Midleton GAA Club

05 October, 2023

COUNTY FINAL PASSAGE BOOKED - ON THE DOUBLE!

CORK COUNTY PREMIER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

MIDLETON 1-17 ST. FINBARR’S 0-18

Luke O'Farrell and Cormac Beausang celebrate at the final whistle. Photos: Inpho.

After an absence of four weeks our senior hurlers returned to championship action on Sunday last with the ‘small matter’ of a County Semi-Final clash with reigning county champions St. Finbarr’s in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.

After the game was delayed by a half an hour due to the first game (Sars v Imokilly) going to extra-time, the Barrs opened the scoring before Luke O’Farrell opened our account in the fourth minute.

The Barrs added the next two points through Brian Hayes and William Buckley before we were dealt a massive blow on ten minutes when Luke Dineen was forced off through injury to be replaced by Ciarmhac Smyth. (The very best of luck with the recovery Bull).

Conor Lehane and Conor Cahalane swapped points before Cormac Beausang made it a one point game in the 16^th minute.

Ben Cunnigham and Sean O’Leary Hayes swapped points before William Buckley and Billy Hennessy made it 0-7 to 0-4 to the Barrs with four minutes remaining in the opening half.

Eoin Moloney struck over a cracking point and then pulled off an incredible save to make it 0-7 to 0-5 to the Barrs.

After a long stoppage after an umpire got hurt, the Barrs added the final two scores with the breeze to lead by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Conor Lehane gets his shot away under pressure in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.

Ross O’Regan replaced Paul Connaughton at the break and we upped the ante as two points from Conor Lehane and one from Ross O’Regan saw us close the gap to two (0-10 to 0-8) after seven second-half minutes.

Two Conor Lehane points in reply to two from the Barrs meant that we trailed by two with 16 to play.

David Cremin cut the gap to two before another excellent save from Brion Saunderson.

Ben Cunnigham made it a two point lead for the Barrs (0-13 to 0-11) from the ’65 before Conor Lehane struck four points in a row (two frees, a ’65 and one from play) to put us into a two point advantage (0-15 to 0-13) with nine minutes to play.

The Barrs struck the next two to mean it was a draw game (0-15 each) with five to play.

Mikey Finn put us back in front before two Ben Cunningham frees saw the Barrs back in front by one as the game ticked into stoppage time.

Then came the crucial moment of the game in the 61^st minute when a long delivery from Conor Lehane was knocked down by Luke O’Farrell and finished expertly to the net by Cormac Beausang to put us 1-16 to 0-17 ahead with time nearly out.

The Barrs cut the gap to one shortly after before Brion Saunderson sealed a great win with a monstrous point from play in the dying seconds.

Well done to Micheál, his management team and all the players on a mighty win and thanks for the great Midleton support.

Up next is a County Final meeting with Sarsfields in Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday week, October 15 at 4pm.

Scorers: Midleton: Conor Lehane (0-9, 0-2 ‘65s, 0-5 frees), Cormac Beausang (1-1), Brion Saunderson, Eoin Moloney, Sean O’Leary Hayes, Mikey Finn, Luke O’Farrell, Ross O’Regan and David Cremin (0-1 each).

MIDLETON: Brion Saunderson; Sean O’Sullivan, Luke Dineen, Seannaidh Smyth; Eoin Moloney, Tommy O’Connell, Sean O’Leary Hayes; Mikey Finn, Paul Haughney; Cormac Beausang, Conor Lehane (C), Pa White; Paul Connaughton, Luke O’Farrell, David Cremin. Subs: Ciarmhac Smyth for Dineen (inj, 10), Ross O’Regan for Connaughton (HT).

Mikey Finn celebrates at the final whistle. 

 

CORK COUNTY INTERMEDIATE A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

MIDLETON 1-18 BLACKROCK 1-17

Tadhg O'Leary Hayes battling for the ball in Carrigtwohill on Friday night. Photos: Echo Live.

I said in last week's notes that last weekend was a massive one for our club and I wasn’t lying. Three county hurling semi-finals, a Ladies Football county semi-final and an East Cork Junior C semi-final.

