Castlemartyr GAA Club, Cork

Club News

Johnny & Mairead

JOHN WALSH TO WED HIS KERRY SWEETHEART

Friday next the 12th of March will see a mass exodus out of Castlemartyr to Ventry Co. Kerry, to witness the marriage of “Mr. Castlemartyr Gaa” himself, Johnny Walsh to Mairead, his long suffering girlfriend. In truth this is another masterstroke from Johnny, as he somehow convinced Mairead that a wedding date in the hurling closed season would be preferable, than to one in the glamour months of the summer.
Although the weather is perfect for the Kerry game of football, here’s hoping that Mairead, will have incorporated a good woolly white cardigan into the bridal dress. It promises to be a weekend to remember and everyone involved in Castlemartyr Gaa wishes Johnny and Mairead all the very best on the day and into the years ahead.

Ned Morgan R.I.P.

Sympathies

It was with great sadness that the people of Castlemartyr learned of the untimely death of Ned Morgan last week. Ned came from a family steeped in Castlemartyr GAA, and indeed was himself a part of the legendary 1964 panel which annexed a County for the club. He followed Castlemartyr loyally down through the years, and at least lived to see the 2009 team win the East Cork.
He will be sorely missed by his family. brothers James and Joseph, his sister Mary, his extended family and his many friends.
May he rest in peace.

Dinner Dance a Night to Remember

CASTLEMARTYR VICTORY DINNER DANCE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Castlemartyr finally drew a line under their memorable year of 2009, when they celebrated in style in the plush surroundings of the new ballroom in Garryvoe Hotel on Saturday 30th of January last. A huge crowd gathered to relive the glorious year once more and to see their heroes collect their cherished East Cork medals.
The buzz around the lobby and bar beforehand was electric, and the roof of the new ballroom was tested when the gallant squad of 2009 marched in unison to tumultuous cheering. Having finally settled, down a fine meal was enjoyed by all, and at dessert time we were treated to a slide show, showing all the highlights of the year gone by. Much credit must go to Dagger Walsh and Damien Roche for the Trojan work they did in setting all this up.
Then it was time for the speeches, and Chairman Dave Fleming carried out his duties with considerable aplomb. Considering all the presentations that had to be carried out, Dave kept the whole thing breezing along, and with a good dose of humour as well.
Seamus Lawton introduced the players as they went up to receive their medals from club legend Paddy Whyte, and had something interesting to say about them all. The players also received a beautiful framed picture of the squad from club president Christy O Sullivan, which is a marvellous keepsake to have.The backroom staff weren’t forgotten either and they also received a framed picture. A nice touch throughout all this was the power point presentation, again done by Dagger and Damien, with an action picture of all the players as they went up. It added hugely to the occasion.
Sean Bowens and Brian Lawton were honoured for their involvement with the Cork junior footballers and intermediate hurlers respectively, as was Marty O Brien for his Trojan work as treasurer for the last 8 years.
The Village Greengrocer Hurler of the Year award went to Brian Lawton, who as Dave said in his intro, started running in the Cloyne match and never stopped till October after the Cloughduv game.
The John O Donavan Footballer of the Year award went yet again to Adrian Bowens for his storming displays throughout the spring, driving on his team from wing back.
In the year that was in it there could only be one winner of the Frank McLellan Clubman of the Year award and sure enough, Seamus Barney Lawton who had masterminded the whole East Cork odyssey was a richly deserved winner. In his acceptance speech he paid tribute to the late Frank, and also stressed how proud he was to be getting the award in the year that was in it.
With the most enjoyable formalities over, it was time to boogie, and the West End Boys made sure that happened. It was the wee small hours of the morning before the Boys called it a night, much to the disappointment of the revellers, but all good things must come to an end.
It was a night that was much look forwarded too, and it certainly lived up to and perhaps exceeded expectations. It showed all that was good about Castlemartyr GAA and made one very proud, to be a part of it.
Heres hoping we will be back there with something next year,

Dinner Dance & 2010 Championship Draws

VICTORY DINNER DANCE

The glories of 2009 will be relived once again when the Gaels of Castlemartyr will gather in Garryvoe Hotel on Saturday night next the 30th of January. Tickets have been literally flying out the door, as it seems everyone wants to be there to celebrate the historic year. For far too long we attended dinner dances and listened to many secretaries of the East Cork Board ponder why were Castlemartyr not producing the goods on the hurling field, but finally Jamsey Kelleher will be in attendance along with the heroes who made it all possible.
It’s not too late to squeeze in and book your place at a table, but contact William Martin 086 1607029, or Charlotte Carroll 086 2225342 without delay. We mightn’t get the chance for another generation so don’t miss out.

2010 DRAWS
Although the medals from last year are not yet in the grasp of the lads, the draws for the football and hurling championships have taken place. In the football we are paired with Castlelyons which is a repeat of last year’s backdoor epic, when the Reds showed the mettle that stood the in good stead for the rest of the year when they came out on top after a dreadful start. This match will be played on the weekend of March 28th.
The defence of Jamesey, begins with Castlemartyr in a preliminary round against St Itas. If we lose this then it’s off to a backdoor match against Lisgoold.
The junior hurlers will operate out of Div 1 next year which will be made up of 8 teams and the footballers will be in a division with 11 teams , so plenty of games there.

Castlemartyr Long Puck 09

Castlemartyr Long Puck 09

LONG PUCK IN CASTLEMARTYR A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

A marvellous day was had by all on St Stephen’s Day when Castlemartyr GAA held their annual Long Puc. Although the roads were icy in the morning, by Puck Off time at 1.45 there was sufficient improvement in conditions for the carnival to commence for another year.
A large crowd participated yet again and all though one would have thought with all the puddles on the road that the scoring would have been higher than normal, at the end of the day a new course record was established.
During the prize giving ceremony afterwards in Shortts Bar, it was a somewhat disbelieving Johnny Walshe that presented the prizes. After several perhaps libellous comments, he presented first prize to the jubilant captain Adrian Bowens, with a tally of 41 shots. This was Killeagh resident, Adrian’s, second victory in three years and he was in this occasion, ably assisted by Shane and John O Donavan.
Second prize, with a total of 42 pucks, went to Derek Bowen’s team, and helping him was the veteran Dan Barry and back home for Christmas John O Doherty.
Third prize on 44 shots went to Dessie Murphy’s team which also comprised of Declan Morgan and Adrian O Rourke.
The cheer of the evening was reserved for the Booby Prize winners. Led by Kerryman Maurice Cahill, it was inevitable his team would have no chance and they staggered home having failed to breach the ton.
But of course this day is not about the competition but more about blowing off the Christmas cobwebs and getting out and meeting all the people that come back once a year for this great event.
Roll on 2010.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Dinner Dance 2010

DINNER DANCE

The Castlemartyr GAA Victory Dinner Dance will take place in Garryvoe Hotel on Saturday 30th of January. This promises to be the best night out in at least 45 years so don’t miss it.
Tickets are already going fast and are on sale in The Village Greengrocers, Clifford’s and Shortts Bars, The Sportsman’s Inn or from Dave Fleming 0872265560, Mick Carroll 0862577214, William Martin 086 1607029, Mick Leahy 4667509, MJ Cremin 0876499262, Charlotte Carroll 0862225342 and Carey Joyce 0863681382.
Music is by the popular West End Boys and tickets are only €35.

Castlemartyr Yearbook

CASTLEMARTYR GAA LAUNCH YEARBOOK ‘09

Castlemartyr GAA has recently published a Yearbook comemerating the marvellous year they have just had. Having spent 45 long years, looking on, as club after club around them went on and achieved much success on the hurling fields, they must often have wondered would their turn ever come.
But come at last it did, and in a nail biting year, with several narrow victories on the way to East Cork Final, all the disappointment of those 45 barren years was washed away in that magical second half in Rostellen.
This Yearbook captures the sheer joy of the occasion, and explains what it meant to several different type of Castlemartyr supporter. From the veterans who had laboured in anguish for far too long, to the recent “blow-ins” who hopped on the bandwagon and got carried away by the whole thing is recorded in a humorous and heart warming style.
Jimmy Smiddy gives an account of his career to date, and Dan Barry who soldiered with Jimmy for much of his career gives his view from the bench. Dagger Walsh answers many of the hard questions about “what happened to Castlemartyr hurling in the 80’s” and there is also an in-depth interview with An Bainnisteoir Seamus Lawton.
Captain Ollie Smiddy gives his slant on things, and there is also a word from the Chairman David Fleming. With a colour poster of the heroes in the middle and a blow by blow account of all of Castle martyr’s Championship matches throughout the year and much more besides, this Yearbook makes a great read for any Castlemartyr or GAA supporter.
So go on, relive the excitement that gripped a village. And in years to come if you may stumble across it in your attic, you will be transported all the way back to 2009and that wonderful evening in September.
And the best of it all.......it’s only a fiver.
On sale now in all local shops in Castlemartyr and Mogeely, or from Carey Joyce at 086 3681382.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

AGM 2009

CASTLEMARTYR AGM

The Castlemartyr GAA AGM took place on Friday night last the 27th of November in front of a large good humoured crowd. The chairman David Fleming opened the meeting by expressing how lucky and proud he felt to be presiding over his first AGM with Jamesey Kelleher in attendance.
He then called on Secretary Michael John to give his report.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Minor Hurling & Football

We are joined with Dungourney at minor level for both Hurling and Football.

