times. Well done to all and to the parents/supporters who made the trip once again into East Cork and roared on the lads all through.
Team: D. O'Brien, D. Gregson, A. Brady, T. Sheehan, C. O'Flaherty, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, A. Maye, S. Andrews, S. Darcy, H. Andrews, E. O'Flynn. Subs used – F. Herlihy, M. Foy, J. Coleman, R. Barrett
U14 FC away to St Catherines./ Back row, l to r: J. Colerman, P. Dorney, C. O'Flaherty, D. Gregson, S. Andrews, H. Andrews, S. Darcy, M. Sisk. Front: E. O'Flynn, F. Herlihy, A. Brady, M. Foy, D. O'Brien, R. Barrett, T. Sheehan, A. Maye
U10 FL V Sliabh Rua – 24/8
Our under 10 footballers had another successful evening in the football league last Wednesday night in Shanbally against Sliabh Rua. This result leaves them unbeaten in the league and was their third football victory in a row. The Sliabh Rua lads had also been unbeaten up to this match and we had expected this game to be the toughest challenge we had faced so far.
The game started with our boys seeing most of the ball, but scores initially seemed to be hard to come by. Once the boys found their range the scores came thick and fast to leave Shamrocks with a commanding lead at half time. Sliabh Rua played with the advantage of the hill in the second half, but they failed to capitalize on it and they never really got the ball beyond our defense. Some more well taken scores ensured Shamrocks won comfortably in the end. Our Under 10's will go on during the month of September to play both Kilbrittain and Kinsale in football. We'll be hoping our good run continues.
Team for the evening, Josh Bartlett, Dara McCormack, Nigel O'Sullivan Kearney, Barry O'Mahony, Calum Gregson, Cathal O'Donovan, Conor Coleman,Kieran Maye, Zack Coughlan, Cormac Brady, David Taggart, Cian Lynch, Harry O'Leary, David Herlihy, Donal Herlihy, Diarmuid Cahill,Sam Foy.
U16 CFC V Cill na Martra – 27/8
Cill na Martra 6-21, Shamrocks 3-11
Just like they did at u14 level 2 years ago to this group, Cill na Martra ended Shamrocks interest in the football championship with this thoroughly convincing win over the hosts in Shanbally on Saturday evening. Cill na Martra just had too much football skill and scoring ability for the Shamrocks lads who once again tried hard all through but came up against a superior team on the day, a team who will be hard to beat in the C grade on this display.
Shamrocks played against the breeze in the first half and did most of their scoring in a 5 minute spell mid way through the half, scoring some nice points from Cillian Hayes, Shane Downey and Dylan O'Flaherty. However, either side of this Cill na Martra controlled the game and scored 1-6 before the Shamrocks burst and more importantly they also scored 2-1 in the lead up to halftime and those 3 goals gave them a nice cushion at HT, 3-7 to 0-4.
The second half was very high scoring from both sides but in reality, Cill na Martra were in total control all through. The closest Shamrocks came to them, even playing with the wind, was 10 points, 3-11 to 1-7. Cill na Martra scored their 5th goal shortly after, Shane Downey burst through for Shamrocks 2nd goal straight after but that really was as good as it got. Cill na Martra controlled the skies, especially on their own kickouts, fed their forwards and they were far too slick and strong for the Shamrocks backs. In fact, they put on a shooting clinic, scoring 3-14 against the wind and barely kicking a wide, if at all. Shamrocks at the other end tapped on a few consolation points and another goal from Downey but this game was over a long way out.
Week Ended – Sunday September 11th, 2016
U14 CFC Semi Final – 29/8
A brilliant game of football went Shamrocks way on Monday night in Whitescross and as a result, they now find themselves in the final of the competition.
Lisgoold were very tough opponents and looked all set at HT as they led by 2-6 to 0-3 and were very dangerous especially in the forwards. They played with the hill and Shamrocks did well to be only that 9 points down at HT, 2-6 to 0-3.
Shamrocks needed a big performance in the second half and twn minutes in, there was still 9 points in it. However, Shamrocks were beginning to get on top and started to feed their forwards after some changes. They got a boost of a goal and tipped away at the points. Entering the last 5 minutes, the gap was down to 3 points, then 2, then 1 and finally Shamrocks equalised entering injury time. It was pulsating stuff now entering the final minute of injury time and Shamrocks broke up the field and scored the winning point from a free to send them into the final against St Vincents, a final which is fixed for September 10th. A great team performance and well done to all involved and to the large travelling support of parents and siblings.
Panel: D. O'Brien, D. Gregson, T. Sheehan, P. Dorney, A. McSweeney, C. O'Flaherty, M. Sisk, A. Maye, S. Andrews, S. Darcy, H. Andrews, E. O'Flynn, D. Carroll, F. Herlihy, J. Coleman, D. Howard, M. Foy, R. Barrett, A. Brady
Semi Final V Lisgoold in Whitescross, 27/8/16. Back row, l to r: H. andrews, M. Foy, A. McSweeney, S. Darcy, D. Gregson, S. Andrews, C. O'Flaherty, J. Coleman, P. Dorney, M. Sisk. Front, l to r: E. O'Flynn, A. Brady, T. Sheehan, R. Barrett, F. Herlihy, D. O'Brien, D. Howard, D. Carroll, A. Maye
MCFC Semi V Tracton – 30/8
Shamrocks and Tracton met in the champinship semi final on Tuesday night and for the second year in a row, Shamrocks exited the championship at the Crosshaven venue. Shamrocks just didnt do enough on the night to earn the win and Tracton deserved to go through as they just about had a little bit more potency in the forward line and struck for 3 goals at important times.
Shamrocks opened with a point playing with the srtrong breeze but it was Tractons forwards who did more damage at the other end, scoring two goals after slicing open the Shamrocks defence on both occasions. Shamrocks were chasing the game thereafter but a lot of their play either broke down through mishandling or shots that were driven wide. The tally mounted in the first half but Shamrocks stayed in touch courtesy of a few frees and 2 nice scores from play. The halftime score was Tracton 2-3, Shamrocks 0-6 with a big half needed to turn things around.
Shamrocks tried very hard in the second half. They brought the defecit back to one point after HT with two fine points but once again, Tracton opened up the Shamrocks D and buried goal number 3 to open up a 4 point gap. Reset and start again. Shamrocks upped it once again and midway through the second half, they were rewarded with a penalty which was dispatched to the Tracton net to make it 3-4 to 1-8. Shamrocks really needed a goal from some other avenue but the Tracton backs were having none of it. Both teams swopped points before the end but Tracton were comfortable enough to see it out and earn a place in the final.
MFC V Tracton, 30/8/16. Back row, l to r: A. O'Grady, R. Meighan, D. Barry, J. Lynam, D. O'Sullivan, D. O'Mahony, C. Hayes, C. Corkery, C. Scriven, S. Flavin, K. Murphy, M. Hitchmough. Front, l to r: D. O'Flaherty, J. Sisk, C. Hayes, D. Allen, D. Andrews, J. O'Keeffe, C. Murphy
U21 HC Semi Final Replay V Ballygarvan – 31/8
They say that a good start and a good finish are the two most important ingredients for winning a game. Shamrocks got off to a fine beginning with 1-1 to 0-0 and it helped the team to settle.Credit Ballygarvan with their own efforts which saw them overhaul this advantage midway through the first half and go into the dressing rooms at halftime leading 1-7 to 1-4. Shamrocks were hurling with some inconsistency in the later part of the first half. That had to be righted at halftime.
The second half saw the 'Liam McCarthy lads" show greater urgency in their play and midwaythrough, they held a four point lead. Goals win games and Darragh Scriven delivered with ten minutes to go and the game turned on its head again.The Shamrock lads had their tails up and were a point in front after sixty minutes. There were four minutes of added time and Ballygarvan threw the "kitchen sink" at them. Shamrocks absorbed everything and recorded another point. They were only going to settle for a win on this occasion.