First into the breach to set the tone for this massive weekend were the intermediates on Friday night in Carrigtwohill and by God did they set the tone with a fantastic win over a fired up and physical Blackrock side.

We shot out of the blocks and points from Tiarnán Roche and Darragh McCarthy had us 0-2 to 0-1 ahead inside the opening three minutes. Blackrock then hit four in a row to lead 0-5 to 0-2 after nine minutes but then Aaron Mulcahy hit five of the next six points in the game to see us lead by 0-7 to 0-6 after 16 minutes.

The opening goal of the game arrived two minutes later through a Blackrock penalty to put them into a 1-6 to 0-7 lead. Blackrock followed this up with the next four points in a row before Aaron Mulcahy finished the first-half scoring from a free to see us trail by five at the break, 1-10 to 0-8.

The Rockies were reduced to 14 men just before the sound of the short whistle.

Blackrock struck the opening score of the second period before three in a row from the stick of Aaron Mulcahy saw us cut the deficit to a goal five minutes into the second-half.

But the Rockies weren’t wilting and two in a row saw them push the gap back out to five with 40 minutes on the clock.

Darragh McCarthy and Tiarnán Roche added white flags for the Magpies before Tadhg O’Leary Hayes cut through the Rockies’ defence for an excellent goal in the 45^th minute to level the match, 1-13 each.

Blackrock struck the lead again before two in a row from Aaron Mulcahy put us back in front with seven to play.

Three in a row from the city men had them two up, 1-17 to 1-15, with two to play but like this team always does, they never gave up and fought all the way to the finishing line.

Leo Hennessy cut the gap to one with a brilliant long range point before Man of the Match Aaron Mulcahy struck two late frees to secure a great win for this super team.

Well done to Keith, his management team and the players on a mighty win.

Up next is a County Final against Aghabullogue on Sunday two weeks, October 22, at 2pm in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.

Scorers: Midleton: Aaron Mulcahy (0-13, 0-10 frees), Tadhg O’Leary Hayes (1-0), Darragh McCarthy and Tiarnán Roche (0-2 each), Leo Hennessy (0-1).

MIDLETON: Zach Smith; Cathal Gunning, Christian Murphy, David Scanlon; Leo Hennessy, James Nagle, Tadhg O’Leary Hayes; Adam Daly, Kian Farmer; Darragh McCarthy, Aidan Ryan, Aaron Mulcahy; Tiarnán Roche, Alex Quirke, Cian Crowley. Subs: Gavin Reddy for Farmer (h/t), Padraig O’Shea for Crowley (47), Dan Cagney for McCarthy (50), Peter Dowling for Roche (56), Alan Power for Daly (63).

Leo Hennessy gets his pass away under pressure.

 

FÉ17 COUNTY P1 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

MIDLETON 0-7 GLEN ROVERS 0-13

Josh Hogan putting his side on the attack against Glen Rovers. Photo: Echo Live.

There was bitter disappointment for our minor hurlers on Saturday afternoon in Caherlag as our championship run came to an end at the hands of Glen Rovers in testing conditions.

With the rain that fell before and during this game, it was always going to be a low scoring battle and that’s the way it proved.

The Glen struck the first two points of the game before James McSweeney got the Magpies off the mark from a free in the seventh minute.

The Glen struck the next score before two in a row by James McSweeney saw us trail by one (0-4 to 0-3) after the opening quarter.

Three Glen frees and two James McSweeney frees and a point from play from Daniel Garde saw us go in at half-time trailing by a single point, 0-7 to 0-6, with all to play for.

The Glen struck the first three points of the second-half before Peter Barrett got our only score of the second period with 17 to play.

The Glen finished the better with the final three scores and we finished with 14 men after Carthaigh Cronin’s late sending off.

Hard luck to Martin and his management team and players on what was a tough end to a good season.

Scorers: Midleton: James McSweeney 0-5 (5f); Daniel Garde and Peter Barrett 0-1 each.

