CLOYNE GAA GAME REPORTS – HURLING 2008

Chapel Street Cloyne Co.Cork Ireland

www.cloynegaa.com

CLOYNE-V-WATERGRASSHILL – JUNIOR A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Cloyne 1-12

Watergrasshill 1-12

The Cloyne Junior A Hurlers took on a highly fancied Watergrasshill side at Dungourney at 7.00pm on Saturday evening last the 23^rd August.

Almost from the throw in by referee Niall Barrett, the weather which had been poor all day turned extremely nasty and it is the great credit of both teams that an entertaining and sporting game was played in appalling weather, even though the pitch at Dungourney held up well to the hour’s play. This really was a game of two halves in that in the first half Watergrasshill outscored Cloyne by 1-8 to 0-4 and in the second half Cloyne outscored Watergrasshill by exactly the same margin. The weather conditions favoured the “Hill” from the outset and Cloyne were restricted to one point from play by Kevin O’Lomasney in the first half which saw all the Watergrasshill points scored from play with Ritchie Cahill at centre forward scoring three points, Brendan Healy at full forward and centre fielder Mossie Barry being particularly dangerous for the “Hill” throughout and reflecting their superiority on the scoreboard. There were greatly helped in this by a goal from a free by Don O’Riordan from 25 metres on 21 minutes, when the heavy and wet ball, despite being met by a hurley on the line, found its way to the net and Watergrasshill were clearly in the driving seat.

Despite the best efforts of David Jermyn at centre back, Shane O’Brien at wing back and Brian Ring at corner back, Cloyne were up against it and failed really to make much headway in terms of getting the ball into scoring positions. Because of the poor conditions on the side there were a good number of frees conceded on both sides, but the Cloyne attack and in particular, the mid-field and half forward line, found it very difficult to either score or get the ball into dangerous areas for the inside forward line. This caused the introduction of Michael McCarthy on 20 minutes but none the less when going in at half time in such a way Cloyne were clearly up against it. Matters were to change dramatically in the second half when Cloyne aided by the introduction of Tommy O’Shea on 46 minutes cut loose and restricted Watergrasshill to two points from play in the second half with two frees completing their scoring. David Jermyn, Shane O’Brien and Vincent Cusack came totally to the fore in the second half and Paul O’Sullivan gave an outstanding display at centre field to drive the ball into a dangerous forward line where Niall O’Donovan on 35 minutes, Anthony Quinlan on 37 minutes, Jamie Costine and Mike McCarthy all scored as Cloyne clawed their way back to parity. They were helped by a great goal set up by Jamie Costine and scored by Fergal O’Brien and had a number of opportunities while they were very unlucky not to score further goals. Some poor shooting kept a tie in the balance until the death, when the sides level at 1-11 each and on the stroke of full time the substitute Tommy O’Shea scored a wonderful point out in the sideline to the delight of the Cloyne supporters. To the amazement and consternation of the Cloyne followers however, the referee played almost four minutes of injury time allowing Watergrasshill a number of opportunities to tie the game, which they duly did and the sides finished on 1-12 apiece.

At the time of writing the time and venue for the replay has not been confirmed but all interested should check the relevant club notice boards to ascertain these details. Great credit is due to the Cloyne team, short so many of its members due to the large number of players used in the Senior Championship and to their mentors for the excellent preparation and attitude shown by all concerned in what was a very fine game of hurling played in atrocious conditions. No doubt the relevant lessons will have been learned from this display and we wish all concerned the very best for the replay.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE:

Cloyne entertained St. Catherine’s in the County Senior League on Saturday afternoon last (July 26). The points were shared on a scoreline of; Cloyne 3-6 St. Catherine’s 0-15.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE (Div. 1):

A change of venue from Caherlag, saw Cloyne junior hurlers entertain Erin’s Own in the above league. Cloyne, despite having the advantage of the breeze trailed by 0-4 to 0-6 at the interval. Things were very different in the second period when the visitors took over on the scoreboard. Despite losing by 0-9 to 2-15 at the final whistle, Cloyne who were short some key players, produced many moments of fine play and were very unlucky in many goalmouth scrambles. A few more games for this side before the third round of the East Cork Championship would not go amiss.

Team: Philip Considine, David Jermyn, Ian McCarthy, Maurice Walsh, Tom O’Shea, Shane O’Brien, James Northridge, Paul O’Sullivan, Ross McCarthy (0-1), Niall O’Donovan (0-3), James Cotter (0-1), Victor Cusack, Alan Reilly, Jamie Costine (0-2), and Fergal O’Brien (0-1). Kevin O’Lomasney (0-1), Ciarán O’Shea, Tadhg O’Sullivan, Pa Dineen, and Aidan Quinlan substituted.