Team: Cormac Scriven, Sean Kidney, Joe O'Keeffe, Mark Hitchmough, Rory Meighan, David Barry, Oisin Boland, David Andrews, Andrew O'Grady, Coby O'Grady, Darragh Scriven, Brendan Crowley, Christopher Hayes.
Warmup V Ballygarvan, U21 BHC Semi, 31/8/16
U14 FL Quarter Final V St Vincents – 3/9
St Vincents 1-18, Shamrocks 1-7
Shamrocks and St Vincents played for the right to reach the semi final of the league on Saturday afternoon in Knocknaheeny and it was the home side who fully deserved to move into next stage. They controlled the game from start to finish and in doing so, proved their status as extremely strong favourites to win the championship final encounter on September 17th.
Shamrocks played with the strong wind in the first half but St Vincents were the dominant team throughout. They were early on the scoreboard and racked up an impressive total of 0-11. Shamrocks were tyring hard but just couldnt get a foothold on the game. At HT, it was 0-11 to 0-2 for St Vincents.
Shamrocks were up against it in the second half but they played a lot better as a team. Unfortunately, the deficit was too much to overcome but the players applied themselves very well without ever threatening the St Vincents advantage.
Our thanks to all who travelled up to Vincents. Shamrocks play them next Thursday in a hurling semi final at 8pm (under lights) and in the championship final on Saturday September 17th. We'll see plenty more of Vincents before the season is out
U21 BHC Final V Tracton – 4/9
Tracton 0-23, Shamrocks 1-16
Shamrocks and Tracton u21 hurlers had their own "First Sunday in September" on Sunday evening in the BHC final and it was Tracton who prevailed by 4 points. Considering the wet and greasy conditions, this was a great and high class game of hurling and Tracton showed that bit more experience towards the end to fight off the brave challenge from the Shamrocks team.
Tracton led for the entire match but there was only ever a few points in it. Tracton led 0-4 to 0-0 after five minutes and they looked like steamrolling Shamrocks. Shamrocks managed to get into the game somewhat and Andrew O'Grady was responsible for most of their scores from placed balls. Aongus Boland, Darragh Scriven and David Andrews were on the scoresheet for Shamrock as well in that first half. Tracton had opened up a 0-9 to 0-3 lead after fifteen minutes and that was the widest gap between the teams throughout the match. Shamrocks just hung in there up until halftime; they trailed 0-12 to 0-8 at the break with all to play for.
The teams were evenly matched in the second half. Importantly for them, every Shamrocks score was matched by a Tracton score at the other end. Twelve minutes into the second half, Shamrocks sub Tom Murphy pulled on a loose ball in the Tracton square and the ball ended up in the net. Tracton 0-13, Shamrocks 1-8. At this point it was game on and the two teams really went at it until the end – nut once again, Tracton kept Shamrocks at bay by two or three points at all times. Shamrocks got the deficit down to one point with eight minutes left after great points from Darragh Scriven and David Andrews and a few frees from O'Grady. However, Tracton weathered the storm and finished with three points to seal the victory.
This game was a third game in two weeks in the Ballinhassig venue for Shamrocks at Under 21 level and they can be very proud of their outstanding contribution. Their determination and great zeal for victory must be acknowledged and admired. Against Tracton, if a number of scoring chances that went on the wrong side of the posts, had gone inside, then we could well have been collecting silverware. Alas it was not to be and Tracton were worthy champions.
All our lads were winners and Shamrock Hurling was a huge winner too and the future is definitely very bright. Well done to Team Manager Colin Brady and mentors Aidan O'Leary and Jonathan Tuohy.
Panel: Cormac Scriven, Seán Kidney, Joe O'Keeffe, Mark Hitchmough, Rory Meighan, David Barry, Oisin Boland, David Andrews, Andrew O'Grady, Coby O'Grady, Darragh Scriven, Shane Kelleher, Brendan Crowley, Christopher Hayes, Tom Murphy, Shane Flavin, James Lynam.
Shamrocks, defeated by Tracton in the SE U21BHC final in Ballinhassig on 4/9/16. Back row, l to r: S. Kelleher, J. Lynam, J. O'Keeffe, C. Scriven, A. O'Grady, D. Barry, D. Scriven, R. Meighan, S. Flavin. Front, l to r: B. Crowley, T. Murphy, M. Fleming, M. Hitchmough, C. Hayes, D. Andrews, A. Boland, C. O'Grady, S. Kidney
U12 FL Semi Final V Whitechurch – 6/9
Whitechurch 7-5, Shamrocks 3-5
Our Football season came to an end on Tuesday evening in Whitechurch. The scoreline suggests that we were well beaten but that would not be a fair reflection of the proceedings.
This game was in the melting pot mid way through the second half but a physically stronger and older Whitechurch team took over and finished very strongly.
The first half was evenly contested and we lead coming up to half-time. However, 2 late goals handed the initiative to Whitechurch who went in 3-4 to 2-3 at half-time.
We started the second half well and levelled the game. We then missed a number of opportunities to take the lead. That was as good as it got.
Our lads were very disappointed at the end. We have had a very prodfuctive season and I'm sure that next year we will be well up to the mark. We wish our 12 year olds all the best for the coming seasons as they played their last competitive Football game at this grade. Thanks to Stephen for his coaching and encouragement during the year; also to Mairead for her games management skills! Again, a big shout out to grandparents, parents, siblings and friends for their super support.
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aidan Brady, Sam Foy, Declan Carroll, Robert Barrett, Fionn Herlihy, Michael Foy, Derry Howard, Aaron Clarke, Dara McCormack, Cathal O'Donovan, Eoin O'Flynn, Cian Lynch, Barry O'Mahony, Shane O'Mahony, Euan Clarke.
JAFC Semi Final V Ballymartle – 10/9
Shamrocks 2-7, Ballymartle 1-8
It will be a repeat of the 2015 final between Shamrocks and Ballinhassig after Shamrocks just about got the better of Ballymartle on Saturdfay night in Belgooly. This was a low scoring, bruising encounter and it was only with 7 minutes to go that Shamrocks went into the decisive lead. Shamrocks will know a repeat of this performance against the current holders will not do at all.
Ballymartle played with the strong breeze in half number 1 and opened the scoring. Shamrocks leveled and looked the better team playing against the breeze. They went a goal up 1-2 to 0-2 after 8 minutes and were in control. Ballymartle battled back into the game and approaching HT were 1-3 to 0-5 behind. With the second last kick of the half, they got a real boost when a free from way out the wing ended up in the Shamrocks net. 1-5 to 1-3 at halftime for Ballymartle.
Shamrocks played with the wind in half number 2 but took an age to get going. Ballymartle offered up serious resistance around the middle of the field in particular. The teams traded points every so often and the margin was one point with 7 minutes to go when Shamrocks capitalised on a Ballymartle slip in defence and scored a goal to not only put themsleves in front by two with time running out but to drag their perfornmance off the floor. Ballymartle brought it back to one but Shamrocks pushed it out to two again and the defence held on in the frantic last few minutes.
U14 CFC Final V St Vincents – 11/9
The strong favourites St Vincents made no mistake over a gallant Shamrocks team in Passage on Sunday afternoon in the championship final. Shamrocks just cant seem to get the better of Vincents in 2016, this was their 4th out of 4 wins in a row over this Shamrocks team, two in football and wo in hurling. This was by far teh biggest clsh of teh two and looking at teh scoreline, one might be forgiven for thinking that it was one way traffic but it wasnt – the Shamrocks team were outstanding to a man and battled all day long in the muck, rain and wind and made Vincents battle for every inch of ground all day.
Drama before the game as the small goal posts were blown over by the very strong wind blowing right down the pitch. Luckily, nobody was on the field at the time but after much debate between the management of both teams, it was decied to go ahead with the game but to remove the small goals, play the full pitch and go from twelve a side to thirteen a side. It was the right thing to do and it had no effect on the outcome.