The footballers had an impressive season reaching the Minor B Football Championship final defeating Carrignavar on the way by 4-11 to 1-11. They lost the final to Castlelyons on a score of 1-08 to 1-06 in a tight encounter.
In the league they finished joint third on 4 points from 5 games.

The hurlers were beaten in the first round of the Minor B Hurling Championship by a strong Watergrasshill side for the second year running on a score line of 1-11 to 2-11. In the League they finished joint second on 8 points from 6 games and lost out on a final place in a play off with Lisgoold.

I would like to thank Jim O’Rourke and Bernard Lawton and John Kenneally (Selectors) for all their hard work. With this being such an important age we need to keep this going for 2010.

Junior Football

We had a disappointing season in the league mainly due to our great run in the hurling with the knock on affect being that we were not able to fulfil 6 of our football league fixtures. After being promoted from Division 2 the previous season we now go back down to Division 2 for the 2010 season.

However in the championship we had for the second year running a good run to the quarter finals of the East Cork.

We played Carrigtwohill in the first round of the championship in Aghada and lost 4-08 to 0-09 in a day when everything just went wrong for us. We then entered the back door and a great display was given in defeating Castlelyons by 4-08 to 0-13 and this seemed to give the players belief. This was followed up by a stirring display against hotly fancied Aghada in Youghal where we came out on top on a score line of 0-15 to 1-10 and for the first and thankfully not the last time this year the team showed great heart and bottle.
For the second year in a row we were in the quarter final and I think it is fair to say on a night where we had a couple of key injuries and despite in my view controlling the game except for the opening 10 minutes we went down by 0-10 to 1-09 to Lisgoold, in a game where we had numerous chances not just to draw but enough to win the game.

It is fair to say at the start of the year the football outlook was bleak, a lot of credit goes to Joe Stack and his selectors along with the players for turning it around when it could have being just as easy to throw in the towel.

I would like to thank Joe Stack and his selectors Johnny Morgan and Ger Flanagan for their efforts with the footballers this year.

Junior Hurling

In the Junior League we finished 5th on 8 points and nice and safely in mid-table.

So I will do my best to summarise probably the best championship hurling year that a lot of us here tonight have ever witnessed:

It all started in Ballymacoda against a Cloyne second string and a score line of 2-13 to 0-09 which was a good start. However we certainly blew no one away by our display.
Next up was a much tighter game against a strong Midleton team. The lads battled brilliantly to come out on top on a score of 2-14 to 3-10 with Brian Smiddy scoring a superb late winner following a cute short free from his brother Jimmy.
We then took on Carrigtwohill and duly put them to the sword by playing great hurling coming out on top by 0-26 to 2-04.
So we found ourselves in the semi-final of an East Cork yet again and underdogs against Erins Own inside in Midleton. It was in this game that we saw this Castlemartyr team finally come of age as they stood up to a man and gave it everything they had. There was no way that night that Castlemartyr were not going to be in the 2009 East Cork Final as the players seemed to have a drive that we had never witnessed before in this Castlemartyr team. They not only showed the skill that we knew they had but the belief and hunger and we came out on top by 1-08 to 0-09 and indeed we did reach our first East Cork final since 1975.

So the buntings went up and wasn’t it great to see the villages of Mogeely and Castlemartyr filled with Red & White Flags and Banners & the many signs wishing the lads the best, a sight rarely seen in our community. While all this was happening, Seamus and his team kept the players focused on the job in hand and that job was massive, as we had to play the hot favourites Sars in the East Cork Final. In a final that few here will ever forget we started poorly but the lads never let their heads drop. Despite at one stage being 8 points down we defied the critics and went on to win by 0-23 to 2-11. It was a second half that was in reflection probably the best half of hurling I have ever witnessed. Jubilant scenes were seen at the final whistle and grown men were crying, the champagne was flowing (not for long), Jimmy had a man of the match trophy for an East Cork Final tucked under his arm and Ollie had the Jamsie Kelleher Cup aloft, Carlsberg don’t do East Cork Hurling Finals but if they did this is it!!!

What a scene it was in Castlemartyr that night as the tractor & trailer (every health & safety’s officers worst nightmare with a bouncing team and probably the worst tractor driver seen in the history of farming the veteran and near O.A.P. status Carey Joyce) turned the Carmelite corner and the huge crowd lined the street and cheered the victorious team and most importantly our new resident Jamsie Kelleher after his long 45 year exile. A great reception was had in the school hall and the speeches kept everyone entertained and the celebrations went long into the night in Clifford’s Bar and ended mid-week for most.

So once the hangovers were cured the team now had the might of Nemo Rangers to overcome and it took two thrilling matches and extra time to settle this and in both games we looked dead and buried but the players were not going to go down without a fight and emptied the tank yet again. The first game ended 1-10 to 0-13 with Brian Smiddy equalising in the last minute. In the replay after extra time the score was 0-16 to 1-11, which again included a Brian Smiddy match saving point after the initial 60 minutes were up, and a stirring extra time display by the whole team.

The County dream came to an end the following week against Cloughduv on a score line of 1-07 to 0-18 and we were simply blown away in the first half by a fresher and slicker Cloughduv team. The boys battled hard in the second half and never gave up but to no avail and the curtain came down on our most successful hurling year since 1964.

A special mention has to go to Seamus Lawton who brought such a professional approach to everything that he and his coaching team did and it is fair to say brought this team of players to a whole new level of preparing and winning games that few other coaches could have done.

What a year 2009 was, and a year that will never be forgotten in the community of Castlemartyr and Mogeely. I would like to thank Seamus Lawton, Donal McCarthy, Tony Ba, Martin McSweeney, Donal Burke, John Walsh & Marty O’Keeffe for their efforts with the Hurling team this year.

Junior B Hurling

It was a tough year for the Junior B set-up this year but never the less we progressed through the first round beating St. Ita’s by a resounding margin. However we were on the receiving end of a fair old beating from a much stronger Sars outfit in the next round.

I would like to thank manager Donal McCarthy and selectors James Deehan and Pat Cronin for looking after the Junior B Team this year.

Long Puck

Our traditional Long Puck was held on St. Stephens Day a great day and night was had by all both on the road and afterwards back in the village.
I would like to thank John Walsh and all the guys that helped him on the day.

Social Night

Our social night was held in The Sportsman’s Mogeely. The night was very enjoyable and I would like to thank all who helped to organise the event to enable it to run so smoothly.

La Na gClub

Castlemartyr Club day was held on the 10th May and was a great success. A bouncy castle face painters, clowns and a whole lot besides kept all the kids very happy and a huge crowd turned out from all ages. Kiltha Og were playing rounders at all different under age groups and they had numerous matches on the main pitch and this was followed by the Under 30’s taking on the Over 30’s. It was a great sight to see both sidelines of the field filled with families watching a fantastic game where the old warriors out scored the young pretenders by 2-07 to 1-06 with probably there best player being Eoin McGovern.

I would like to thank Charlie O’Neill for his great ideas and hard work and all the committee and people who helped out on this great day where both young and old came together to enjoy such a fantastically organised event.

Club Referee

I would like to thank Eoin McGovern for his time and effort in representing our Club in 2009.

Club Draw

Our annual two monthly draw was once again a huge success.
I would like to thank Dave Fleming for organising and running the draw and also to thank all the ticket collectors for their great effort.

Golf Classic

Our Annual Golf Classic was held in East Cork Golf and a great day was had by all.
I would like to thank the organising Committee for organising this great day out particularly Christy O’Sullivan and Mick Carroll for their great efforts.

Sponsorship

I would like to thank all those who contributed financially to the club during the year. We are very grateful to Cliffords our main sponsors, and also to Bord Gais (Golf Classic sponsors) and Centra (sponsors of East Cork Commemorative Booklet). In the current financial climate, during a thankfully long year, this support is greatly needed and very greatly appreciated.

Kiltha Og

I would like to thank all involved in Kiltha Og for their co-operation, hard work and very efficient running of the under-age set-up. They continue to go from strength to strength and we can certainly say that the younger players are in very good hands. Their main focus is not on silverware but in providing quality coaching and games for the young players in the parish, and rightly so.
Nevertheless the odd trophy is always welcome and we congratulate them in winning the U13 Hurling championship, the U14 hurling league, and most especially the U15 Hurling championship, the first time ever that an underage team from the parish has won an A grade championship.