‘A’ MINOR HURLING LEAGUE:

A grandstand finish saw Scarriff Gaels take the tie by one point from Youghal at Cloyne on Wednesday, July 9. It looked like an easy win for the visitors when they led at the break by 0-2 to 2-3. Physically the stronger side, Youghal dominated through the opening half, but this was negated in the second half when Gaels opened up with a superior type of hurling. Gradually, Youghal’s scoring advantage was reined in, and a great free from Niall O’Donovan swung the game for the Gaels. There were many fine individual performances from the winners, but especially prominent were Scott Richards, David Jermyn and Niall O’Donovan, who was Gaels’ top marksman.

Team: Peter Casey, Gavin Hegarty, John Naughton, Nathan Cashman, Declan Dineen, Scott Richards, Wesley Jermyn, David Jermyn, Ashley Walsh, Dinny McCarthy (0-1), Paul O’Sullivan (1-0), Niall O’Donovan (1-6), Jason Gilroy, Luke Cahill (0-1), and Keith Dennehy. Adrian O’Donovan, Graham Dennehy, and Adam Roberts substituted.

Junior "A" Champioship

ON THE ROAD!

Congratulations are in order to the ‘A’ Grade hurlers and to their management who had a fine, if hard-earned, win over Fr. O’Neill’s in the opening round of the East Cork Championship at Castlemartyr on Sunday evening last. There were some fine individual performances on show, and with further training, this team can do well in the competition.

Following on the disappointment of departing from the County Senior championship, club spirit was raised somewhat on June 29 when the junior hurlers had a fine victory over Fr. O’Neill’s in the East Cork ‘A’ Grade Championship at Castlemartyr on a scoreline of 4-8 to 2-10. O’Neill’s started smartly and put up three points on the board before Cloyne replied in a stunning manner with goals from Jamie Costine (2) and Fergal O’Brien. At the interval, Cloyne were to the good by 3-6 to 0-5. However, with the leaders ‘losing the plot’ in the third quarter, O‘Neill’s staged a revival and eventually drew level. Another goal and a point from Jamie Costine, with points from Victor Cusack and Alan O’Reilly, put Cloyne in the second round.

Team: Philip Considine, James Cotter, Ian McCarthy, David Jermyn, Vincent Cusack, Shane O’Brien, Brian Ring, Ross McCarthy, Tom O’Shea, Paul O’Sullivan, Victor Cusack (0-3), Mike McCarthy (0-1), Alan Reilly (0-3), Jamie Costine (3-1), and Fergal O’Brien (1-0). Kevin O’Lomasney. Paul O’Donovan, and Maurice Walsh substituted.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE:

CLOYNE 2-8 BALLINHASSIG 2-15

The Cloyne senior side travelled to Ballinhassig on Wednesday, June 4, to take on the locals in the County Senior League. With a County second round qualification game against Bride Rovers in the offing, Ballinhassig were more than eager to perform. They completely outclassed Cloyne in the opening half and led by an impressive 1-10 to 0-2 at the break. In fact, Cloyne’s two points came from the stick of centre half-back, Maurice Cahill, who was impressive throughout the game. Also stemming the Ballinhassig ‘blue tide’ was full-back Killian Cronin, who saved many thorny situations in front of Cloyne’s stand-in custodian, James Nyhan. The opening ten minutes of the second period continued as before until the introduction of Victor Cusack and Jamie Costine brought the Cloyne attack to life, while Liam O’Driscoll came on to bolster the defence. The visitors now had the better of the exchanges until the end of the contest, and began to claw back Ballinhassig’s lead through two goals (from Cathal O’Reilly and Morrie Lynch) and a brace of points. However, the gap was too great to bridge, and the league points remained in Ballinhassig.