Shamrocks played with the wind early on and needed a big lead. They were straight into action on the scoreboard. The forwards were clicking nicely and started to score. Harry Andrews was on fire inside and he had 1-3 from play inside the first 10 minutes. Vincents broke away for a goal which was to keep them in it somewhat but Shamrocks controlled it there after and delivered some great scores, none more so than the 3rd goal which was a full pitch lenght move where the ball was worked through many pairs of hands before the ball was fed to the onrushing Sean Andrews who buried it high into the Vincents net. A superb team goal and Vincents were in trouble. This was 10 minutes before HT and Shamrocks led 3-5 to 1-0 with the big wind. However, the next 10 minutes proved to be the key part of the match as Vincents attacked, scored and proceded to win every Shamrocks kickout against the wind, setting up their inside forwards who bagged a priceless 2-4 in the lead up to haltime. All the hard work Shamrocks had done was blown away in the wind. HT they led by only a point, 3-5 to 3-4 with a mountain to climb.
Shamrocks held out and fought hard for the first 10 minutes against the wind and hill but the inevitable happened 10 minutes in. Vincents had gone ahead 3-7 to 3-5 at this point but the first goal was always going to be teh defining moment and once it came, the heads dropped a bit. Another soon followed and such was the struggle against the wind, that really was it with 15 minutes to go. Shamrocks emptied the bench and brought on all their subs, who all performed well for such a young age, Robert Barrett scored the only Shamrocks goal in the second half. St Vincents used the wind advantage to tag on more points and goals while the Shamrocks lads on duty never threw in the towel.
Overall, a fully deserved win for strong favourits St Vincents but Shamrocks gave them plenty to think about along the way. The Shamrocks players had a great run in the East championship with a very young team and things are certainly better at this end of the year than say seven months ago. This was the u14s 23rd match of the year. Well done to all the players on a great year so far and to the mentors Pa Andrews, Jed O'Flaherty, John Jordan and Catherine Sisk on communication. Thanks also to the parents and supporters who braved the elements to roar on the lads. The season is not over with at least 2 more games to go.
Panel: D. O'Brien, D. Gregson, T. Sheehan, P. Dorney, A. McSweeney, C. O'Flaherty, M. Sisk, S. Darcy, A. Maye, S. Andrews, D. Howard, H. Andrews, E. O'Flynn, F. Herlihy, A. Brady, M. Foy, J. Coleman, R. Barrett.
East U14 CFC Final V St Vincents, in Passage, 11/9/16. Back row, l to r: Michael Foy, Shane Darcy, Cian O'Flaherty, Seán Andrews, Philip Dorney, Dylan Gregson, Harry Andrews, Mark Sisk, John Coleman, Adam McSweeney. Front: Aiden Brady, Eoin O'Flynn, Tim Sheehan, Adam Maye, Daniel O'Brien, Fionn Herlihy, Robert Barrett, Derry Howard.
MCHC Final V Grenagh – 12/9
Shamrocks 3-8, Grenagh 0-10
Shamrocks are once again Minor Hurling champions of the Rebel Óg East C Grade after a tough and uncompromising hours hurling against never say die Grenagh in the darkness of Mayfield on Monday evening. This game was real championship hurling with 110% committment from all the playes and even the mentors and supporters up in the stand. It made for a very exciting and tense game with Shamrocks ability to get goals being the key to the victory.
Grenagh opened the scoring early on in the very wet conditions and it took Shamrocks a full 10 minutes to register their first score. The early part of the game was evenly matched but Shamrocks got a boost after 13 minutes when it was 0-1 apiece when they broke through, passed to the unmarked David O'Sullivan inside and he made no mistake to rattle the Grenagh net. This was what the game needed and it got both teams going. Grenagh kept fighting and scoring and got to within 2 points before Chris Hayes and O'Grady pointed to leave the halftime score Shamrocks 1-4, Grenagh 0-4.
The game restarted with light fading fast in the gloom. Grenagh went about their business and scored 2 early points and had the momentum behind them at this point. Shamrocks were hurling well out the field against stiff oppositon but the scores werent coming their way. Shane Downey entered the game after 5 minutes of the second half and he was to have a big influence on the game, throwing himself about and generally making a nuisance of himself for the Grenagh backs.
And it was his goal after 13 minutes of the second half, after good work by Chris Hayes, that really sparked the Shamrocks resurgence. He scrambled home the sliotar to the Grenagh net and Shamrocks were leading 2-4 to 0-7. Grenagh pointed again but within 3 minutes, Chris Hayes, who had a superb game all through, billowed the Grenagh net once again and all of a sudden Shamrocks were in a comfortable position, leading 3-7 to 0-9. Hayes again pointed after a monster O'Grady brace and eventhough Grenagh pointed to make it a 7 point game, Grenagh came searching for a much needed goal but Shamrocks battled away, kept them out and took the spoils in the end. The noise generated by the Shamrocks crowd really drove the lads on in the second half in particular.
Both teams go forward to play in the County Section at a later date.
Panel: C. Scrievn, J. Lynam, D. Barry, R. Meighan, M. Hitchmough, J. O'Keeffe, A. O'Grady, S. Flavin, D. Andrews, C. Hayes, M. Fleming, D. O'Sullivan. Subs: S. Downey, C. Murphy, D. O'Mahony, D. Allen, C. Hayes (inj)
Winning Panel V Grenagh, 12/9/16. Back row, l to r: Kieran Lynam, Kevin O'Grady, Peter Crowley (all mentors), Liam Shanahan (chairman Rebel Óg East), Damien Allen, James Lynam, Cillian Hayes, Daniel O'Mahony, Ruairí Meighan, David O'Sullivan, David Barry, Criostóir Corkery, Cormac Scriven, Mark Hitchmough, Matthew Fleming and three mentors Dick Andrews, David Nolan and John Jordan. Front row, l to r: Cathal Murphy, Shane Downey, Chris Hayes, Andrew O'Grady, Joseph O'Keeffe, David Andrews, Shane Flavin.
Shamrocks traveled to play Lee Gaels in Inniscara on Friday evening for their last U10 hurling game of the year. This turned out to be a very entertaining game with both sides giving it their all. Lee Gaels opened the scoring with two quick fire goals that rattled the Shamrocks defense. Some quick adjustments were made and the lads soon settled down to play some excellent hurling. Some good points were scored from frees and also then just before the break we got two well deserved goals after some great pressure and build up play. This seem to settle us down and after the break we continued to play some lovely hurling. We ran out deserved winners in the end on a scoreline of 4-05 to 2-02.
Shamrocks had sixteen players on duty with another few missing which will give us great hope for the U12/U14 competitions in a few seasons time. Special thanks must go to the parents who were on the road at 5pm to ensure everyone got there on time. We finish our U10 season next Sunday 25th September at 10.30 am with a three team tournament in Kinsale against the home team and Kilbrittan. A full report of the U10 playing season will follow after them games
JAFC Final V Ballinhassig – 17/9
Shamrocks 0-9, Ballinhassig 0-8
Shamrocks are South East Junior A Football Champions for 2016 after a titanic struggle with last years champions Ballinhassig in Belgooly on Saturday night. Shamrocks were hanging on in the end in a low scoring contest as Ballinhassig pushed for the equaliser but the defence, who were magnificient as a unit, held out to claim Shamrocks first success at this level since 1994.
Shamrocks were never led in this game. Darragh O'Sullivan (0-5) opened the Shamrocks scoring inside 5 minutes from a free and soon after finished off a great team move to slot over from play. The inside Shamrocks full forward line were dangerous every time they got possession and soon after Cannice Caffrey pointed another flowing movement and Shamrocks were motoring well, 0-3 to 0-0. Ballinhassig started to gain a foothold around the middle and the Shamrocks backs came under pressure. Fergus O'Neill in the Shamrocks goal had to be alert to a few occasions and Ballinhassig started to open up the Shamrocks defence. They picked off some scores and went in at HT level 0-5 to 0-5 after another O'Sullivan free and a superb Caffrey point from play for Shamrocks. All to play for in the second half.