Congratulations

I would like to congratulate the following people on their personal achievements during the year:

Brian Lawton – Intermediate All Ireland Hurling Winner
Sean Bowens – Junior All Ireland Football Winning Selector yet again
Amy O’Shea – All Ireland Ladies Football Winner
Donal Burke – On his appointment with the Cork Senior Hurling Team.

Well done to all of you.

East Cork Commemorative Booklet

In recognition of the historic achievement of winning the East Cork, a commemorative booklet is currently being compiled so that the events of the year can be preserved for posterity. Special thanks to Carey Joyce who is the driving force this. We hope to have the books on sale in local shops by mid December. Don’t miss it.

Personal Thanks

I would like to thank our East Cork Board delegates Mick Leahy and Paul O Connell for all their hard work and all my fellow officers and members of the Committee for their help and assistance during the year. I would also like to thank the players and mentors for the enjoyment they have given me and the enjoyment they have given the whole community during the year and hope that in 2010 we can retain the East Cork Hurling Championship and continue our progress on the field of play at all levels in both hurling & football.

Is Mise le Meas

Micheal Sean O’Cremin,
Runai,
Baile Na Martra C.L.G.

TREASURERES REPORT

Marty O Brien gave his 8th and final treasurer’s report and he was glad to be able to report on the twin miracle of winning the East Cork and also balancing the books in this challenging year. Marty has given eight great years to the job and every penny was accounted for throughout.

KILTHA OG REPORT

John Whyte was glad to report on another great year for Kiltha Og. Along with the silverware previously mentioned, the main aim is to get as many players as possible, playing at a high standard. Then the hope is when they reach 17 or 18 they should be able to progress to their Adult Clubs without much problems. They also plan to expand the social side away from the playing fields in the coming years.

CHAIRMANS REPORT

David paid tribute to those whom had worked hard throughout the year for the club. Those involved in the many fundraisers including Johnny Walsh for the sponsored cycle, Mick and Christy for the golf classic and special mention to Fong and Jim Costine for their herculean efforts in the 2 month draw.
Cha was given special praise for his role in La nag Club, as were Joe and Seamus in their managerial roles. Marty O Brien also was commended for his loyal service and impeccable record as treasurer, and it was hoped that he would not be lost to the club. Marty in reply said that he can’t change his roots and anyway he doesn’t want to.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2010

Christy O Sullivan presided over the election with the following results.

CHAIRMAN..........................David Fleming
VICE CHAIRMAN..................Cha O Neill
SECRETARY...........................MJ Cremin
ASST SECRETARY...................Mick Leahy
TREASURER..........................Charlotte Carroll
P.R.O.....................................Carey Joyce
DELEGATES...........................Mick Leahy & Paul O Connell
HURLING MANAGER...............Seamus Lawton
FOOTBALL MANAGER..............Joe Stack

MEMBERSHIP

Membership for 2010 has been kept at €50 for adults and €20 for OAP’S.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Michael John and Elaine on the birth of their son Ryan. Here’s hoping that he will be a major improvement on his old man on the field of play.

Club Draw Results Nov 2009

CASTLEMARTYR GAA NOTES

TWO MONTH DRAW RESULT

The second of our Annual Two Month Draws took place recently. The following were the winners.

€1500...............................Ben Twomey, Fordes Bar
€700.................................Eileen Murphy, The Rampar
€400.................................Diane Abernethy, Ballinacurra
€300.................................Ursula O Tuama., Ballintotis
€100.................................Cathy Steele, Knockane
€100................................Sean& Eileen McCarthy, Heffernan’s Tce.
€100................................John O Donavan, Dower
€100................................Paula Lynch, Gort an Oir
€100................................Imelda Riordan, Bridgetown
€100...............................Ian Kelly, The Meadows, Mogeely.

Thanks to all those who supported the draw yet again. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps to keep the show on the road.

AGM

The AGM of the Castlemartyr GAA Club will take place in the school on Friday the 27th of November at 8pm.Jamesy Kelleher will be guest of honour so it should make for an unusually upbeat meeting. All are welcome and now is the chance to air your views. As the saying goes “Speak now or forever hold your peace”.

VICTORY DINNER DANCE

Date for your diary. The Victory Dinner Dance saluting the heroes of ’09 will take place on Saturday the 30th of January in Garryvoe Hotel. Tickets will be on sale in early December and would make an ideal Christmas present. They will be priced at a reasonable €35 and are sure to disappear fast. Places are limited so book you tickets early. They will be available from any committee member and on sale in the local shops and pubs. More details in December.

East Cork Final Photos

Download East Cork Final Photos Here

County Quarter Final Preview

CASTLEMARTYR ENTER UNCHARTED TERRITORY

Five weeks have passed since that unforgettable evening in Rostellan, when Castlemartyr annexed their first East Cork title since 1964 in glorious style, but all that will have to be put to one side now, as the Reds bid to go one step further when they face the might of Nemo Rangers in the quarter final of the Cork County JHC next Saturday the 10th of October in Cobh at 4pm. The Reds have not been idle since, beating Russell Rovers and Bride Rovers in close league fixtures and suffering a narrow loss in a practice game in Fermoy recently, so one would hope that the celebrations are well gone out of the system at this stage.
Unfortunately the fantastic injury free run has come to an abrupt end. All summer long the Reds went game after game without any injury mishap, but fate is now playing a cruel hand with no fewer than 4 serious injury concerns to worry about. Definitely out is main marksman and East Cork Final Man of the Match Jimmy Smiddy. He was unfortunate to break his hand during a training session and will be out of action for the unforeseeable future. His loss will be incalculable, but there is no use in moaning about it. All that can be done is to carry on regardless and everyone try that little bit harder.
Another huge concern is centre forward Sean Hennessy. The bustling number 11 broke his hand 3 weeks ago against Bride Rovers and has his hand in plaster since. Although his injury does not seem to be as serious as Jimmy’s, he is in a race against time to be fit for the clash. Sean who has been in the form of his life over the last two championship games would be an enormous loss and would shear the half forward line of a second match winner which could be one fears a blow too many.
Other injury doubts are Barry Lawton (Achilles tendon) and Brian O Tuama (hamstring), but is hoped that if treatment goes to plan they should be fit for the 10th .
So with the medical report out of the way what chance do Castlemartyr have next Saturday? In truth this is another David versus Goliath clash. With Nemos footballers out of the championship they are free to concentrate on the hurling ,and as this is their first string selection they will be firing on all cylinders. They were very impressive in the City Championship when the hammered Bishopstown in the semi final and edged out a confident Glen Rovers outfit in a thrilling final by 3-12 to 2-14. Also their best player Cork star Martin Cronin missed those games through suspension but will be back for Saturdays match. So going on those bald facts it would be hard to overlook Nemos credentials. They have made no secret of the fact that they feel the junior grade is somewhat beneath them and aspire “to go back where they belong at intermediate level”. This is confident talk indeed and deserves to be met with as much fire and fury as a small country junior club can muster.
If the Reds were approaching this game with their full complement of players then we would surely be giving ourselves a 50:50 chance. But the way it stands, being realistic the odds must be stacked against us. But encouragement must be gained from the East Cork Final when the Reds defied all the tipsters and upset a much fancied Sars team. That day especially in the second half everyone in a Red shirt played with a total commitment to their team that was a joy to watch, and in the end the effort was rewarded. But as supreme as that effort was, another few extra percent is going to have to be found without the injured players, in order to compensate.
The defence will start the same as the Sars game as will the midfield pairing of Brian Lawton and Peter Horgan. It’s in the half forward line where all the changes will have to be made owing to the injuries, which is a pity as they were gelling so well as a unit .Eddie Clifford will surely come in to the reckoning here as his physical strength may be advantageous, but it will be also something of a gamble as most of his hurling would have been done facing the ball. If Seanie doesn’t make it then it will upset the whole forward line as players will have to be brought out from the full forward line to fill gaps. As I said before it’s a pity we don’t have the full deck as we represent our division, but being realistic no team is ever going to get a clear run throughout a championship, so now we get a chance to see our strength in depth.
Best of luck lads. You have all made us very proud so far. But having tasted that unfamiliar sensation of pure victory it leaves one thirsty for more. Any chance...............?