Team: James Nyhan, Brian Fleming, Killian Cronin, Declan Motherway, Conor O’Lomasney, Maurice Cahill (0-5), Brian McCarthy, Graham Fleming, Dónal O’Sullivan, Morrie Lynch (1-0), Mike Naughton (0-2), Johnny Cotter, Paul O’Sullivan, Cathal O’Reilly (1-1), and Conor Cusack. Liam O’Driscoll, Victor Cusack, and Jamie Costine substituted.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE (Div. 3)

Cloyne 5-5 Bride Rovers 5-9

Cloyne entertained Bride Rovers in the Junior Hurling League (Div. 3) at Spital Street on Tuesday, May 13. A high-scoring game saw Bride Rovers’ ‘third string’ overcome their Cloyne equivalent by only four points. Cloyne raced into a 1-3 to 0-1 after ten minutes, with the goal coming from full-forward, Kevin Lawton. However, the Rovers rallied and led by a point at the interval (1-3 to 1-4). The home team started the second period poorly and fell back when Rovers scored a couple of goals. But the game changed in a radical fashion when Cloyne netted four goals – three from Alan Reilly and a fourth from substitute, Brian Lawton. This ensured a grandstand finish, with the score standing at 5-5 to 4-9 in Rovers’ favour. They had the last say, however, with a goal which sealed their victory. Best for Cloyne were Felix Sherlock, Alan Roberts, Maurice Walsh, and Alan Reilly.

Team: Seán Motherway, John Naughton, Anthony Coleman, James Cotter, Felix Sherlock, Shane O’Brien, James Northridge, Brian Ring, Maurice Walsh (0-2), Ciarán O’Shea, Alan Reilly (3-3), Alan Roberts, Fergal O’Brien, Kevin Lawton (1-0), and Tadhg O’Sullivan. Brian Lawton (1-0) substituted.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE (Div. 3)

Cloyne 1-8 Lisgoold 2-13

Within the space of three days, Cloyne’s third string produced another battling performance in the Junior Hurling League (Div. 3) game at Spital Street, when they took on Lisgoold’s first team on Friday last, May 16. Again, Cloyne were well up to things in the opening half, but a flick goal from the Lisgoold full-forward late in this half left the homesters trailing by five points at the break. Cloyne played some delightful hurling, with great scores, in the second half but could not close the gap. Most prominent for Cloyne were Alan Reilly, Alan Roberts, and Shane O’Brien.

Team: Seán Motherway, John Naughton, Brian Lawton, Anthony Coleman, Felix Sherlock, Shane O’Brien, James Northridge, Brian Ring, Ciarán O’Shea (0-1), Alan Reilly (1-6), Tadhg O’Sullivan, Alan Roberts, Fergal O’Brien, Kevin Lawton, and Kevin O’Lomasney (0-1). Mike Oosthuizen, Richie Daly, and Philip Considine, substituted.

COUNTY SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Cloyne 1-13 Glen Rovers 1-13

Cloyne and The Glen must meet again on at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening next (7.00 p.m.) in the replay of the first round of theCounty Championship following an equalising goal by the Blackpool club in injury time. With a severe shower just before the game, conditions were slippery in the opening half, but the pitch held up well for the concluding period. In all, it was a disappointing game – especially from the spectators’ point of view. Outside of some moments of sublime hurling and the closeness of the scoreboard, the game was pockmarked with stoppages and injuries. Even excluding those injuries, the game produced thirty stoppages, while the time taken for free-taking reminded one of a Heineken Cup game.

However, the free-taking was of vital interest to both sides as Cloyne’s Paudie O’Sullivan and Dónal Óg Cusack exchanged frees with the Glen’s supreme sharpshooter, Pat Horgan. Indeed, if Horgan were taken out of the city team, it would be difficult to see the game ending on level terms. Cloyne had most of the play in the first half, with a fine defence led in the centre by Declan Motherway and Killian Cronin, while captain Eoin O’Sullivan gave a great performance at corner-back. Up front, Mike Naughton and Paudie O’Sullivan were a constant problem for a shaky Glen defence, which coughed up three yellow cards in the first half. This half was largely uneventful with Cloyne trailing almost throughout the first quarter until a Paudie O’Sullivan free gained the lead with the score (0-8 to 0-6) standing in Cloyne’s favour at the break.

The real excitement of the game was reserved for the final quarter with the sides at 0-10 each at that stage. Now the Glen were beginning to re-assert themselves and things looked good when they hit over two quick points. This was short-lived, however, when an opportunist goal by James Nyhan followed by three points put Cloyne in the driving seat. Pat Horgan pulled one point back before the sensational goal by the Glen’s Kieran O’Callaghan at the death.

Cloyne: D. Óg Cusack (0-3), B. Fleming, D. Motherway, E. O’Sullivan, B. McCarthy, K. Cronin, L. O’Driscoll, J. Nyhan (1-0), Dónal O’Sullivan, J. Cotter, C. O’Sullivan, M. Naughton (0-3), P. O’Sullivan (0-4), Diarmuid O’Sullivan (0-1), and D. Ring (0-2). G. Fleming and P.Cahill substituted.

