Midleton GAA Club

23 September, 2018

Junior Football
Well what a week of football we are after, on Tuesday we won the East Cork A Championship, our first in 26 years defeating Fr O’ Neills in a thriller and we followed this up with a deserved win over Urhan in the first round of the County last Saturday.

Congratulations to all the players and the management team of Aidan Ryan, Kieran Mulcahy, Eoin & John Ferriter on winning the East Cork title last Tuesday evening in Killeagh by 0-17 to 2-10. Before a good crowd we produced a stunning late comeback when eight minutes into injury time our captain and Man of the match Johnny Comer kicked the winner from a 45.
The early part of the game saw both sides exchange points before O’Neill’s pounced for a goal. Our response was clinical though, we kicked six points without reply and led just before the break only for them to rally with two late scores to leave the sides level at 0-09 to 1-06.  
They began the second half with the aid of the wind and they quickly took a commanding lead of four points with a goal and a point without reply. It was end to end stuff at this stage with both teams playing very positive football, we kicked three points from play to reduce the deficit entering the final few minutes. However when they led by two points with normal time up it looked like another year would pass without us claiming the Jim Ryan Cup.
But as they have with the caman’s in their hands over the past number of weeks our lads never gave up, showing remarkable energy and drive after an absorbing hour Cormac Beasuang kicked a great point and almost immediately Garan Manley kicked the equaliser.
At this late stage eight minutes or so in to injury time we won the 45 which Johnny fantastically converted. When we broke up a final O’Neills attack referee Ger Scully sounded the final whistle to our delight.

Amidst some joyous scenes of jubilation on the pitch Donal O’Keeffe Chairman of the East Cork Board presented the Cup to our captain Johnny Comer. Johnny gave a fantastic speech thanking all those who contributed to the success, our first since 1992. Twenty six years is a very long time to be without success at this level but whilst we congratulate all those involved with this one we must also remember all of the players and selectors who gave great commitment for years without success. The late Sean Keohane and Mick “Bonzo” Tobin are two people who really come to mind, they kept the passion for Football going for many years and would have loved this win.

Team: Patrick White, Cathal Gunning, Luke Dineen, Adam Daly, Seamus O’Farrell, Gavin Bagnell Harnett, Sean O’Meara, Eoin Moloney, Luke O’Farrell, Cormac Walsh (0-02), Cillian Hurley (0-01), Cormac Beausang (0-03), Garan Manley (0-03, 1free), Johnny Comer (0-05, 2 frees, 1 45) & Kieran Mulcahy (0-02). 
Subs used Sean O’Leary Hayes (0-01) & Tommy O’ Connell, not used Ciaran Moloney, Aidan Ryan, Shane Ryan, Keith Ryan, Conor Evans, Brendan Ferriter, John Keane, Padraig O’Shea, Jerome Curtin, Mark Daly & Eoin Ferriter.

Following on from the win on Tuesday night new were out last Saturday representing Imokilly in the Junior County Football Championship against the Beara runners up Urhan. Our previous clashes with Urhan go back to 1992 when we met them in the County final, after two replays we disappointingly lost out to the men from the west.
Last Saturday in Kilmichael we claimed a deserved victory by 2-12 to 2-11 with a late goal from them causing a late bit of excitement. In a game where we had a number of enforced changes it never reached the heights of the East Cork final but never than less our lads superior fitness and composure got us over the line. They led at the break by 1-06 to 0-06.
In the second half a number of positional changes and the introduction of both Cormac Beausang and Tommy O’Connell turned the tide in our favour, well taken goals from Kieran Mulcahy and Eoin Moloney set us on our way, not forgetting a great save from Patrick White late in the game. Well done once again to all involved, we are now in to the quarter final on the weekend of the 6/7th of October with no opposition known yet.
Team: Patrick White, Cathal Gunning, Gavin Bagnell Harnett, Adam Daly, Seamus O’Farrell, Peter Dowling, Sean O’Meara, Eoin Moloney (1-01), Ciaran Moloney, Aidan Ryan, Padraig O’Shea, Cillian Hurley (0-02), John Keane, Johnny Comer (0-05, 3 frees, 1 45) & Kieran Mulcahy (1-00). Subs used Cormac Beausang (0-03) & Tommy O’Connell, not used Keith Ryan, Brendan Ferriter, Eoin Ferriter, Conor O’Farrell & Jerome Curtin.         