Obituary Donie O Keeffe

Donie O’Keeffe RIP
It was a sad occasion when we heard recently on the death of Donie O’Keefffe. Having just regained the East Cork title for the first time since 1964 and appeared in their first final since 1975, a man who’s name was etched on both those events passed away. Donie was a larger than life figure on the Castlemartyr team of the early sixties and was the leading scorer for the team in 1964 when they won the county. Donie operated mainly from Centre-forward and was a blend of raw strength, courage and an eye for the goalposts. Looking back at records of games, his name appears in every score sheet and he returned a tally of 9-15 in the championship games of 1964.
Donie represented Imokilly in those years and went on to the All-Ireland winning Cork Intermediate team of 1965. Cork opened the campaign against Tipperary in Fermoy and won 4-8 to 1-1. Next Galway were beaten 6-14 to 3-4 before a Munster final win over Waterford 1-16 to 3-2. The ”Home” final was played in Enniscorthy against Wexford before a crowd of 6000 people. Cork emerged victorious on a score of 3-7 to 2-6 with a young Tony Doran playing corner forward on the Wexford team. The final proper was against London at the Cork Athletic Grounds and Cork won 2-20 to 5-5.
The winning team was Tom Monaghan Kildorrery, Dave Murphy Castletownroche, John Ryan Youghal, Mossie Garde Castlemartyr, John O Keeffe Castlemartyr, John Barry Ballincollig, Finbarr Sheehan Eire Og, Ollie O Keeffe Midleton, John Hogan Kilworth, Sean Barry Bride Rovers, Willie Galligan Blackrock, John Kevin Coleman Ballinhassig, Derry O Brien Eire Og, Donie O Keeffe Castlemartyr, Billy Fitton Ballincollig. Ted O Sullivan was a selector on this team.
Always a man to be different, Donie went on to win another Intermediate All-Ireland medal in 1967. This time it was with London, when they beat Cork in the final which was a reverse of the 1965 result except Donie was again on the winning team.
When Castlemartyr reached the East Cork final in 1975, Donie was part of the panel. He didn’t start the final against Erins Own, but when the forward line failed to fire in the first half, Donie came from the bench to score 2 goals in the second half, but sadly it wasn’t enough on the day.
To his wife and family we extend our deepest sympathy on their loss. Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris.

Club Draw Results Oct 2009

CASTLEMARTYR GAA NOTES

The 2009 Fundraising September Draw has taken place and the following were the winners.

€1500- Connor Barry Mogeely Rd
€700- Johnny Walshe Castlemanor
€400- Jerome Lynch Killeagh Rd
€300- Bernie Lawton Main St.
€100- Carmel O Leary Killeagh Rd.
€100- Marion & Frank Mansfield Dower
€100- Alan Kelleher Main St.
€100- James Deehan Ballintotis
€100- Mary & Bernard Lawton Dower.

The next draw will take place around the 25th of October. There is still opportunity to enter the draw so contact any club member if you wish to do so.

East Cork Final Preview 2009

CASTLEMARTYR BID TO BRIDGE 45 YEAR GAP

The buntings and flags are up. The village is a riot of red and white. The red and white painted car is parked on the outskirts. The area is buzzing .The team are winding down preparations. The tension is mounting. Dare we dream of bringing back the Jamesy Kelleher to the village for the first time since 1964?

This Castlemartyr team are now in unchartered territory. Many times they had fallen at the penultimate stage and many wondered if the final would ever be reached. But the 2009 version, found it deep within themselves to throw off the shackles of previous failures, and beat Erins Own in the semi final with a display of skill, tenacity and total belief. Now that the initial goal has been reached, the goalposts move again, with this time solid, tangible silverware being the prize. The sixties were swinging when Jamesy last resided in Castlemartyr. Isn’t it time, that things started swinging again?

Sarsfields are the team that stand between this Castlemartyr team and greatness. They will start the hottest of favourites to regain the crown they last won in 2005.In their impressive performances to date this year in the championship, they have been described as not only as an Intermediate team but as a Premier Intermediate team. What hope then for the boys in Red?

Sars path to the final has been impressive. They mauled last years champions Carrignavar in the opening round and immediately set down a marker that they would be the team to beat in this years championship. After a lengthy lay off they overcame a Dungourney team that threw everything they had at them, but were clinically picked off in the second half when Sars upped the ante.A highly motivated Lisgoold outfit nearly caused the upset of the championship when they drew with the Glanmire men in the semi-final, but the replay was a different affair with Sars crushing the brave Lisgoold challange in a one sided contest. In truth the first day scare against Lisgoold was probably a blessing in disguise for the Sars men, as it will put them on guard for the remainder of the year that no team should be underestimated.

Castlemartyr’s journey to the final has been an interesting one for all concerned. A dull encounter with Cloyne in the opening round, where the Reds scraped an unimpressive win, was followed by an epic match against Midleton where the Reds scored a last minute winner to advance to the quarter final. Carrigtwohill were overcome easily in that match, but the piece de resistance was the unforgettable dogfight of a semi final against Erin’s Own, where Castlemartyr edged through by the narrowest of margins.

Can Sars be stopped? Not many think so, but this Castlemartyr team may never reach a final again so they will have to grab this one opportunity with both hands and put in the performance of their lives. There is no doubt that Sars have technically the better hurlers, but one can hope that if the 15 Reds that start and however many come on, play with all the pride, passion and skill they can muster and play for each other as a team like they have being doing since the Midleton game, they may make a contest of it .And if the contest becomes a dogfight, then who knows?

Club Chairman/Fundraiser Draw Co-Ordinator, Kiltha Og Trainer aka David Fleming will stand between the sticks for the umpteenth time for his club. Now part of the Junior set-up since 1985, he must have wondered many times would he ever walk behind the Pipe Band on East Cork Final day. Finally his persistence has been rewarded with a Final appearance, but now the real work starts. David’s clean sheet against Erins Own was instrumental in the victory and this must be repeated against Sars if the Reds are to stand any chance. Who can forget his brave goalkeeping that night when he threw his body on the line to foil the Erin’s Own men? Once more with feeling please Dave.

The full back line was magnificent in the semi final, but the Sars attack will be a far more formidable challenge. When Sars get going their attack looks unstoppable, but stopped somehow they must. Barra O Tuama was very much at home in the right full back spot against Erins Own, while Big Rob O Donavan made many relieving clearances and had his best game in the campaign to date. James Deehan in the other corner was also back to his sticky best but as previously said Sars will be far slicker in attack and all three will have to have the game of their lives, work cleverly as a unit and sacrifice body and limb to stop the Sars boys scoring.

Team captain Ollie Smiddy , Brian Smiddy and Adrian Bowens will probably make up the half back line, and it is on these three that so much will depend if the Reds are to compete .Clearances will have to be made whether struck or kicked, and their men will have to be closed down at all times. If Sars gain the upper hand here then its game over, so another Game of a Lifetime performance will be required by the 3 lads.

Brian Lawton and Peter Horgan had great games in the semi final, driving forward at every opportunity but will still have to redouble their efforts against Sars. Brian is having a superb campaign to date and Peter too has made the most of his opportunity since breaking into the side against Carrigtwohill. These two will not lack for effort and commitment, no matter how things are going and the rest of the lads will hopefully be driven on by their endeavours.

Sean Hennessey will man the ”40” and will be able to derive lots of confidence from his second half performance in the semi final. He won plenty of ball and also chipped in with two fine points to turn the game Castlemartyrs way, when things were looking ropey.Derek Bowens and Jimmy Smiddy will fill the wing berths and as usual ball winning at puck outs will be of massive importance here. If these 3 can click and primarily stop their own men dominating and then start scoring themselves then Castlemartyr will be able to put up a right good challenge. Jimmy has been plugging away now since 1991 without any success with Castlemartyr, although he won a couple of Senior Counties with Imokilly and All Ireland Intermediates with Cork, but he would gladly swop those medals for an East Cork with his beloved Castlemartyr.

Comeback King Mark Bowens will wear the number 14 and will have to be on the top of his game to make an impression against the Sars rearguard. Up till the Carrig game it had been 6 years since Mark had started a championship game, but in the meantime he has put together two decent performances. In the final though, the stakes will be higher and chances will be few and far between. If the chance does come, it must be taken, in order to keep pressure on the Sars men and make a game of it. Barry Lawton and Evan O Keefe will complete the scoring threat up front, and on their day are both well capable of causing problems for any defence. If they can get a decent supply of ball they will score, but they must also ensure that they allow no easy clearances from the Sars defence.

Castlemartyr are well served on the bench with Eddie Clifford, Colin Bowens, Brian O Tuama, Brian Barrett, Damien McAuliffe, Donnacha O Tuama, Kevin O Leary and Dessie Murphy all raring to be part of the action. No doubt they will be called into battle as the game develops so they must all be ready when their time comes.
So best of luck to Seamus Lawton and his backroom staff of Tony Barrett, Donal McCarthy, Donal Burke, Johnny Walshe and Martin McSweeney. They have got the best out of these bunch of players so far this year and when all is said and done ,you can’t ask for more than that.

”Let’s bury the ghost 0f 64” a former Castlemartyr great bellowed as he galloped out of a hyped up dressing room to enter championship fray, sometime back in the 1970’s. That ghost has done a lot of haunting since lads.
Time to put it to rest.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Erins Own Semi Final 09

CASTLEMARTYR BID TO MAKE HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH

The hurlers of Castlemartyr will be trying to bridge a 34 year gap, when they take on Erins Own next Saturday evening in Midleton at 7.p.m in Junior Hurling East Cork semi- final. Kojak was sucking lollipops and the Bay City Rollers ruled the airwaves, when the Reds last managed to reach a final, way back in 1975. Unfortunately that game ended in defeat for the Castlemartyr men, and the Reds have toiled in the hurling wilderness since, reaching numerous semi-finals, but unable to make that final push into the decider.