MIDLETON: Conor Finn; Tomas Dunlea, Fionn Kelly, Adam O’Connor, Matthew McSweeney, Carthaigh Cronin, Josh Hogan, Eoghan Fraser, Luca Brodkorb, Darragh Egan, James McSweeney, Daniel Garde, Cian Stack, Conor Morley, Peter Barrett. Subs: Paddy Walsh for McSweeney (43); Odhran Dennigan for Egan (52), Callum O’Brien for O’Connor (52).

 

EAST CORK JUNIOR C HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

MIDLETON 2-16 CARRIGTWOHILL 3-16

Our Junior C hurlers made their exit from this year’s championship on Sunday morning when they lost out to neighbours Carrigtwohill in a cracking contest at Clonmult Memorial Park.

Carrigtwohill got off to the brighter start with the opening two points but we were soon level through Mike Abernethy and Tim O’Sullivan. Further points from Luke Deane, Johnny Comer and Mike Abernethy and a Carrig goal saw us trail by the minimum, 1-3 to 0-5 after 13 minutes.

Nicky Daly Hayes soon added a point before Brian O’Sullivan struck for our opening green flag in the 18^th minute to put us in front for the first time in the game (1-6 to 1-5). Back came Carrig with the next 1-2 before we finished the half excellently with a Johnny Comer point, a Ben O’Neill goal and then two white flags from Tim O’Sullivan to see us lead at the break by 2-9 to 2-7.

It was score for score in the opening ten minutes of the second-half before we hit four points in a row through Nicky Daly Hayes, Mike Abernethy and Tim O’Sullivan (2) saw us lead by 2-15 to 2-11 with 11 minutes to play.

However, Carrig roared back into the game with the next 1-4 to surge into a three point lead with to play. Try as we might and including a controversial late square ball call, we just couldn’t bridge the gap and we lost out by a goal in the end after a highly entertaining hour’s hurling.

Disappointment on the day but this management team and players have put in a great effort during the year and played a huge amount of matches all over the place. Hard luck to Brian and all the lads.

Scorers: Midleton: Tim O’Sullivan 0-5, Mike Abernethy 0-4, Brian O’Sullivan 1-1, Ben O’Neill 1-0, Nicky Daly Hayes 0-3, Johnny Comer 0-2, Luke Deane 0-1.

MIDLETON: Kieran Mulcahy, Colin Sunderland, Gavin Hurley, Kieran Lambert, Billy O’Shea, Darragh Codd, Alex Moloney, Ben O’Neill, Luke Deane, Tim O’Sullivan, Johnny Comer, Andy Rea, Mike Abernethy, Brian O’Sullivan, Nicky Daly Hayes. Subs used: Daire Mooney, Tadhg Bohan, James O’Sullivan and Sean Corcoran.

 

PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

On Saturday we will played host to the all-East Cork Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final between Castlemartyr and Castlelyons in Clonmult Memorial Park. 

We had a big crowd who were treated to a very entertaining game. 

A huge thank you to all our members who helped out on the day to make sure the whole occassion ran off without a hitch. It's much appreciated. 

 

THE MUCH LOVED KEVIN HENNESSY

We were thrilled to have Midleton GAA great Kevin Hennessy with us in the club on Sunday to watch our senior team's win over St. Finbarr's....he's pictured with wife Una, daughter Megan and grandson JJ.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention the massive reaction that this picture got on our social media during the week. The comments and the love for Kevin and his family were absolutely fantastic from all over Ireland and beyond. It shows the enormous love and respect out there for the big man.....a Midleton and Cork hurling great.

 

MEET THE PLAYERS

All our juvenile hurlers, camogie players and ladies footballers are invited to meet our Senior & Intermediate hurling teams ahead of their upcoming County Finals and get pictures & autographs with them.

This Saturday (October 7) from 11am to 12 noon on the main pitch at Clonmult Memorial Park.

The club shop will also be open for all your county final needs (see below).