Shamrocks had the aid of the slight breeze in the second half. They switched around their forward line at the start of the second half with Joseph Shanahan going to full forward. He gave Shamrocks the start they needed after 3 minutes with a beautiful left footed inswinger after one of his mazy runs and Shamrocks were up and running. Belief started to creep in from there and Shamrocks opened up a significiant 3 point gap with 15 minutes to go after further points from O'Sullivan and Caffrey, 0-8 to 0-5.
At this point Shamrocks were in control but once again, Ballinhassig came forward in droves without ever threathening the Shamrocks goal. Possession was the name of the game in the second half with most of the play featuring multiple triangles of handpassing around the middle third. This suited Shamrocks no end. They drew a line at their own 45 yard line and made Ballinhassig work very hard to even get inside it. Some heroic defending kept them at bay. Ballinhassig brought it back to a one point game with 8 minutes left 0-9 to 0-8 and amazingly there were no other scores left in the game. Ballinhassig will rue their 14 wides and Shamrocks can count themselves lucky that they didnt have their shooting boots on but to be fair, most of those wides were under serious pressure from the outstanding Shamrocks backs.
Barry Mulqueen was the captain of the team. He accepted the trophy from the Rúnaí of the Board, Declan O'Neill. Pat Desmond, chairman, conscience of the occasion, asked Declan as a proud Shamrocks man to present the trophy to a fellow clubman. Barry was fulsome in his praise for the referee and his officials, the Belgooly pitch, the superb Ballinhassig team and mentors and the whole club of Shamrocks. This was a significiant statement as this truly was a whole club achievement after 22 years. Many people in the club have soldiered on without success at adult level for many's the year and this was sweet payback time. The club absolutely needed a major trophy at adult level and now this will be celebrated for a good while.
For many players, this was a magical feeling. There is a cohort of them who have been trying without success to win a SE football medal for 10 years plus. Yesterday was special for them. Just to see the look on their faces at the end was magnificient. They had battled on and now they are champions! Well done to them and to the management on a great year.
Cathel Kidney was presented with the Man of the Match award after the game.
Panel – Fergus O'Neill, Michael Prout, Stephen Hurley, Cathal Kidney, Jason Browne, Chris O'Neill, Mark Hitchmough, Barry Mulqueen, Mark Jordan, Joseph Shanahan, Alan McCarthy, David Andrews, Cannice Caffrey, Philip Brady, Darragh O'Sulluivan. Subs used – David Hayes, Jonathan Tuohy, Stephen O'Neill. Subs not used – Robbie Harrington, Senan Andrews, Roy Twomey, Jack Wilson, Brian Sweeney, Criostóir Corkery, Seanán Collins, Darragh Scriven, Seán Kideny, Dave O'Neill.
Juniors 2016
Saturday night's celebrations had hardly been completed after a thrilling South East Junior Football championship victory over Ballinhassig, when the Shamrock Ladies carved their own piece of history. The Ladies under 11 side were competing in the Mid-Cork Final against Grenagh. This was a close and thrilling game and it took a huge effort in the final quarter to take the title. Shamrocks won 3-6 to 2-4 and in doing so brought the Club its very first Ladies Football honour. A very worthy Captain Cloe McGrath accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.
Congratulations to the girls and the Team mentors and wonderful supporters.
A LONG WAIT;
The Junior Football Final victory was well overdue and it was all of 22 years away back in 1994 since we last won. The final that year was against Valley Rovers played in Riverstick. It went to two games, the first having ended in a draw. The replay was on the Sunday morning of All Ireland Football Final day in Riverstick.The drawn game was played on September 4th, Shamrocks 2-7 to Valley Rvs. 0-13. The replay took place on the 18th at 12 noon at Riverstick. The team were treated to a "full Irish" in John Carmody's Owenabue Inn in Carrigaline that morning The team then travelled to Shanbally for as pre-match routine and afterwards set off for Riverstick in Braham Brennan's bus. Played in continuous rain Shamrocks were up for it and won 0-7 to 0-4. Captain fantastic was Dick Andrews and he accepted the trophy amid wild excitement. Pat Murphy took the 'man of the match' award.
Team: P. Cusack, D. Andrews (Capt.), A. Ahearne, Ml. Lannon, Ml.Kidney, P. Murphy, D. O'Flaherty, P. Ryan, A. Geary, M. Hickey, A. O'Driscoll, S. Kelly, B.Beale, J. O'Callaghan, J. Dineen. Subs: O. Ó Cearbhuill, B. Hickey, S. O'Flynn, B. Timlin, A. O'Neill, A. Punch, D. Collins, K. O'Mahony, M. Geary, P. Andrews, D. O'Neill.
History was made in Junior Football that year when the Club completed the Double. The B Junior Football Team won their championship too to make it an unique feat.Shamrocks defeated Valley Rovers in the final played in Camden on Sunday December 11th. Brilliantly led by team Captain Seamus O'Flynn, they led from start to finish and won 2-8 to 0-6.
Team: A. Punch, B. Hickey, S. Horgan, K. Roche, C. Doyle, F. O' Flaherty, M. Geary, W. Pierce, C. McDonnell, D. O'Neill, R.Dreivers, F.Collins, C. McSweeney, S. O'Flynn, (Capt.)P. Andrews (1-5). Subs. J. O'Flaherty, R. Lannon, P. Prout.
Twenty two years was a long wait, but Saturday night's victory fashioned out of raw courage and huge commitment made it all worth while. Let the wagon roll on to Carrigaline for the County game on Friday night next September 23rd, under lights at 7.45pm
MFL Semi Final V Lee Gaels – 19/9
Shamrocks minor footballers have qualified for a final after this drama filled win over Lee Gaels on Monday evening in Ballygarvan.
Shamrocks led by 3-9 to 0-1 at HT after a scintillating and dominating performance in the first half. It was one way traffic and it was a case of how much Shamrocks would win by. They scored early and often and enjoyed almost the entire possession of the ball.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were the polar opposite. Lee Gaels dominated and attacked at will. Shamrocks went out of the game totally and Gaels had their tails up. They brought the scoreline back to 3-9 to 2-6 with 13 minutes left but Shamrocks scored a badly needed goal on the break thereafter and that gave them a bit of a cushion to control the game until the end
Co MCHC Semi Final V St Patricks – 24/9
St Patricks 1-16, Shamrocks 3-5
Played in very difficult conditions in St Mary's in Enniskeane the West Cork Lads were worthy winners after recording 17 scores to Shamrock's 8 over the hour. Being without your talisman player and top scorer, was a huge burden in such a vital game. The absence of Andrew O'Grady was the difference between winning and loosing.
Scores were hard to come by and at halftime the West Cork lads were in front 0-7 to 1-2. With the aid of the elements St. Pats went into a seven point lead only for Shamrocks after a very spirited revival to cut the lead to one point. However, that was as near as we came and some late well taken points from frees and play saw St. Pats go through. The incessant rain and high winds made playing conditions very difficult for both teams. Full credit to all the players for their brave efforts.
Shamrocks can hold their heads up, they recorded a wonderful 'East Championship Final victory' recently and we will all look forward to more great hurling days in the future. Well done to all concerned and the very loyal supporters who came out in hail, rain and sunshine.
Team List: Cormac Scriven, David Barry, Joseph O'Keeffe, Ruairi Mehigan, Mark Hitchmough, James Lynam, Shane Flavin, David Andrews, Christopher Hayes, David O'Sulllivan, Matthew Fleming, Shane Downey, Daniel O'Mahony, Cathal Murphy, Damien Allen, Jody Sisk, Christóir Corkery, Cillian Hayes.