Castlemartyr will start as rank outsiders against the Glounthane men next Saturday night, following the latter’s impressive form in this year’s championship. They comprehensively defeated Killeagh in the quarter final, albeit following a replay by 2-14 to 4 points. No Castlemartyr man will need reminding that it was the Killeagh men who ended their ‘08 dream in Ballymacoda last year, but the Erins Own men made no such mistake. A more current barometer of form would be Midleton. Both sides have played the Magpies in this year’s championship and Erins Own found it far easier than the Reds to overcome that challenge. Erins Own led from start to finish in their clash and looked likely winners from the off, in their 2-11 to 12 points victory while the Reds needed a last gasp winner deep into injury time to finally slay the Magpies in gripping encounter.

Both sided have also clashed in this year’s league with the Caherlag outfit handing out a hurling lesson to the Reds in a 1-15 to 0-11 scoreline. The unanswered question of course is have Castlemartyr improved since , and when all is said and done only Saturday night will tell us that,

Veteran goalkeeper David Fleming will be between the sticks and it will be of vital importance that he keeps a clean sheet if Castlemartyr are to win. The full back line of Oliver Smiddy, Rob O Donavan and James Deehan will have a hard hour ahead of them and will have to be fully focused throughout and be prepared to risk life and limb in order to prevent any breaches of their defence. Brian Smiddy and Adrian Bowens will definitely start in the half back line and will hope to drive their team forward at every opportunity, while Brian Lawton at midfield currently in good form, will have to play out of his skin again to propel the Reds into the final.

Jimmy Smiddy will as usual shoulder the scoring burden as he has done for many summers now, but if the Reds are to win on Saturday night he will need to get far more help. Derek Bowens, Sean Hennessy, Barry Lawton, Mark Bowens and Evan O Keeffe will all have to be stand up and be counted and try and keep the umpires busy, waving flags.

So, best of luck to all concerned. Underdogs we may be, but if everyone plays to the utmost of their ability, and hunt and harass in packs, anything is possible. Make it happen.

Castlemartyr GAA Draw 09

ANNUAL CLUB FUNDRAISING DRAW 2009
2 MONTHLY DRAWS @ €25 PER MONTH
€7,000 IN PRIZE MONEY
1st Draw – August 2009 2nd Draw – September 2009
Monthly Prizes
1st €1,500 2nd €700
3rd €400 4th €300
5th-10th €100 each
A Chara,
We would like to inform you about our annual fundraising draw for 2009 which is taking place over two months with draws to be held in August and September. The monthly subscription is €25 with substantial cash prizes to be won each month.
As you can appreciate, the provision and maintenance of our facilities, along with the running costs associated with all our teams, place a substantial financial burden on our club. Our main source of income in meeting these costs is our Annual Club Draw. In the past all our members and supporters have been very supportive of this draw and we would be very grateful of your continued support.
Our club caters for players from 5 years of age upwards, and fields teams in both hurling and football at all ages from U8 to Adult. While we always strive to produce good players and successful teams, the main focus of the club is to facilitate and actively encourage as many players as possible, of all ages, to participate in and gain enjoyment from our national games.
The 2009 season has brought mixed fortunes so far. Our Junior A football team started badly in the year, being beaten by Carrigtwohill in the first round of the championship, but re-grouped very well, to come through the back door route with victories over Castlelyons and a well fancied Aghada team to qualify for a quarter final bout with Lisgoold. However, in a match where we failed to play to our potential we were narrowly beaten by a single point.
Our Junior A hurling team have recorded recent victories over Cloyne and Midleton (by a point in a cliffhanger) to qualify for a quarter final meeting with Carrigtwohill. This game is fixed for Thur 6th August, at a venue to be decided and all support will be welcome. Keep an eye on local papers for more details. Also, our Junior B hurling team recorded a very comfortable win over St Itas, racking up a huge score in the process, with Tony Barrett bagging the amazing personal tally of 7-2. A much firmer test awaits in the form of Sars in the next round, which is not yet fixed.
At underage level, (U8 to U16), we are joined with our neighbours in Dungourney, under the banner of Kiltha Og. A CUL camp is arranged for all players at this level for 4th-7th August with over 100 participants already signed up.
Club members will be calling around to houses within the next couple of weeks, to collect subscriptions for our first draw to be held in mid August. Alternatively you may contact one of the club officers as per details below. As always your support would be greatly appreciated.
Dave Fleming (Chairman) – 087 2265560 Christy O’Sullivan (Vice Chairman) – 086 8040183
Michael John Cremin (Secretary) – 087 6499642 Martin O’Brien (Treasurer) – 087 6109309
Carey Joyce (PRO) – 086 3681382

Carrigtwohill Preview 09

CASTLEMARTYR TO MEET CARRIGTWOHILL IN QUARTER FINAL

Ancient rivals Castlemartyr and Carrigtwohill will meet in the quarter final of the East Cork Hurling Championship on Thursday the 6th of August at a time and venue yet to be announced, as we go to press.
The sides clashed in last year’s championship as well, when the Reds just about did enough to overcome the Carrig boys by a margin of 5 points. Things could have been far different however, if the Carrig boys didn’t have to play the final quarter of the game with only 14 men, so it promises to be another close encounter next Thursday evening.
Castlemartyr have had two previous outings in this year’s championship, and are in the happy position of having reached the quarter finals without yet finding top gear. The first outing against Cloyne was a lack lustre affair, owing perhaps to the safety net of the back door, whereas the Midleton game was a far more intense encounter with the Reds scoring a last gasp Brian Smiddy point to garner the spoils. Three goals were coughed up by the Castlemartyr defence that day, and it is not often that you come out at the right side of a result having conceded that many. This was also an Achilles heel last year, when Killeagh dumped them out chiefly because of breaking through for 3 goals as well. It goes without saying therefore, that the Reds defence will have to get far meaner and clear their lines quicker, even if it means “anywhere will do” type clearances.
One could not fault the commitment of the Reds against Midleton though, as they chased and harried as if their lives depended on it. This must be repeated against the Carrig boys as well, because anything less than full blooded commitment will result in an idle August yet again. Remember this is the same group of lads who played like maniacs in the victory over Aghada in the football championship, and a couple of weeks later bowed out tamely to Lisgoold earlier this year. Hopefully lessons have been learned.

Midleton Preview 09

CASTLEMARTYR AND MIDLETON SET FOR CRACKER

The junior hurlers of Castlemartyr and Midleton come face to face next Sunday at Killeagh at 3pm in the third round of the East Cork JHC and if the game is only half as good as a recent league encounter between the pair, then the punters present will be in for a treat.
That game was played in early May and was a ferocious encounter, with Castlemartyr just edging the epic battle by 0-18 to 0-16, albeit, with the help of home advantage and a last minute goal-line clearance by Adrian Bowens.
This next bout is championship though and the game may not be as free flowing. There is no “backdoor” available from now on and every ball won, will be hard earned, with the losers banished from the championship for another fruitless summer. The winners however will advance to the quarter final, where a joust with Carrigtwohills second string awaits.
Castlemartyr have had one previous outing in this year’s championship so far, when they overcame Cloyne in a lack lustre affair. The Reds certainly didn’t set the world alight that night, but did just enough to advance to the next round. A repeat of that performance against the Magpies though would prove fatal, as far more urgency and passion will be required to match Midleton’s’.
Midleton gave a fancied Erin’s Own enough of it in their first round , before going under rather unluckily by 5 points in the finish. In their backdoor match however, they dismissed the challenge of Fr O Neills and now they bid to go one further by turning over the Reds.
Castlemartyr will be looking for much improved performances throughout the field, but especially from their forwards. Eighteen wides against Cloyne tell its own story, and it goes without saying that these will have to be vastly reduced. The half- forward line will have to up their work rate from the last day too namely Seanie Hennessy, Jimmy Smiddy and Brian Lawton, and either takes on the responsibility of scoring themselves or else deliver fast ball into Evan O Keeffe, Brian O Tuama and Barry Lawton.
So best of luck to everyone involved. The club badly needs the lift of an extended run in this year’s championship. The players involved have prepared excellently and deserve to be rewarded, but as history has shown us, just because you think you are a deserving cause counts for nothing in the white heat of championship battle. All championships at the end of the day are earned and hard earned at that.