 

A BIT OF TOWN DECORATING

A huge thank you to our band of volunteers who took to the streets of Midleton under the cover of darkness on Wednesday night to erect bunting in the town ahead of our upcoming senior & intermediate county finals....it's much appreciated. #UpTheMapies

 

LET'S TURN MIDLETON BLACK & WHITE

 

To mark the superb of achievement of our adult teams qualifying for two County Finals in the coming weeks, we are asking the people of Midleton to Turn our town (and surrounds) Black & White. Shops, businesses, schools, houses....everything. Let's do this. And don't forget to tag us on social media or send your pics to pro.midleton.cork@gaa.ie.....#MAGPIESABÚ 

 

EAST CORK U-21A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Our U-21 A footballers begin their East Cork Championship campaign on Saturday when they travel to Sallybrook to take on Glanmire at 3pm. Best of luck to Johnny, his management team and players.

 

JUVENILES

FÉ6S

Attention all future Magpies (or parents of)......Pre-registratio is now OPEN for our brand new Fé6 Magpies - i.e. those who have just started junior infants. Training commences on October 21...see below for all the details.....

 

FÉ10S

Well done to our Fe10s who did themselves, their coaches and their club proud on Sunday when they took on St Finbarr's at half-time in our senior semi-final in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

 

FÉ13S

We are at the closing stages of the summer leagues for the Fé13 boys.

On Friday evening we played our final group match in Premier 1 hurling. Taking a great win away to a strong Kilworth side.

Midleton led at half time by eight points. A second-half fight back from Kilworth reduced the gap to two points with the home crowd cheering them on.

Our lads didn’t panic and showed great heart, a goal followed by a quick point sealed the game on a 3-7 to 0-10 score line. Putting us in a great position for a top two finish.

On Sunday we had to race back from Pairc Uí Chaoimh semi finals to host Carrigaline in the final group stages of the C3 hurling leagues.

Coming up short by a point on the night (0-5 to 1-3) didn’t change the strong end of the table with the lads finishing in top spot.

A C3 hurling Cup final V Ballincollig is now on the cards along with a C3 football final for this group.

Well done and good luck to the Senior and Intermediate hurlers from all the Fé13s.

 

FÉ12S

Best of luck to our Fé12s who take on Aghada in the Rebel Og East Fé12 Football League Phase 2 2nd Teams Group 2 Shield Final in Aghada on this coming Sunday at 4.45pm.

 

FÉ15S

Best of luck to our Fé15s C3 team who take on Ballinora in their Hurling League Final in Midleton on this coming Saturday at 1pm.

 

CAMOGIE 

UNDER 12S

Our U-12s represented Midleton well on Saturday as they travelled to the University of Limerick Sports Complex to take on Monaleen. The girls played superbly in the driving rain, with many goals and points scored. Thank you to our gracious hosts for the quick change of venue as well as the hospitality at the clubhouse afterwards. We look forward to Monaleen travelling next year!

Before the rain set in and closed the pitches for the week our U12s were treated to a master class training session by four of the Cork Minor Camogie All-Ireland winning team. They gave plenty of time for Q&A at the end, they are great role models for the younger girls. Up the Rebels!

 

UNDER 14S

Our U-14s enjoyed a team building day in Oysterhaven activity centre on Saturday. The rain was torrential but that just added to the fun for this great group of girls!

We want to wish our U14  girls and mentors the very best of luck for their P2 county final on Sunday 8^th of October at 11 a.m. in Castle Road. Come out to support the girls.

 

UNDER 15S

Our U-15s played their last game of the 2023 season on Sunday morning, the final of the U15A Imokilly League V Sars at Fr. O’Neill’s in Ballymacoda.

With the amount of rain that fell on the Saturday we were all convinced the game would be called off but the Fr. O’Neill’s pitch was in perfect order and the sun was shining as the two teams took to the field. Both teams know each other very well at this stage, with never more than the puck of a ball between them and it was great to see the smiling faces as they greeted each other before the throw in! The skill level, determination and work rate from both teams across the hour was top drawer with some unbelievable individual performances on display from both sides.