Co JAFC Quarter Final V Brian Dillons – 25/9
Shamrocks 2-15, Brian Dillons 1-10
Shamrocks are into the semi final of the Co JAFC after a controlled and deserved win over Brian Dillons on Sunday evening in Ballygarvan. Shamrocvks were the better team all through and apart from a spell midway through the second half when Dillons threathened a comeback, they always looked the likely winners.
Both teams played with packed defences in the first half isolating players inside when the other team had possession. Shamrocks were better at penetrating this wall of Dillons defenders with precise passing both from the hand and foot. Brian Dillons led for the only time inside 5 minutes when their big midfielder caught a high ball into the 21 yard line and he pointed. The same midfielder was to move to full forward in the second half as Dillons went in search of goals. Shamrocks captain Barry Mulqueen responded to this point and Shamrocks were up and running. They kicked on and their inside line were winning plenty of possession and winning frees which Darragh O'Sullivan was popping over. Midway through the first half, Shamrocks led 0-5 to 0-3 playing down the Ballygarvan hill but against the breeze. Brian Dillons will rue some costly misses in that half as well as their shooting let them down at times. They also picked up 4 yellow cards which was to prove costly in the second half. Shamrocks continued to probe the Dillons defence and Mulqueen scored a magnificent point on 21 minutes from way out. Shamrocks took inspiration from this and into the game came David Andrews who scored a quickfire 1-1 to drive home the Shamrocks advantage, adding to Philip Bradys point from play. They led 1-8 to 0-4 at halftime and the belief was there that this game was winnable.
Shamrocks expected a fierce Dillons onslaught in the second period but in reality they were always in control. They opened up an 8 point advantage after points from Joe Shanahan and Cannice Caffrey, 1-11 to 0-6. Brian Dillons, a big physical team, needed to score goals from 25 minutes out and managed to score a quickfire 1-1 of their own after 8 minutes of the second half to give themselves real hope, 1-11 to 1-7. However, the Shamrocks responce was magnificent as they scored 4 points from play through Brady, Shanahan and Caffrey. The forwards were playing well in the extra space afforded them and once again Shamrocks went 6 points up with 12 minutes to go, 1-13 to 1-7. Brian Dillons kept at it at the other end and gave the Shamrocks defenders some work to do but the work ethic and desire to win was superb. They did win a penalty but they blasted it over the bar. Soon afterwards onrushing sub Stephen O'Neill finished a soccer style sweeping move to the Dillons net after it was crossed in low by Caffrey and that was it. Joseph Shanahan scored a vital point after a great run and point another sub (all subs made contributions) Jonathan Tuohy put the icing on the cake with a great run and point of his own just before the end. Dillons got 2 late red cards.
This was a great team effort in fairness from everyone. The divisional win seems to have lifted the monkey off their back and they played without fear on Sunday – some of their play and movement was superb. They go on to play Cloyne in the County Semi Final.
Panel: F O'Neill, M. Prout, S. Hurley, Cathal Kidney, Jason Browne, D. Hayes, M. Hitchmough, B. Mulqueen, M. Jordan, J. Shanahan, A. McCarthy, D. Andrews, D. O'Sullivan, P. Brady, C. Caffrey. Subs used – J. Tuohy, S. Kidney, S. O'Neill, B. Sweeney, R. Harrington. Not used – J. Wilson, C. Corkery, D. Scriven, D. O'Neill.
Week Ended – Sunday October 9th
JAFL V Valley Rovers – 1/10
Shamrocks 1-10, Valley Rovers 0-13
Our final Junior Football League game was played in Brinny in glorious sunshine and it was a game which was contested by two evenly matched teams. A fresh wind prevailed and the home side had the advantage in the first half and led 0-7 to 0-3 at halftime. The second period saw Shamrocks very much to the fore and at the final whistle a draw was a fair result.
This match gave the Selectors an opportunity to provide game time for our substitutes who provide such a resolute backup to our championship team. The game was played from end to end over the hour and there was plenty of play and competition in all quarters.
Team: F. O'Neill, S. Andrews, S. Hurley, R. Harrington, J. Tuohy, M. Hitchmough, J. Browne, M. Jordan, S. Kidney, D. O'Sullivan, P. Brady, S. O'Neill, D. O'Neill, B.Sweeney, S. Collins. Subs used – C. Corkery, A. McCarthy, D. Andrews.
U10 HL Blitz – 1/10
The lads stepped up another grade on Saturday morning when we were pitted with Bride Rovers, Millstreet and the hosts, Whitechurch in the final u10 hurling matches of a great season.
The heavy pitch conditions and strong wind made it very difficult to play our usual high standard hurling. The first game against Whitechurch was very low scoring and it was the host team who prevailed at the end on a scoreline of 1-03 to 0-02. The next game had us up against a much bigger and physical Milstreet team. We found it very difficult to find our range. The lads to their credit kept going to the end and never gave up. We lost out on a scoreline of 3-04 to 1-03. We fielded some of our U8 players and all the players got plenty of game time.
We travel to Kilbrittan next Saturday for the last football matches of the season. As usual thanks again to the ever reliable parents for the transport provided. The panel on duty were Cathal O'Donovan, Harry O'Leary, Barry O'Mahony, Euan Clarke, Josh Bartlett, Sam Foy, Kieran Maye, Darragh McCormick, Zach Coughlan,D avid Taggart, Cian Lynch, Shane O'Mahony, Shane O'Flynn, Seamus O'Mahony, Luke Jordan.
The U10 Hurling Panel in Whitechurch, 1/10/16
U10 FL Blitz – 8/10
Shamrocks travelled to Kilbrittan to compete in the last U10 football matches for the season. They were drawn against Coursey Rovers in the first game and this proved to be a tough assignment. Courseys were a much bigger and physical team to us and this was the telling factor as they beat us by 5 points. All the panel played and accounted very well for themselves.
The 3rd & 4th place play off had us up against Sliabh Rua. This turned out to be a very evenly contest and only a kick of a ball separated the two teams in the end with Shamrocks winning on a scoreline of 1-09 to 2-03. The new format that was adapted by the board this year for the U10 hurling and football proved to be a great success.
Special thanks again to all the parents and guardians who without fail supported this group all season. Transport was provided by the parents. Great credit must also go to the group of players who will have a great future going forward if we can all stick together. The selection committee consisted of Andrew O Grady, Mark Hitchmough, Sean Kidney and Shane O Donovan. The time and effort they put in throughout the season is a credit to them. The club would like to thank them for this commitment.
Co JAFC Semi Final V Cloyne – 8/10
Shamrocks 2-13, Cloyne 2-6
Shamrocks have qualified for their first adult county final since 1933 after this fully deserved 7 point win over Cloyne in Carrigtwohill on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Shamrocks controlled this game from start to finish and got their tactics and match-ups spot on, enabling them to control the tempo of the game, keep Cloyne at bay and then to play the ball and the game to their own strenghts.
Shamrocks were never behind and opened the scoring through the hardworking Joe Shanahan early on. They went ahead 0-2 to 0-0 soon after before Cloyne registered their first score. Shamrocks were playing with a plan and played some lovely football at times, using the open space of the huge pitch to their advantage. Cloyne won most of the kickouts in the first half through their greater physicality but Shamrocks never let that throw them and they kept feeding ball inside to the dangerous forwards after they patiently won it back. Cannice Caffrey kicked a couple of scores while Darragh O'Sullivan also got on the scoresheet. Shamrocks led 0-4 to 0-3 with 5 minutes to go to halftime.
This was the point in the game that Shamrocks put one leg in the final. They scored 2 goals in succession in the space of 2 minutes. First a Cloyne kickout was fielded by David Andrews who fed Joseph Shanahan who rattled the Cloyne net. 1-4 to 0-3. A minute later a high ball in wasnt dealt with by the Cloyne defence and Shanahan again fed the onrushing Darragh O'Sullivan who's goalbound shot was deliberately blocked by a Cloyne leg. Penalty for Shamrocks – O'Sullivan dispatched it emphatically to follow up the earlier goal just before and Shamrocks were leading 2-4 to 0-3. Cloyne added a point to leave it 2-4 to 0-4 at halftime with Shamrocks firmly in the driving seat.