Glen Rovers:

D. Ellis, B. Moylan, N. Horgan, G. Moylen, G. Callanan, P. O’Brien, J. Anderson, D. Cronin (0-1), S. McDonald, P. Horgan (0-11), D. Cunningham, S. Kennefick, E. Cronin, G. Hackett, and D. Busteed (0-1). B. Corcoran, and K. O’Callaghan (1-0) substituted.

D. Copps (Ballyhea) refereed.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE:

Cloyne 3-11 Blackrock 0-10

On Friday evening last (April 18),Christy Ring Memorial Park was the scene of a useful victory for the Cloyne seniors in their preparation for their upcoming County Championship on May 10. The game was played at a terrific pace throughout, but Cloyne had the edge in the vital areas of the field. Killian Cronin was imperious at centre-back in leading a very solid defence, while Diarmuid O’Sullivan helped himself to a hat-trick of goals at full-forward. In fairness, the Rockies never gave up the chase and were impressive in converting long-range points, despite a spoiling cross-wind which also hampered many Cloyne efforts. Cloyne’s only ‘glitch’ was when Liam O’Driscoll, who was having a fine game, was forced off with a leg injury.

The first half was very tight until near the interval when Diarmuid scored his first goal. By then, the hosts led by 1-6 to 0-4 going into the second half. Here, Cloyne produced some excellent combined movements and pulled away in the last quarter when the Blackrock defence was forced to play deep in an effort to salvage the game.

Team: Dónal Óg Cusack, Brian McCarthy, Declan Motherway, Eoin O’Sullivan, Liam O’Driscoll, Killian Cronin, Donal O’Sullivan, James Nyhan (0-2), Graheme Fleming, Victor Cusack, Colm O’Sullivan (0-1), Mike Naughton (0-2), Paudie O’Sullivan (0-2), Diarmuid O’Sullivan (3-2), and Tom O’Shea (0-1). Brian Fleming and Johnny Cotter (0-1) substituted.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE (DIV.1)

Cloyne 0-6  Dungourney 1-13

Cloyne faced one of the stronger outfits in the Junior League yesterday when they played host to Dungourney on Sunday morning last at Spital Street. In conditions ideal for hurling, the first half was played in a very competitive manner. With strong play from Ian McCarthy at full back and with Conor O’Lomasney unbeatable at centre back, Cloyne were happy enough with the scoreline just before the break. A goal just on the stroke of half time for Dungourney and despite turning around to play with the breeze, made the second half a much tougher proposition for Cloyne. Despite a bright opening ten minutes of the second half, a couple of good scores from Maurice Lynch kept us in the reckoning. As time ran on, the legs of our stronger players (most of whom had a tough game on Saturday) began to slow and we couldn’t make the pressure tell on the scoreboard. Overall, a good run out, and an indication of the challenges that lie ahead in the championship.

Team  :  Mike McCarthy, Maurice Walsh, Ian McCarthy, David Jermyn, Cathal O’Reilly, Conor O’Lomasney, Shane O’Brien, Paul O’Sullivan, Vincent Cusack, Tom O’Shea (0-1), Maurice Lynch (0-5), Jamie Costine, Brian Ring, Kevin O’Lomasney, and James Northridge. Tadgh O’Sullivan, Philip Considine, and Anthony Quinlan substituted.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE (Div. 3)

Cloyne 2-2 St. Catherine’s 2-13

Cloyne’s newest team travelled to Ballynoe on Tuesday, April 22, to tackle the locals in the above division. However, St. Catherine’s proved too strong in this encounter and moved into a five-point lead, before an Alan Reilly free opened the account for Cloyne. Then the Ballynoe side hit a goal and five more points before the half-time whistle, without reply. A much more spirited display from the visitors in the second half, saw a long-range free from Maurice Walsh go all the way to the net and a fine goal from Kevin O’Lomasney. Even though a heavy blanket of fog had by now descended on the pitch, Cloyne battled gamely on to the final whistle, but could never close the gap on a slicker side. Best for Cloyne were Felix Sherlock, Shane O’Brien, and John Naughton.

Team: Kevin Lawton, John Naughton, Brian Lawton, James Northridge, Felix Sherlock, Shane O’Brien, Maurice Walsh (1-0), Brian Ring, Donagh Hurley, Alan Reilly (0-2), Kevin O’Lomasney (1-0), Mike Oosthuizen, Thomas Cahill, Philip Considine, and Tadhg O’Sullivan. Anthony Cronin, Jason Gilroy, Richard Barry, and Tommy Horgan substituted.

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