Fe21 B Hurling
A young Magpies team put a great performance against Sars last Wednesday evening at Riverstown in the quarter final of the East Cork Championship. The sides were level at the break, two goals early in the second half looked to have them over the line, but to their credit  our lads battled right to the end and were unlucky not to be closer at the final whistle.
The fulltime score was Sars 3-14 v Midleton 1-16, well done to the players on their great efforts and also to the management for their commitment.
Team: Ryan O’Riordan, Luke Smith, Christian Murphy, Mark Daly, Ryan Mc Conville, David Scanlon, Eoin Mitchell, Evan Rowlands, Luke Finnerty, Gary Carroll (1-03), Aaron Mulcahy (0-11, 8 frees), Christian Daly, Harry Wall, Arthur Ngangou (0-01) & Eoin Collins (0-01).
Subs used Tim O’Sullivan, David Mulcahy, Jake Shanahan, Dan O’Sullivan & Fergus Wade.      

Minor Hurling
In preparation for our up and coming County final we had a good workout last Thursday evening away to Carrigaline Fe21’s.
Team: Alan Power, Christian Murphy, Jack Fitzgerald, David Scanlon, Sean O’Sullivan, Leo Hennessy, Aaron Mulcahy, Kian Farmer, Jake Shanahan, Cian Crowley, Ronan Lynch, Fergus Wade, Arthur Ngangou, Tim O’Sullivan, Dan O’Sullivan, Adam Meade, Ryan O’Riordan, Paul Connaughton & Charlie Walsh.    

Senior Hurling
Next Sunday afternoon we take on Blackrock in the County Championship semi final in Paric Ui Chaoimh at 4.15pm, the other semi final between Imokilly and UCC is at 2.30pm.
We wish the players and management the very best wishes for this game.   

Fixtures (Cluichí)
Sunday 30th County Senior Hurling semi final v Blackrock in P Ui Chaoimh @ 4.15pm
(Please note these games may change and will be updated on our website.)  

Camogie (Camógaíochta)
U9:  We lined out against Sars at home on Saturday evening last. Two evenly matched teams played out a fantastic game of camogie. This is a very talented bunch of girls who have gone from strength to strength over the summer. Well done to both teams and thanks to Sars for travelling. 

U10: We played Watergrasshill in a challenge match on Wednesday evening last. Both teams played some great camogie making for a very enjoyable and worthwhile outing. Thanks to Watergrasshill for hosting us.

U14: We met Bride Rovers on Friday evening last in the quarter final of the C League. It took our girls a period of time to settle into the game but once settled we found our flow and began to dominate the game, this is not to say we had it all our way, Bride Rovers did not make it easy for us but our girls battled hard, by the end of the game we were down to 14 players due to injuries, nonetheless we came out on the right side at the final whistle and now look forward to another semi-final.

U15:  We  hosted our annual Clonmult tournament in Ballinacurra last Saturday. Four teams took part; Midleton, Castlemartyr, Castlelyons and Rockban. Despite the weather conditions being poor at the start, the day remained dry and both pitches in Ballinacurra were in excellent condition allowing all four teams produced a great days camogie. We began  with  a comprehensive win over neighbours Castlemartyr, moving to the back pitch the girls took on Rockban. This was a reversal of the result recently where Rockban defeated us in the u16 championship. As a result of winning our first two games, we automatically qualified for the cup final irrespective of the result in our final group game against Castlelyons. Castlelyons were in the same position after their first two group games. It was decided not to play the 3rd group game against them but for us to play them directly in the cup final after the plate final between Rockban and Castlemartyr. Here Castlemartyr beat Rockban 3.5 to 3.1 in an exciting final with Faye McGrath lifting the plate.
In the final we defeated Castlelyons 1.6 to 1.2 after a hard fought sporting game. Megan Kelly raised the cup to the elation of her team mates in what was the host club's first cup final win. Everyone of the panel contributed to what was a great day for our camogie club. It was no more than these girls deserved after having some heart breaking narrow defeats in recent weeks.  A word of thanks to all parents who brought refreshments and helped in the serving to all of the four teams and supporters. Thanks to both referees Joe Coppinger and Johnny O Connell who officiated all six games and to Ballinacurra GAA whose facilities allowed for the excellent running of this tournament. Well done girls. Training times for the week ahead will be communicated to parents.