Shamrocks stretched their lead in the second half. They worked the ball into dangerous positions and all their scores, bar one, came from play. They went 2-8 to 0-6 ahead after further points from Shanahan, Philip Brady and David Andrews. Cloyne started to go for goals from this point but thE Shamrocks defence held firm. Shamrocks kept responding to Cloyne scores and at one point, with 11 minutes to go led by 11 points, 2-11 to 0-6 after further points from David Hayes, Shanahan and O'Sullivan. Cloyne got a goal back with 10 minutes left but Shamrocks tagged on a vital score straight away to keep themselves in charge. Cloyne did pepper the Shamrocks goal and were rewarded with a penalty for a non-existant footblock. The Rock Diarmuid O'Sullivan dispatched it to the net but it was way too late for them. Shamrocks played out the last few minutes to reach that elusive county final. A great team performance all round.
Shamrocks play the final against Gabriel Rangers on Sunday October 23rd in Páirc Ui Rinn at 2pm.
Team: F. O'Neill, M. Prout, S. Hurley, C. Kidney, M. Hitchmough, C. O'Neill, D. Hayes, B. Mulqueen, M. Jordan, J. Shanahan, A. McCarthy, D. Andrews, D. O'Sullivan, P. Brady, C. Caffrey. Subs used – A. O'Grady, S. O'Neill, J. Tuohy, B. Sweeney. Subs not used – S. Andrews, S. Kidney, R. Harrington, S. Collins, D. O'Neill, C. Corkery, J. Wilson.
Co JAFC Semi Final V Cloyne in Carrigtwohill,. 8/10.16. Back row, l to r: R. Harrington, A. McCarthy, S. Collins, S. Hurley, B. Mulqueen, P'. Brady, B. Sweeney, C. Kidney, C. Corkery, D. O'Neill, M. Jordan, A. O'Grady, D. Andrews, J,. Wilson, D. O'Sullivan, M. Hitchmough. Front, l to r: F. O'Neill, S. Andrews, M. Prout, D. Hayes, S. O'Neill, J. Tuohy, C. O'Neill, C. Caffrey, S. Kidney, J. Shanahan.
MCFL Final V Tracton – 9/10
Shamrocks 2-9, Tracton 0-11
What a weekend of football its been in the club. The juniors qualify for their first ever adult county final in 85 years on Saturday and not to be outdone, the minor footballers add the league title a day later after this hard fough win over Tracton in Shanbally on the Sunday. Tracton had beaten Shamrocks in the championship earlier in the year so the team knew that only a top class display would suffice here and thats what they did just about in the end.
The first half was close all the way with play swinging up and down the field throughout. Shamrocks opened up with the first two scores but Tracton fought hard and kept in touch up until HT, where the score stood at Shamrocks 0-6, Tracton 0-4. Shamrocks had to play without captain Mark Hitchmough who received a black card after 20 minutes but despite this blow, they knuckled down thereafter. Among the Shamrocks scorers in the first half were David Andrews, Andrew O'Grady who was on form on the frees and Cillian Hayes.
Shamrocks started the second half like they meant business and struck for 2-2 in a devastating 6 minute period. First a quickly taken free on the 50 yard line was worked through 4 pairs of hands to Shane Flavin at the edge of the square and his finished smartly to the Tracton net. O'Grady and David O'Sullivan had scored points either side of that goal and next to follow was a David Andrews goal after his strong run. With 20 minutes to go, Shamrocks were in a strong position, leading 2-8 to 0-4. However, Tracton were determined that this wasnt going to be their lot and they stormed right back into the game and totally controlled the last 20 minutes. Only for some superb shot stopping by Criostóir Corkery in the Shamrocks goal and some heroic blockdowns, it could have been a remarkable comeback. After Tracton brought the score back to 2-8 to 0-10, Shamrocks finally managed to get a much needed score through Cillian Hayes 3 minutes from the end to seal the win. A great team performance overall once again from everyone.
Liam Shanahan, Chairman of Rebel Óg East, presented the league trophy to Shamrocks captain Mark Hitchmough after the game.
Team: C. Corkery, D. Barry, J. O'Keeffe, S. Downey, M. Hitchmough, R. Meighan, A. O'Grady, D. Andrews, C. Hayes, S. Flavin, D. O'Flaherty, D. Allen. Subs used – C. Scriven, D. O'Sullivan, J. Lynam, D. O'Mahony
MCFL Winning Panel V Tracton, 9/10/16. Back row, l to r: C. Scriven, D. O'Mahony, J. Lynam, C. Corkery, D. Barry, R. Meighan, A. O'Grady, D. O'Sullivan, S. Flavin. Front, l to r: C. Hayes, S. Downey, D. O'Flaherty, M. Hitchmough, D. Andrews, J. O'Keeffe, D. Allen.
Week Ended – Sunday October 29th
Co JAFC Final V Gabriel Rangers – 23/10
Gabriel Rangers 2-13, Shamrocks 2-7
Shamrocks wonderful run in the JAFC came to an end at the final hurdle as Gabriel Rangers made sure that West Cork won every single club championship available in Cork this with a fully deserved 6 point win over a Shamrocks team that were out gunned and out played for the most part but never gave up and played right to the final whistle. In reality, Gabriel Rangers were in total control of this game and only for 2 late consolation goals by Shamrocks in injury time, would have won by far more.
The strong easterly wind played a significiant part in this game. Shamrocks played with it in the first half and opened the scoring after 3 minutes through Cannice Caffrey. However, every score up to half time was hard worked as the dangerous Gabriels forwards opened up the Shamrocks defence with some slick passing and movement. Gabriels were the better team throughout that half as they dominated possession and led 0-9 to 0-7 having played against the strong breeze. Six different Shamrocks players scored in that high class first half when the game was at its most competitive. Such was the strenght of the wind, Gabriels went in at HT in the much stronger position.
Shamrocks needed a good start to the second half but the exact opposite happened. An early point for them was followed by a disaster of a short kick out to the Gabriels corner forward who fed the onrushing full forward and he slotted neatly past Fergus O'Neill. Game over 5 minutes into the second half, 1-10 to 0-7. Gabriels started played with style now and opened up more daylight with another 1-2 with 15 minutes left, 2-13 to 0-7. The scored 2-4 in 13 second half minutes just after the break to effectively end the tie as a contest.
Shamrocks were playing for pride at this stage and were in danger of not scoring in the second half. After both teams made 5 substitutions each, the last 15 minutes of normal time were scoreless. Shamrocks never gave up and scored 2 goals in 1 minute in injury time to leave a somewhat respectable score on the board. Andrew O'Grady and Alan McCarthy scored the goals.
While defeat was the order of the day, the club and especially the players and management can be extremely proud of their run this year. Its been a superb achievement to even win the divisional championship. Roll on next year already and thanks to everyone involved in this proud run. Best of luck to Gabriels in the Munster Championship. .
Team: F. O'Neill, M. Prout, S. Hurley, C. Kidney, M. Hitchmough, C. O'Neill, D. Hayes, B. Mulqueen, M. Jordan, J. Shanahan, A. McCarthy, D. Andrews, C. Caffrey, P. Brady, D. O'Sullivan. Subs used – J. Browne, J. Tuohy, S. O'Neill, B .Sweeney, S. Andrews. Unused – S. Kidney, S. Collins, D. O'Neill, J. Wilson, C. Corkery, R. Twomey, D. Scriven.