Junior Hurling Championship 2009

CASTLEARTYR ENTER CHAMPIONSHIP FRAY

Castlemartyr will be bidding to advance to the third round of the JHC, when they clash with old rivals Cloyne in the opening fixture of the championship on Saturday night next 27th of June 7.30 in Ahavine Ballymacoda.
Although there is the safety net of the “backdoor”, both sides will be keen to avoid this route, and will be going at it hammer and tongs from the off.
The Reds preparation has been hampered somewhat by injuries and exams and foreign weddings, but with the passage of time these obstacles have been overcome. League form has been patchy to say the least, with three defeats to Dungourney, Erin’s Own and a mauling from Carrignavar .A sole victory was achieved in a titanic tussle with Midleton, but hopefully the championship ensure better fortune.
Veteran Dave Fleming will keep guard between the sticks, and is sure to have Rob O Donavan, Ollie Smiddy and James Deehan manning the full back line in front of him. Brian Smiddy and the recently married Adrian Bowens are sure to feature in the half back line but after that it is hard to predict who will fill what position. The scoring burden will as usual be carried by the long serving Jimmy Smiddy who has been amazingly doing this job since he was a raw youth of 16 in 1991. It’s surely time at this stage that he receives some assistance at keeping the scoreboard ticking over and increases the scoring power of the team, which in turn should give the Reds a greater say in this year’s championship.
So get out on Saturday night and support the lads. They have been training long and hard for this tussle since February and hopefully will be raring to go come 7.30 on Saturday night.

Bord Gais Golf Classic 09

BORD GAIS CASTLEMARTYR GAA CLASSIC A MAJOR SUCCESS

In what was a busy week for Castlemartyr GAA both on and off the field, their annual major fundraise was held on Thursday the 21st of May at East Cork Golf Club. Teams’ participation was slightly up on last year and we would like to thank everyone that played and sponsored tee boxes also.
RESULTS NON GUI
1st GOLDEN OLDIES- Johnny Morgan, Jim O Rourke, Joe Stack
2nd YOUGHAL GUARDS- Kieran Lynch
3rd THE CHUBBY CHAPPIES Eamon Gonzo Murphy, The Organiser, Sonny Shanahan
RESULTS GUI
1st BORD GAIS-Frank o Shea, John O Shea, Ger Gleeson
2nd CHARLIES ANGELS-Cha O Neill, Tony Coyne, Amanda Coyne
3rd KILLEAGH GAA- Ray Rochford, Sean Treacy.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Over 30s v Under 30s La na gClub

LA NA GCLUB

Looking back, this was a hugely enjoyable and successful event held in the GAA pitch on Sunday the 10th of May last .Everything went off smoothly, and luckily, the sun smiled on all the patrons present.
The hit of the day was the bouncy slide which the kids gained huge enjoyment from. The pirate and princess kept the kids entertained also with face painting and balloon making which added hugely to the festive atmosphere.
Activities on the field of play got underway around 3.30 with John Whyte and his crew organising a game of rounders for the underage kids. Rounder’s is in fact a recognised GAA field sport and the players involved had great fun learning and playing this ancient game.
The Kiltha Og u-8s under the tutelage of John Cashman gave a fine exhibition of football and hurling playing one half of each. Also the Kiltha Kids u-6 and u-7 gave a fine display of no-nonsense hurling .Many of the spectators were spellbound by the commitment and honesty of the small ones, and clapped them off the field at the end of their endeavours.
See all the photos of the day on www.castlemartyrgaa.com.
But the main event..............................

CASTLEMARTYR Over 30s...............................2-7
CASTLEMARTYR Under 30s.............................1-6

It was billed as the game of the Masters v the Apprentices and the Masters proved by the end of this hugely entertaining game that they had plenty to teach yet.
The young lads were first out onto the pitch but they must surely have been intimidated, when the oul fellas galloped out to a rousing reception and to the strains of The Sunday Game theme ringing out around the ground. Pa Beausang from Midleton was quick to lay down a marker in the pre match warm up, becoming embroiled in a skirmish with Mark Bowens. Referee Eoin McGovern flashed Pa the yellow card yet again and the tone for the game had been set.
Basher Lawton Sr. operating on the 40 was quick to settle and was showing well for ball and seemed like a player who was on a stimulant of some kind. He covered acres of ground, playing like a man possessed and one would never think that he and Mary recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Johnny Morgan playing full forward was also into the tempo of the game early and rolled back the years with 3 long range points in the first half that dissected the posts and left the youngsters gaping in astonishment.
Back in the backline Noel Curtin was manning the centre back spot steadily and was getting great assistance from his speedy wing backs Dagger Walsh and Sean Leahy. Pa of course, looked like he had never been away and made life a living hell for any poor opponent that came his way. Fong in goals brought off one spectacular save and must surely come into the running to dislodge the long serving MJ Cremin in the Junior A team. The aforementioned MJ Cremin although well at the wrong side of 30 himself, chose to pitch his lot in with the younger brigade in what was rumoured to be an attempt to harm the current P.R.O. Lining out in the forwards he looked like a fish out of water and though he lacked nothing in effort, one could say that he was certainly no Morgie. His penalty miss at the death missed the target, but unfortunately struck an unwitting spectator in the midriff, thankfully causing no damage.
Brendan Cantwell never put a foot wrong in the full backline and looked like he could still do a job at junior level and Ciaran Collins never a fan of the big ball showed that it’s never too late to teach old dog new tricks. Donal Burke drove his team on from midfield throughout and dominated this area of the field.
Up front the Masters had plenty of firepower to call on. The Seamus McClellan shimmy was resurrected again and big Mossy Duggan showed he was capable of a mean side-step too. John Whyte was full of tireless endeavour and did some clever running off the ball which troubled the youngsters defence. Jason Barrett played his part too, and Joe Stack caused pandemonium every time he got his hands on the ball.
Surprise packet of the day though was The Greengrocer himself Johnny Walsh, who although not having crossed the white line since his u-14 days showed all the cuteness of Seamus Darby, when tucking in a well taken goal. It was the little nudge on poor Dan Barry’s back, which went unseen by the otherwise excellent and unbiased referee Eoin McGovern, but picked up by cameraman Eamon Roche that proved crucial. Jim Deehan Sr. also give an impressive display and will be remembered forever for winning a hard earned free, while becoming entangled with himself soloing the ball.
Hurling keeper David Fleming saw plenty of action also and Marty O Keefe used his supreme fitness to good effect covering lots of ground in the Brian Dooher style.
The games crucial score came courtesy of a mazy run by the player manager Cha O Neill, when he appeared from nowhere to run at the u-30s defence and blast the ball home from an acute angle. It was a fitting reward for all the effort he had put into the day and was a goal worthy of gracing any occasion.
Following the game an enjoyable evening was had at Clifford’s our main sponsors where the oul fellas poisoned the youngsters with the tales of “in our day” variety. At least, a good night was had by half the players present.
TEAM O-30. W.MARTIN, C.COLLINS, B.CANTWELL, P.BEAUSANG, C.JOYCE, S.LEAHY, N.CURTIN, D.WALSH, O.SMIDDY, D.BURKE, J DEEHAN SR, J.SMIDDY, M.DUGGAN, S.MCLELLAN, J.STACK, J.BARRETT, C O NEILL, J MORGAN, J WHYTE, J WALSH, M O KEEFE, D FLEMING. (All 22 saw action, sometimes simultaneously)

TEAM U-30
J.DEEHAN JR,B CROWLEY,D BARRY, S O DONAVAN, D ROCHE, R O DONAVAN,D MCAULLIFFE,D BOWENS,D MURPHY,MJ CERMIN, E CLIFFORD,M BOWENS, K O LEARY, C MORAN.G SWAYNE, B LAWTON.

La na gClub Day, 10th May 2009

See link to photos on the Right Hand Side of this page.

Cyclists Return

CYCLISTS RETURN TO ROUSING RECEPTION

In what eventually proved to be a mighty weekend for Castlemartyr GAA club, our hardy cyclists, John Walsh, Barra O Tuama, Jimmy Smiddy, Kevin O Leary, Adrian Bowens and the Dagger Walsh returned back to the village to a hero’s welcome sometime after 3pm on Good Friday.
They were lucky with the weather and looked surprisingly fresh after their endeavours. Already they are making plans for next year and as Mick Leahy commented following the epic football match, “The cyclists played so well, they’ll have to start from Tralee next year”.
Well done to all concerned, especially the backroom staff of Mairead, Nicole and Elaine who provided the transport down and followed them up on the long and winding road. There is still time to sponsor the lad’s effort so please support this worthy cause.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Junior Football Championship

CASTLEMARTYR BID TO ADVANCE IN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The footballers of Castlemartyr aim to shrug off the disappointment of their recent defeat to Carrigtwohill by hoping to overcome Castlelyons this weekend and thereby advancing to the 3rd round of the JFC albeit via the “backdoor”.No exact date or venue details are at hand going to press but if you log on to www.castlemartyrgaa.com or check for posters in local shops all will be revealed.
Many shortcomings were exposed in the Reds side by the Carrig men on the day, but hopefully in the 2 weeks since that match Joe Stack and his fellow mentors will have addressed these and have the lads primed for a good tilt at the Castlelyons men.
As usual, Castlemartyr will be looking for big performances from Robert O Donavan at full back and from Adrian Bowens who will probably man the pivotal centre back position. Midfield will of course be crucial and here the performances of Ollie Smiddy and Derek Bowens will go a long way in deciding this fixture. Up front the Lawton brothers will carry a fair share of the attacking threat, and they will also be turning to Jimmy Smiddy and Maurice Hodnett for assistance.
However it goes without saying that it will take a ferocious effort from all involved from 1 to 21 to have a chance of winning this game .The Castlelyons men were desperately unlucky not to overcome Carrignavar in the first round, losing out by the narrowest of margins on a scoreline of 10 points to 9. Carrignavar were finalists last year so this would suggest that the Castlelyons lads are putting their best foot forward this year. Best of luck Reds. Go out and do your club proud.