Ladies Football (Peil na mBan)
Our U10s met Carrigtohill in the 'C' semi final of the East Cork league. We had a comprehensive victory with the score line of 2-4 to 0-0. The scorers on the day were : Cáit O' Leary-Hayes 0-1, Ciara Murphy 0-1, Emma Keeshan 1-0 & Faye Dunlea 1-2.
It was an outstanding display on the part of each and every player. Who worked tirelessly outfield to create scoring opportunities against a strong Carrigtohill defense. We are very proud of all the players who have helped us throughout the league campaign to reach the ' C' final. Where we will meet either Rockbán or Inch Rovers.
Team: Lucy Murphy, Julie Murphy, Ciara Murphy, Cait O' Leary-Hayes, Hannah O' Brien, Leah Costigan, Rebecca Ryan, Emma Keeshan, Penelope Ramsell ,Mia Walsh ,Thea Howard (Captain), Robyn Keating, Faye Dunlea, Ciara Hynes, Caoilinn Fraser, Roisin McManus, Emma Fitzgerald ,Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Goulding , Molly Barrett, Oonagh Lang, Rebecca Cronin, Sadhbh Cronin, Ciara McGrath, Olivia McGrath & Cara Pyne.

Minor East Cork Semi-Final v Mayfield – we took on Mayfield in the East Cork Semi-Final our second meeting in month.  It was a beautiful sunny morning in Midleton but the wind was very strong.  We won the toss and opted to play with the wind which stood us well as we went into half-time 2-10 to 0-2 up.  For the second half we started some of the girls in positions that they never dreamt of playing in its not too often in game that such changes are possible….some worked a treat others not so much.  Mayfield game back into the game in the second but never looked like threatening our grip on the game.  A great team effort by the girls working the ball well up and down the field.  We are now through to an East Cork Final and we also qualify for a County Championship Quarter Final fixed for October 13th next.  Many thanks to Mischa, Jodie and Caoimhe who were a great help on the sideline today no doubt they will tog out the next day.  Final score Midleton 3-13 to  Mayfield 2-06.
Panel: Deirdre Corcoran, Rhea Buckley, Claudia Kearney, Denise Collins, Katie Horgan, Roisin O’Callaghan, Vivienne Gleeson, Abby Quirke, Clodagh Finn (0-3), Molly Beausang (0-4), Lucy Kenneally (0-1), Leah Hogan, Orla Evans (2-3), Aoife Franklin (0-1), Megan Kelly, Sadhbh Beausang (1-1) & Lucy Wallace. Training this week - U8 at the Tech Pitch 6-7pm. U10 upwards 7-8pm at the Tech Pitch.

Lotto (An Lató)
Our Lotto Jackpot was €4,400 and there was no winner, the Lucky dip winners were Jude O’Keeffe, Joan & Joan, Catherine Normoyle, Joan Hegarty & Gerald Fitzgerald, next week’s Jackpot will be €4,600.
Tickets are on sale at the Club Bar, O‘Neills Bar, Linehan’s Bar, Maple Leaf Bar, O’ Farrell’s Butchers, Frank Murphy Butchers, Pat Walsh Paints, Chadwicks, Teach Beag, Niall Mac’s Bar & Wallis’s Bar. Our Online Lotto is now available, logon to the Club homepage www.midletongaa.com to purchase your ticket.

BINGO – Feeling Lucky, over €4,000 in prizes. Jackpot on 54 calls.
Game 4 €400*, sheets* Green €260, Blue €500, Pink €590, *conditions apply.
Friday at 8 pm could be your night for only €12.
 