Shamrocks Co JAFC Final Panel, 23/10/16 – Back row, l to r: Chris O'Neill, Jack Wilson, Stephen Hurley, Jonathan Tuohy, Barry Mulqueen, Seanán Collins, Dave O'Neill, Mark Jordan, Cathal Kidney, Philip Brady, Alan McCarthy, Andrew O'Grady, Criostóir Corkery, Darragh Scriven, Cannice Caffrey. Front, l to r: Brian Sweeney, Fergus O'Neill, Joseph Shanahan, Seán Kidney, Jason Browne, Mark Hitchmough, Michael Prout, Stephen O'Neill, Roy Twomey, Senan Andrews, David Andrews, David Hayes, Darragh O'Sullivan.
MHL Final V St Vincents – 29/10
Shamrocks 0-19, St Vincents 2-11
Inside a short few weeks, the Shamrocks Minor team has won two League finals, football versus Tracton and hurling versus St. Vincents. Both games had a lot in common, the opponents were very formidable sides and it required huge commitment and leadership to reach the winners podium. These Shamrocks youngsters have what it takes and at Ballincollig's magnificent playing pitch the city and South-East teams served up a late Autumn classic.
The opening twenty minutes was rather pedestrian and both sides showed signs of having not played hurling for several weeks. However, as each minute passed the tempo rose and at the break the teams were level Shamrocks 0-8 to St. Vincents 1-5.
The second half saw the intensity grow by the minute and scores were exchanged regularly. Shamrocks were three points in front and looking good when St. Vincents rattled in a great goal to make it all square. Then each side exchanged points to let it level 2-10 to 0-16 after sixty minutes. The Referee called for five minutes of added time. This put both sides to the acid test.
The city lads drew first blood with a well taken point but in return the O'Grady led team countered with three magnificent points and bag another great hurling title. The game was won and the faithful Shamrock following were in wild celebrations. Their lads had not let them down and gave them a great start to the October weekend.
Congratulations to all our brave and valiant Minor Players, their Coach and Mentors too, you have done our Club some service.
Team; Cormac Scriven (goal) James Lynam, David Barry, Joseph O'Keeffe, Rory Mehigan, Cillian Hayes, Mark Hitchnmough, Shane Downey, Andrew O'Grady (Capt.), Christopher Hayes, Matthew Fleming and David Andrews. Subs – Shane Flavin, Daniel O'Mahony, Cathal Murphy, Damien Allen.
Week Ended – Sunday November 15th
JAFL Semi Final V Ballinhassig – 5/11
Shamrocks 2-9, Ballinhassig 0-11
Early November football and both Shamrocks and Ballinhassig served up an exciting and competitive game to decide who qualified for the league final. In the third meeting of the teams this year, Shamrocks came out on top by four points to qualify for the final against Valley Rovers.
Shamrocks started like a train and looked like they would wipe the floor with Ballinhassig as they opened up a 4 point lead inside the first 10 minutes, 0-4 to 0-0 after some points from Barry Mulqueen, Darragh Scriven and Cannice Caffrey. However, Ballinhassig turned the game right around in a six minute spell thereafter, moving ahead by 0-5 to 0-4. So it was game on at this point with both teams having dominated spells. Both sides exchanged points up to halftime to leave the blues leading 0-7 to 0-6. Shamrocks had work to do.
Shamrocks had a dream opening 8 minutes to the second half. They scored two quick goals through Darragh O'Sullivan and Cannice Caffrey to gave themselves a firm hold on proceedings. They led 2-6 to 0-7 at this point and Ballinhassig needed at least one goal to win this game. Ballinhassig brought the deficit back to 2-6 to 0-9 and 2-7 to 0-10 but couldn't do enough to break the strong Shamrocks rearguard. Some inspired points from midfielder Mulqueen and Caffrey drove Shamrocks over the line in the last quarter. Final next Saturday afternoon.
Co MCFL Semi Final V Clyda Rovers – 6/11
Shamrocks 0-8, Clyda Rovers 3-12
Shamrocks football season came to an end on Sunday afternoon after this comprehensive defeat to Clyda Rovers in the Co League Semi Final. The visitors to Shanbally were a bit too good for the Shamrocks lads and were all good footballers with excellent decision making skills. They were a huge team and their physicality was evident throughout. Their tackling was unlike anything the Shamrocks players had ever encountered and they harried and hassled the Shamrocks players in possession all game long, resulting in multiple turnovers which they were able to convert into scores at the other end.
Clyda Rovers opened up a 0-4 to 0-1 lead early on and looked dangerous. Shamrocks couldnt win enough possession at midfield and only David Andrews and Dylan O'Flaherty carried any threat up front. Shamrocks managed to get the score back to 0-4 to 0-3 after 18 minutes but Clyda stretched away again with 2 quickfire points. The half time score was 0-8 to 0-5 in favour of the visitors, and despite Shamrocks having played against the slight breeze, the feeling was that they were lucky to be just 3 points behind at that juncture.
Shamrocks turned to play down the hill in the second half but it was Clyda who started much the better and added on 3 points to Shamrocks 1. Ten minutes into the second half, Clyda Rovers led 0-11 to 0-6. This is when their big powerful midfielder received his second yellow and Shamrocks had a man advantage. The door was opened for a comeback but unfortunately, it never materialised. The next 10 minutes of the game became very disjointed as 2 Shamrocks players needed lenghty treatement after being injured and this disrupted the team no doubt .The discipline on both sides also suffered and the rest of the game was a non event as Clyda Rovers ran in three goals, one from a penalty, to register a comfortable victory in the end. Thankfully, the 2 injured Shamrocks players are ok and are on the mend.
Panel: C. Corkery, D. Barry, C. Scriven, R. Meighan, M. Hitchmough, J. O'Keeffe, A. O'Grady, S. Downey, D. Andrews, Cillian Hayes, Chris Hayes, D. O'Flaherty, J. Lynam, D. O'Mahony, D. Allen.
Underage AGM Nov 2016
The juvenile club held its AGM in the Clubhouse to review 2016 and to plan ahead for 2017. The healthy attendance heard reports from the various outgoing officers. The officers elected for 2017 are as follows: Chairperson – John Twomey (Ringaskiddy), Vice – Hugh Foy, Secretary – Pa Andrews, Treasurer – Peter Crowley, Childrens Officer – Jacqui Scriven. The outgoing Treasurer and board delegate Paddy Andrews stepped down after more than 30 years of administrative service to Shamrocks. He was thanksd for his time and commitment over the years by the chairperson.
The various team mentors for 2017 were also dealt with on the night – most are filled with a few more to be confirmed.
Co CHL Final V Kildorrery – 20/11
Kildorrery 5-14, Shamrocks 2-8
The curtain came down on the 2016 playing season with defeat for the minors to Kildorrery in the league final in Mayfield on Sunday last. Shamrocks can have few complaints on this one as Kildorrery were clearly the better team and had a very good forward line who caused problems all match through for the Shamrocks backs. Every time they attacked they threatened a goal and they wrapped up this game inside the first 15 minutes when they scored 4 goals to leave them ahead by 4-2 to 0-3. Shamrocks were battling hard but were reliant on Andrew O'Grady mainly from frees. Mark Hitchmough and David Andrews also got on the scorsheet for Shamrocks who trailed at HT by 4-5 to 0-6.
Shamrocks needed a fast start to the second half; however it was Kildorrery who scored 3 points on the trot assisted by the breeze now. Their number 15 was unstoppable and he accounted for most of their scores – Shamrocks couldnt get a handle on him at all. Matthew Fleming scored Shamrocks opening point of the second half and Andrew O'Grady scored goals from a penalty and a 21 yard free to put some respectability on the scoreboard. Meanwhile at the other end Kildorrery were keeping their scoring rate upand ran out comfortable winners.
Thanks to all the team and management for a great year and best of luck to the players moving on to adult hurling (and football) in the club.
Team: C. Scriven, R. Meighan, J. Lynam, J. O'Keeffe, M. Hitchmough, D. Barry, A. O'Grady, C. Hayes, D. Andrews, S. Flavin, M. Fleming, C. Hayes, C. Murphy, D. O'Mahony, D. Allen.