Castlemartyr GAA SGM

Castlemartyr GAA Club Special General Meeting 3/3/09

At a SGM conveyed to discuss the current Cork Hurling impasse, a large group of members gathered to hear and express their opinions on the situation.
Two motions were subsequently voted on namely:
Motion no 1.
Save in relation to routine matters of administration such as fixtures venues etc. That the delegates of this club at divisional and county level, do not vote on any matter without first obtaining direction from the executive committee of this club as to which way the club delegate should vote.
Motion no 2
That Gerald McCarthy and his management team be removed as the Cork senior hurling management team, and that this club will take all steps necessary to ensure that this takes place at the earliest opportunity.
Both motions were passed, overwhelmingly.
The Chairperson David Fleming will now take the result of the Castlemartyr GAA Club to the Cork 2008 Panel’s meeting on Sunday the 8th of March at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

Club Social 2009

A most enjoyable evening was had by all, when the Castlemartyr Gaa boys and girls got together to have a night out at The Sportsman’s Inn Mogeely on Saturday night last the 24th of January.
Though the weather outside was frightful, things indoors were far more delightful, with the WAGS all turned out looking their very best and the lads starting to show the effects of their weight training regime.
After a few socialable drinks, Chairman David Fleming got proceedings underway by thanking everyone for coming and then looked back on ’08 with regret and looked forward to ’09 with renewed hope and optimism.
A special mention was made to the newest arrival to the club Oscar Smiddy, the brand new son of Ollie Smiddy and Maeve who entered the world on Monday the 19th last. Heres hoping that Ollie manages to shift Maeve out of the city and back to the fresh air of Mogeely. It’s only a 20 minute commute to Cork now anyway and sure there’s even a train track in Mogeely that could be opened any day soon.
The Footballer of the Year award once again went to the very popular and hard working Barra O Tuama. These awards are voted on by your fellow players and mean a lot to the eventual winners. Barra was to go on and celebrate later in the night with a moving rendition of “The Bould Christy Ring” which is sure to inspire the hurlers to greater things in the coming year.
The hurler of the year bauble went for the honest exploits of midfielder Peter Horgan. Unfortunately Peter was not on hand to collect his well earned prize as he is currently out of the country, but was a most popular winner and goes to show that even though Peter may not have mastered all the skills of the game just yet, with a burning desire to do your job anything is possible.
The Frank McClellan Clubman of the year was presented by his wife Eileen to the runaway victor Donal McCarthy. It was no surprise when David announced the unassuming Donal as the winner as he had done trojan work for the club throughout the past year and previous years as well. His heading up of the Grade hurling came in for special mention as Donal rescued it from oblivion as well as all his other numerous efforts with the A hurlers and on the committee as well.
With the formalities over the band Johnny Jump Up struck up a chord and throughout the night had the crowd on their feet. They got good help also in the singing department from various members of the audience and one such performance from top coach Barney Lawton has been posted for prosperity worldwide on You Tube.. Just log onto You Tube and search for Castlemartyr Gaa. Don’t miss it.
So all in all a great night out. Now the festivities are truly over and the serious business of trying to capture silverware begins again. Make it so.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Club Social 2009

Castlemartyr GAA Notes

Calling on all Castlemartyr Gaels, it’s that time of year again to don the new glad rags we got from Santy, and to strut our stuff at the Castlemartyr GAA Annual Social.
This year the festivities will take place on January the 24th at The Sportsman’s Inn, Mogeely with proceedings getting underway at 8.30pm. There will be no excuse not to attend as admission will be completely free. Food will be laid on, as well as some vibrant rock and roll from the band Johnny Jump Up. No doubt they will have the crowd hopping and many a hamstring will be pulled and groin, strained, during the night.
The night is also important for the reason that the Frank McClellan Clubman of the Year award will be presented to the deserving winner on the night. Also the Footballer & Hurler of the Year Trophies will be distributed to the players who polled the most amongst their peers recently.
So all in all it should make for a mighty night so don’t miss it. It’s great to get together as a community once in a while and let off a bit of steam. Everybody’s welcome, free admissiom, free food and free sounds, what more could you want, except of course a free bar..........

Long Puck 2008

The 10th Anniversary Joseph Walsh Long Puck took place on Stephen’s Day. The history of the event goes back to early 90’s and Joseph attended these early events and walked the road with the different teams each year. After his death in April 1999, his family bought a Perpetual Cup to be presented each year to the winners, as the day is one of the Social highlights of the year in the club.

This year’s event was a great occasion with 90 bodies assembling for duty as usual at Kilmountain Cross on a bright and cold day that was perfect for knocking off some of the Christmas excesses and renewing old acquaintances. There was low scoring on the dry road and the new surface from Mogeely to Castlemartyr was extremely kind to the sliothar.

Winners on the Day were Robert O’Donovan, Michael John Crowley and Barry Lawton who won the play-off against the 2nd team after the scoring on the road was level at 44 shots each. The 2nd place team was Patrick Walsh, Chris Moran and Liam Walsh. Two teams finished one shot further back on 45 and after a play-off Tony Barrett, Aidan O’Rourke and Brian O’Tuama were declared third over Gavin Barry, Pa O Donavan and Ed McCarthy from Gortroe.

The Winners prizes were sponsored by the Sean, Anne, Patrick and Michael Walsh, sons and daughter of Joseph Walsh who are proud and honoured that their father’s name is still associated with the club. Clifford’s Bar also contributed to the Prizes on the day as did Noel Curtin from his Army Surplus store. Many thanks to Ned and Ann for their generous sponsorship and hosting of the prize giving and general merriment which followed.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

Kiltha Kids Christmas Training Session

Kilta Kids Juior and Senior infants had their final session before Santy calls,last Saturday the 13th of December. It was a football session and great fun was had by all.See the accompanying picture.

Pics: (click to enlarge)

AGM 2008

ASTLEMARTYR G.A.A. A.G.M.

The Annual General Meeting of the Castlemartyr GAA Club took place on Friday the 5th of December last at St. Joseph’s N.S. The outgoing Chairman Christy O Sullivan welcomed everyone to the meeting and commented that while the results in the business end of the Championship’s had been disappointing, at least no finger could be pointed at lack of preparation, as a huge effort had been put in by both players and mentors alike. Unfortunately on the day these efforts counted for nought but as usual thankfully “there is always next year”.
Secretary’s Report
The Hon. Sec. M.J. Cremin then proceeded to give a thorough and excellent review of the year’s activities after which a lengthy and frank discussion took place which hopefully will help on improving the results in 2009.The following is the Secretary’s report:

Minor Hurling & Football

We are joined with Dungourney at minor level for both Hurling and Football. This year was a very encouraging year with regards to the Minors as after great work by Seamus Lawton & John White at the start of last year we were able to get both codes re-graded which allowed our teams to play on a competitive basis.

The footballers had a very impressive season reaching the Minor B Football Championship final defeating Castlelyons and St. Catherines on the way. They fell at the final hurdle against a very strong Aghada team.
In the league they finished mid-table on 6 points from seven games.

The hurlers were beaten in the first round of the Minor B Hurling Championship by a strong Watergrasshill side. However as they were re-graded to Minor C Hurling League 12 A Side they reached the final against Midleton with 8 Points from 6 games where they gave a tremendous performance winning on a score-line of 7-15 to 3-6.

I would like to thank John White and Seamus Lawton for their hard work in getting these teams re-graded. I would like to thank Jim O’Rourke (Selector) and Patrick Walsh (Coach) for all their hard work, without all of these men we would not have being able to field any team. With this being such an important age we need to keep this going for 2009.

Under 21 Football

In the first round of the Football 12 a Side Championship we played Ballinacurra and lost 4-9 to 2-9 in what was a great game of football.

Unfortunately we did not have the numbers for an Under 21 Hurling team as there was no competition for 12 a Side in the U21 Hurling.

I would like to thank the football management team for looking after the Under 21 team.

Junior Football

In the league we had a good season in the league, after being relegated from Division 1 the previous season we have bounced back straight away after topping Division 2 on 14 points from 8 games. In the league final versus Ballinacurra we were completely outplayed and well beaten by 1-11 to 1-3 in what was a very disappointing end to the campaign.

In the championship we played Lisgoold in the first round in Castlemartyr and won in a tight game, the score being 1-09 to 1-08.
We played Bride Rovers in the quarter final in Cobh and went down by 0-9 to 1-15 where most of the damage was done in the first ten minutes with us trailing 1-3 to 0-0 and against a very strong Bride Rovers team it was always going to be hard to claw back.