Juvenile

Fe 6
We had our third game in three weeks when we played host to Sarsfields on a wet Saturday morning at home. We had 27 young Magpies making up four teams on the day. There were great skills, effort and some really fine scores from our lads throughout all the games.
We would like to thank the great support we had from the parents which is appreciated.
Next Saturday the 29th September will be our last day Training outdoors, we will be taking a break and returning to the Midleton Community Centre on the 3rd November 11-12am.

Fe 7
On Saturday afternoon we travelled to Pairc Ui Chaoimh to take part in a football blitz. 35 young magpies togged, we had five teams take to the field and each team played three games over the hour. Our opponents were St Nicks, Na Piarsaigh, Killeagh, St Vincent’s, Ballyhooly, Valley Rovers and Mallow. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and all the players enjoyed themselves. We will put away the footballs for now as we prepare to return to the Pairc for a hurling blitz in mid October.

Fe 10
Our boys made the short trip east last Wednesday evening to play a hurling challenge match against near neighbours Killeagh. There were 33 boys playing across three teams and all performed admirably, with definite improvements in skill levels on display. Our boys and supporters were on the road again last Sunday, this time heading west to play Kinsale in the final round of the Rebel Óg football league. A total of 27 boys made the trip and played across three teams. In breezy but sunny conditions, all teams played exceptionally well with some fine scoring, work rate and team play throughout. Well done to all involved and special thanks to all the parents who were able to make the trips – the support is always very much appreciated. Midweek hurling training switches now to every Wednesday evening under lights on the Hockey pitch in Midleton College at the new time of 7pm-8pm.   

Fe 11
Clonmult Memorial Park was the venue for our penultimate game in the Rebel Og hurling and football leagues for 2018. On a wet and windy Saturday morning, we welcomed Ballincollig in what turned out to be a tough mornings football. Fielding three teams of ten a side we took on a very well drilled Ballincollig side. At times we displayed some very good passages of play, determination to win the ball and took some very good scores. The lads have very good potential going forward, but we must play for the hour every time we take to the field. We as coaches have no doubt with the extra night of training, we can improve again for next year. We now face Sars next week in hurling. Time and date for this fixture TBC this week. Thanks very much to our three young refs. Once again referring the game very sensibly and allowed it to flow as much as possible. Training continues this week, but as the evenings draw in we will turn to the astro soon. Best of luck to our senior hurlers next Sunday in the County Semi-final Vs Blackrock. Also well done to our Junior Football team who won the Junior A Football championship for the first time in 26 years during the week.