Shamrocks & Midleton salute the hurlers of 1916
One hundred years is a long time, but in the GAA the heroes of yesteryear even though it maybe a century ago will never be forgotten and so the Shamrock and Midleton Clubs came together to salute their 1916 teams that contested the Senior Hurling Final on that historical year in our nation's history. The Senior Hurling final of 1916 was played in The Cork Athletic Grounds on Sunday October 16th between Midleton and Shamrocks with the then County Board Secretary Tom Irwin the Referee. Midleton 4-0, Shamrocks 3-2.
The Shamrock Club hosted a function in Ringaskiddy where there was a large gathering drawn from the two Clubs. The Midleton group were led by their Chairman Mr. Liam Ryan and Shamrocks were led by their Chairman Mr. Pat McCarthy. It was an occasion enriched by wonderful people who were in attendance, many of whom had contributed greatly to their respective Clubs both on and off the field.
All Ireland medals were a plenty with John Fenton, Kevin Hennessey and Paddy Fitzgerald amassing a fine senior collection. Adrian O'Driscoll and Michael Prout from Shamrocks have a fine collection too including Minor Hurling, Intermediate Hurling and Junior Football.
The occasion and the marking of the centenary year were recognised in a very special way by the Clubs. Both Clubs commissioned suitable momentos. The Shamrock Club Presented Silver Salvers suitably inscribed and mounted on Midleton Distillery Oak. The Midleton Club produced a remarkable framed citation acknowledging the final and some of its outstanding players and included a medal won a Shamrock player. On behalf of the Midleton Club, their 1966 All Ireland medal Winner Paddy Fitzgerald accepted the Silver Salver from Shamrock Club Chairman Pat McCarthy. Jerh. Coveney, Senior Vice President accepted the memento on behalf of Shamrocks.
Then John Fenton then presented the framed Citation to John Twomey representing the Shamrock Club. This set the scene and allowed the large attendance to engage in the great spirit of the momentous occasion.
Two players who played in the 1916 final went on the play Senior Hurling with Cork and were members of the Team of 1919 that won the first All Ireland wearing the red jerseys. They were Frank Kelleher of Shamrocks and Richard O'Gorman of Midleton. Three members of the Shamrock team Ned Frizelle, Tom Livesey and Frank Kelleher played on the Cork Junior Hurling team of 1916 and won All Ireland Medals. Jim Russell from Shamrocks went on to play Senior Hurling with Cork. Michael Cotter, who played at full back, played Senior Hurling with Cork in 1912. He was a member of a Cork Senior Hurling team that played Tipperary in the town of Mechlin in Belgium. This was an Exhibition Hurling game to mark the 1912 Congress of Celtic Nations. It was the first Cork team ever to travel abroad. In 1923 many of the Shamrock players were still playing and they won the Beamish Shield and Senior Hurling League Final that year. The team was trained by the local Curate in Ringaskiddy, Rev. Fr. Tim Murphy.
The occasion was enhanced too by the presence of relatives of some of the team members. Mrs. Pat Howard's father, Tom Livesey and Uncle Jim Russell were team members. Martin Murphy from The Kennel Boreen was there acknowledging his grandfather John Murphy who was the Club Chairman in 1916 and also one of the Club's founding fathers of 1898. Terry Frizelle was well represented on the team by his father Ned and Uncle Bob. The Captain of the team was Ned Flynn from Shanbally and his cousin Pat Touhy was there to sing his praises. The Flynns were an old Gaelic family and Ned's father refereed the Senior Hurling County final of 1890. The goalkeeper was Michael Cusack and he was represented by his niece Helen Prout, a Vice President of the Club and a former Treasurer. Her son Michael was in attendance too, surely one of the Clubs most distinguished players in recent times having played hurling and football with many Cork teams and won four All Ireland Medals, two in hurling and two in football. The Secretary of the Club in those days was Ned Lynch NT at Ringaskiddy School. The Treasurer was John Packie McSweeney a brother to Lena Mulcahy who was renowned over the years for treating injured players with her own lotions made from wild herbs. The past was truly filled with wonderful people whose spirit and enterprise provided firm foundations for the generations that followed.
Included in the gathering were Donal Brady, winner of a South-East Cork Hurling Medal in 1963, Denis Allen, a former Club Secretary, Pat O'Neill, another former Secretary and Club Trustee, Neally O'Mahony, one of the greatest players over to wear the Shamrock jersey, Anthony Ronayne, another legend of the past, Colin Brady, our current Hurling Team Manager, and David Nolan N.T. Shanbally NS and Manager of our Minor Teams, who have brought the Clubl much success in recent years. Also present was Elizabeth O'Grady (nee Andrews) whose family have been associated with our Club every year since its foundation in 1898. Her Grandfather and Grand Uncle, George and William won Junior County Medals with Shamrocks in 1908.
Good occasions and good nights never last long enough but the memories and exchanges generated on this historic and memorable evening will provide much for us all going forward. May all the mighty Hurlers of Midleton and Shamrocks who thrilled the crowds in The Cork Athletic Grounds in that October Sunday afternoon in 1916 rest peacefully in that great playing field in the sky.
Week Ended – Saturday December 31st, 2016
Polar Plunge for the special Olympics
It was a great honour to be present today in the National Maritime College of Ireland to witness Shamrocks Gaa club taking part in the Polar plunge to raise funds for the Special Olympics. This consisted of diving into the sea survival pool under simulated windy conditions with a heavy swell. The six brave lads represented the club with great pride.
A lot of other participants were present to witness the Shamrock lads start the ball rolling as they along with two girls from the Cork ladies football team were first to do the dive. Kieran Lynam overcame his fear of heights and created a massive splash with he jumped in after the two girls from the Cork ladies football team. He got a great round of applause. Dick and David Andrews were both showing off their six packs but the judges declared David the winner after his great dive and getting the spectators involved in the build up with his overhead hand clapping. Dick wanted to lodge an appeal but Kathleen told him to be a man and accept the result. Tony O Sullivan was worried about his tan. He was assured that it wouldn't wash off that easy. He dived with great authority and confidence. He too got a great score from the judges. David O Neill took the honours as the best local. He represented Ringaskiddy with great pride. He took to the pool as if he was doing it all his life. He also impressed the judges. Last up was Noel Kavanagh representing the Construction industry. He was impressed with the Cork Ladies and tried to better them. The judges thought for a time but the ladies got the higher scores. Noel was not that happy as he put in some serious training for this.
The club would like to thank all of the lad's and their families who were present to witness this great event. It was great to see the lads in their Shamrocks colours to represent the club with great pride and honour.
The Shamrocks contingent raising money for Special Olympics Munster, from left – Dick Andrews, Noel Kavanagh, Dave O'Neill, Tony O'Sullivan, David Andrews, Kieran Lynam
Christmas Draw 2016 Results
Niamh Buckley c|o Kenny Coveney – Classical Hamper
John Jordan – Classical Hamper
Ronan Cullinane c|o Novartis
Joe O'Driscoll
Irene Aherne
Brian Cullen c|o Barry Mulqueen
John Joe Flynn
Shane Broderick c|o Jason Bowne
Mary O'Sullivan
Hannah O'Keeffe
Eileen Twomey
Senan Andrews
Mairead O'Sullivan
Jonny Tuohy
Kieran Cummins c|o Kevin O'Grady
Catherine Ronayne
Ronan Murphy
Tommy Doc c|o Pat Cusack
Angela McCarthy c|o FBI
James Lynam
Seamus Barry
Fiona Hickey
Miriam Lynam
Martin Meaney c|o Cobh GAA
Tom Cooney
Barry O'Neill
Jim Ronayne
Ethel Aherne
Adrian Walsh c|o Jim Ronayne
Paul Walsh c|o Novartis
The Club wishes to thank all the people who supported this Draw and contributed to its success. The Club is also very grateful to all the Ticket Sellers who have again performed magnificently. Thanks too to all the kind and generous sponsors of prizes