I would like to thank Dave Haines and his selectors Joe Stack, Johnny Morgan and Ger Flanagan for their efforts with the footballers this year.

Junior Hurling

In the Junior League we finished on 11 points enough to earn us a place in the final against Dungourney. The final ended all square on a score of 0-12 to 1-09 which was disappointing as we were four points up with just 3 minutes to play. In the replay we were beaten by a score of 1-08 to 2-12 where we never seemed to get to grips with the game.

On the championship side of things we played the first round against Carrigtwohill and won on a score of 1-13 to 2-05 in Midleton.
We went onto play our neighbours Killeagh in Ballymacoda in the quarter final where we lost on a score of 1-11 to 3-07 in a very tough encounter.

I would like to thank Seamus Lawton, Donal McCarthy, Tony Ba, Martin McSweeney & John Walsh for their efforts with the Hurling team this year.

Junior B Hurling

After much discussion it was agreed to enter a Junior B Hurling team for the year and I must say that if it was not for the hard work of Donal McCarthy there would have being no Junior B team this year which would have being a big loss for the club.

In the league we finished on 6 points from 7 games and in the championship we were knocked out in the first round by a much stronger Erin’s Own team.

I would like to thank manager Donal McCarthy and selectors Pat Cronin and James Deehan for looking after the Junior B Team.

Long Puck

Our traditional Long Puck was held on St. Stephens Day a great day and night was had by all both on the road and afterwards back in the village.
I would like to thank John Walsh and all the guys that helped him on the day.

Social Night

Our social night was held in Garryvoe Hotel. The night once again was very enjoyable and I would like to thank all who helped to organise the event to enable it to run so smoothly.

Club Referee

I would like to thank Eoin McGovern for his time and effort in representing our Club in 2008.

Club Draw

Our annual two monthly draw was held where we realised a healthy profit.
I would like to thank Dave Fleming for organising and running the draw and also to thank all the ticket collectors for their great effort and also to all who contributed to the draw.

Golf Classic

Our Annual Golf Classic was held in East Cork Golf and a great day was had by all.
I would like to thank the organising Committee for organising this great day out.

Kiltha Og

I would like to congratulate Kiltha Og on winning the Under 14 B Hurling Championship and reaching the Feile 2008 which is our first ever representation at this level. I would like to thank all involved in Kiltha Og for their co-operation, hard work and very efficient running of the under-age set-up.

Personal Thanks

I would like to thank our East Cork Board meeting delegates Mick Leahy and Paul O Connell for all their hard work and all my fellow officers and members of the Committee for their help and assistance during the year. I would also like to thank the players for the co operation during the year and hope that in 2009 we can make greater progress on the field of play.

Is Mise

Micheal Sean O’ Cremin,
Runai,
Baile Na Martra

Treasurers Report

Marty O Brien followed on with his usual comprehensive Treasurers Report and it was good to see that the books balanced again thanks to the generous support of our patrons in our fundraisers throughout the year and to the volunteers who wore out the shoe leather collecting it. It was pointed out that it costs over 6000 euro just to affiliate and to insure our teams which is a huge burden on our club and that this cost has doubled in the space of a few years. Our board delegates were charged with finding out could anything be done to reduce this cost.
Kiltha Og

The Kiltha Og report given by Billy Moran was a positive one with Billy reporting that a haul of nine trophies were bagged and that the club is going from strength to strength. Kiltha Og is now fielding U-8 and U-9 teams as well as up to minor level. Special mention and pride of place went to the U-14 hurlers who did their parish and county proud in representing Cork in the Feile in Laois during the summer. It was truly a memorable once in a lifetime experience for both players and supporters who travelled up for the weekend.
Sponsors

The Club Sponsors, Clifford’s Bar were thanked profusely for their generous sponsorship for the previous 3 years along with Bord Gais for their Golf Classic sponsorship and Marty Fleming for sponsoring the club’s new defibrillator.
Election of Officers

The election of Officers took place and the following positions were filled for 2009
Chairman: D. Fleming
Vice Chairman: C. O’ Sullivan
Secretary: M.J. Cremin
Asst. Secretary M. Leahy
Treasurer: M.O Brien
P.R.O. C. Joyce.
Football Manager: D. Haines
Hurling Manager: S. Lawton

Membership
The membership remains static at a reasonable 50 euro’s and 20 euro’s for OAP’s. It will be taken up on the day of the Long Puck or can be given to any Club Officer at any stage.

Kiltha Og Minor County Final Victory
Well done to the Kiltha Og minors, who under the tireless management of Dagger Walshe and Jim O Rourke brought home the first title at County level to the club since the Intermediate League title of 1992. This is a major boost for the minor grade in the club as it looked like at the start of the year that there may not even be a team fielded. It just goes to show that with a good management structure in place and a will to succeed that anything is possible. See the report elsewhere in this paper.
Joseph Walshe Memorial Long Puck
As usual, it will take place on St. Stephens Day 1.45 at Kilmountain Cross. This is the tenth running of this hugely popular and enjoyable event and this year Joseph’s son Dagger is sponsoring the prizes. If you meet Johnny Walshe, Donal McCarthy or Micheal John let them know if you are interested, if not, don’t worry. All are welcome, just turn up with a tenner, a hurley and an ability to have a good evenings sport.
Donal & Eileen
Congratulations to the newly-weds Donal and Eileen McCarthy who recently tied the knot. Donal is the current B grade manager and also holds down a post on Seamus Lawtons management team in the Junior A hurling structure.We wish them all the best in the years ahead.
Johnny & Mairead
2008 will be remembered fondly as the year that Johnny Walshe and Mairead finally decided that they are going to take the plunge and settle down after years of dodging the draft. We wish them the very best in the years ahead and hope that maybe the injection of Kerry cuteness from Dingle native Mairead, may transform the fortunes of our Footballers.

Junior Hurling League Final Replay

Castlemartyr and Dungourney to renew rivalry in replay.

The caman wielders of Castlemartyr and Dungourney will battle it out again for the right of calling themselves JHL Division 1 League Champions next Saturday the 18th of October in Killeagh at 4pm.
Following their 0-12 to 1-9 draw in the previous encounter, Dungourney will fancy their chances of finishing the job the next day. It was their troops that had their heads up coming off the field after the drawn game when a late flurry by the Duns yielding 1-1 in the last minute tied up the game. The Dungourney boys were also a little understrength on the day and will be hoping that if they are able to call on all their artillery, that it should be enough to push them over the line.
However the Reds will also hoping to be at full strength and if they can play to their full potential there should be very little in it at the final whistle. The Castlemartyr lads will be looking to big Rob O Donavan to mind the square again and for Darragh O Keeffe to drive them on from the pivotal centre back position. Brian Lawton will probably be asked to sweep up around midfield and hopefully chip in with a point or two, while the Reds mentors will be hoping for a big performance up front from the veteran Adrian Bowens and the evergreen Jimmy Smiddy.
So try and get out next Saturday and support the Reds next Saturday in their final Hurling game of the year.

Junior Hurling League Final

Castlemartyr and Dungourney to clash in League Decider

Next Saturday the 4th of October, fellow parishioners Castlemartyr and Dungourney will meet to decide who will be crowned Division 1 League Champions for 2008. The game is scheduled to take place in Killeagh at 5pm but this time carries a health warning because if Kiltha Og U-16s win their county fixture on Thursday evening, the time will be altered so contact any club member to make sure of the throw-in time.
Both teams had a disappointing ’08 championship and victory in the league final would not go far in erasing those painful memories, but still there is a cup to be played for and come throw in time, I’m sure it will be all systems go.
The sides met recently in the league and played out a high scoring draw 2-13 to 3-10 in an entertaing tussle. However Castlemartyr have done little or no preparation since and will be minus the services of key defender Brian Smiddy for the final. It should still prove to be an intriguing game and no doubt once it gets going neither team will be anxious to lose to the other.

Club News

Johnny & Mairead

Ned Morgan R.I.P.

Dinner Dance a Night to Remember

Dinner Dance & 2010 Championship Draws

Castlemartyr Long Puck 09

Dinner Dance 2010

Castlemartyr Yearbook

AGM 2009

Club Draw Results Nov 2009

East Cork Final Photos

County Quarter Final Preview

Obituary Donie O Keeffe

Club Draw Results Oct 2009

East Cork Final Preview 2009

Erins Own Semi Final 09

Castlemartyr GAA Draw 09

Carrigtwohill Preview 09

Midleton Preview 09

Junior Hurling Championship 2009

Bord Gais Golf Classic 09

Over 30s v Under 30s La na gClub

La na gClub Day, 10th May 2009

Cyclists Return

Sponsored Cycle

Junior Football Championship

Castlemartyr GAA SGM

Club Social 2009

Club Social 2009

Long Puck 2008

Kiltha Kids Christmas Training Session

AGM 2008

Junior Hurling League Final Replay

Junior Hurling League Final