After a hugely entertaining game Sars ran out eventual winners on a scoreline of 2-9 to 1-10. It is  a fantastic achievement to reach any final but they can also be the most painful games to lose. Well done to all the girls and mentors involved.

 

LADIES FOOTBALL 

JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

MIDLETON 1-6 DOHENYS 2-9

Unfortunately our championship campaign came to an end last Sunday. The scoreline did not reflect the performance the ladies put in on the day. It was our first year Playing in a higher grade and getting to a semifinal is a massive achievement in itself. At the beginning of the year we set out our plans and asked for commitment and you gave it your all at each training session. Well done to everyone for the effort you put it. Onwards and upwards. 

It’s the turn of our minors now who begin preparations for their championship which kicks off in a few weeks. 

 

U-16 COUNTY FINAL

Best of luck to our U-16 girls who play their final on Saturday, October 14. 

 

MIDLETON GAA MONDAY CLUB

Our latest Monday Club took place on Monday at Clonmult Memorial Park and it was another great morning with more new participants welcomed into the fold. 

Next gathering is on Monday, October 30 10.30am Midleton GAA Club All Welcome!

 

LOTTO DRAW

The Jackpot was €15,000 for last Friday night's jackpot and the numbers drawn this week were: 8, 17, 19  and the bonus number was 8.

There was no jackpot winner or match 3 winner.

The €25 Lucky Dip Prize winners were: Ann Sinclair, Davy O'Brien Jnr, Pat Keneally and Michael Cunningham.

Play 24/7 at: http://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Midleton%20GAA/lotto

In total Midleton GAA will give out local business vouchers to the value of €3,800 every year as part of our “Shop Local, Buy Local” campaign.
How to play: tickets are on sale at Pat Walsh Paints, Chadwicks, Frank Murphy Butchers, Murphy’s Pharmacy, Crowley Butchers, or buy online (see above).

 

BINGO

 

Fancy a good night which also benefits Midleton GAA club...what about bingo on Friday nights?

It kicks off at 7.30pn every Friday night and is over by 9pm. A single book is €6. A double book is €12. We're having our biggest crowds since before Covid recnetly so thanks to everyone for coming in such big numbers, it is much appreciated. New players are always welcome....

 

SOCIAL DANCING

Social dancing this Saturday night from 9.15pm to Michael Sexton. A great night is assured.

 

BAR STAFF NEEDED

Bar staff required for Sunday week, October 15.

Any member with previous experience of bar work required for night of county final. Top rates paid to suitable applicants. Contact Pat O’Brien 086-8118815.

 

CLUB SHOP

With a huge weekends coming up for our club, with two County Finals, Mary has a full stock of club gear, car flags, flags, headbands and all you need to support the Magpies in style.

All you have to do is go to the Klubfunder website (www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Midleton%20GAA/ShopItems) and you will see the full range of what’s available to buy. You can shop away to your heart’s content, pay for it online and then collect your purchases at the club shop on Saturday morning. This week to coincide with the Meet and Greet of the players in the main pitch at Clonmult Memorial Park the shop will be open from 9.30am to 12pm. Thank you.

 

GAA LEARNING PORTAL

We have been asked to remind members and especially our club coaches that the GAA Learning Portal is a great resource which is free to use. Please check it out at  http://learning.gaa.ie/about.

 

CLUB HOUSE

We have a smashing club house, bar and hall, at Midleton GAA Club and don't forget that these are available to hire for functions....see below for details....

 

PLEASE PLAY YOUR PART

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Unfortunately there has been a rise in the amount of dogs being walked in Park South recently, especially during matches and training sessions. Please spread the word that only assistance dogs are permitted in both of our club grounds at Park South and Clonmult Memorial Park. 

Please do not bring single-use plastic bottles to either Park South or Clonmult Memorial Park.
Please put your rubbish in a bin or bag and please bring your gear home with you.
And always be aware of the open water surrounding the pitches in Park South.
If you are a coach, please pass on these simple messages to players and parents.
All members are asked to respect referees and their officials at all times.
Also if you are a coach, last person out locks the gate, toilet and container.