Fe 12
Rostellan was the venue on Saturday as we accepted an invitation to the prestigious Willie Ryan Tournament,  two groups of five teams would do battle with the top two teams in each group contesting for the Willie Ryan Cup while the teams who finished second in the group would contest the shield final. Our first match started at 10.30 am v Courcey Rovers, this was a lively affair with both teams playing an open brand of hurling, we led at half time by 1.01 to 0.01. The second half saw us find our grove we played some crisp hurling which saw us finish on a score line of Midleton 2.06 v Courceys 1.01. Scorers;  Daniel Garde 2 goals, Carthaigh 2 points, Darragh Egan, James Mc Sweeney, Thomas Dunlea, Odhran Dennigan 1 point each.  After a quick break we moved to the back pitch to take on Fr O Neill’s in match two, this game started at a fierce pace but after the first 5 mins we began to dominate in most sectors of the field, once again it was an impressive performance racking up a scoreline 2.09 to come out on top. Scorers; Lucan Brodkorb 1.02, Callum O Brien  1.01, James Mc Sweeney 3 points, Peter Barrett 2 points, Daniel Garde 1 point.  We then moved back to the main pitch to play Inniscarra this match started with Inniscarra having the upper hand which saw them take an early lead just before half time we hit a rich vein of form which saw us gain the upper hand , we eventually prevailed on a scoreline of Midleton 3.06 v Inniscarra 1.02. Scorers: James Mc Sweeney  1.01, Peter Barrett 4 points, Darragh Egan 1 goal, Daniel Garde 2 points.  Match number 4 was against Dungarvan who had suffered  some heavy defeats in the earlier matches, once again we settled early and after the first 5 mins it was clear that we had the better of our dispirited opponents,  full time was called early, we won 4 out of four topping our group to qualify for the final. The other group was topped y Aghada which set up a final after a short break the lads lined up behind a piper to parade onto the main pitch this was followed by  Amhrán na bhFiann,  the final was set for 15 mins  a side as all the group matches were 12 mins a side. The final was a keenly contested battle Aghada got off to a great start roared on by a large following they got an early goal but we battles our way back into the game scoring 1.04 in the first half to Aghada   1.01.  We faced into the breeze in the second half but Aghada stared the second half strong rattling over  points to come within a point of us  before we stuck for a goal but they responded with a goal and a point to level the game in the closing minutes  of the  game,  as the  clock ticked down we surged forward again and a fantastic point form play from Peter Barrett  put us ahead  but Aghada didn’t give up and struck late for a goal that  proved to be the winning score on what was a rip roaring full blooded final.  Full time score 3.04 to Aghada, Midleton 2.04.  Scorers; Daniel Garde 1.02, Peter Barrett 1.01, James Mc Sweeney 1point, Darragh Egan 1 point.
Our lads were devastated at the final whistle but can be extremely proud of their performances throughout the day. Every player contributed hugely to the tournament but there were some fine individual performances from Eoghan Fraser, Connor Williams, Darragh Egan, Paddy Walsh, Yohanis Mehigan, Thomas Dunlea.  Credit to Aghada on what was a very well organised and well run tournament helped no end by the beautiful autumn sunshine throughout the day. 
Panel: Adam O Connor, Ben Fitzpatrick, Carthaigh Cronin, Conor Williams, Daniel Garde, Darragh Egan, Eoghan Fraser, Fionn Kelly, Jack Foley, James Mc Sweeney, John Paul Mc Manus, Luca Brodkorb, Mathew Gregory, Odhran Dennigan, Paddy Walsh, Peter Barrett,   Thomas Dunlea, Yohanis Mehigan & Senan Gleeson. 

Fe 14
On Wednesday evening we played at home in a hurling Challenge Cup game against Na Piarsaigh. We had played earlier in the season in the league and the game was very close, so we knew that this was going to be a tough match. We had the breeze in the first half, but we got off to a slow start and we were down by a couple of goals within the early stages of the game. Our opponents were winning a lot more ball than we were, and they took their opportunities to take their scores. At halftime we trailed by twelve points.
This was going to be a very tough second half, but the team put in a committed display, with every player putting in a great effort as they battled for every ball and supported each other, always looking to have a man to pass the ball to and help move the ball up the field and into scoring positions. During the early stages of the second half we kept our opponents to just three points while we scored seven points from frees and open play, from a great individual display by Mikey Finn (10). Going into the final few minutes we began to tire, and our opponents took advantage of this and they finished the game much stronger with a quick flurry of scores. Final Score Midleton 0.10 v Na Piarsaigh 3.16.
The entire panel for this game gave their all and although the result didn’t go our way, the players can be very proud of the commitment that they put into this game especially in the second half. We would also like to mention that this was William Kavanagh’s first game of the season following his recent transfer from Aghada,
Panel: Mikey Finn, Ben Kenneally, Tiarnan Roche, Michael Roe, Odhran Prenter, Brian O’Connell, Fionn Dalton, Dara Scanlon, Alex Moloney, Tadgh O’Leary Hayes, Darragh Fitzgerald and Zach Smith, Kamil & David Noack, Tadgh Bohane, Daniel Coffey, Rory Lister, David Greene, Niall Lang & William Kavanagh.

Gaelteacht Scholarships
Applications are now being taken by Colaiste Na Mumhan Ballingeary for their 2019 courses. Course A 3 week Course €875.00, 2/6/2019 - 23/06/2019
Course B 2 week Course €595.00, 30/06/2019 - 15/7/2019
To book a place on either one of the above courses or find out further details please visit the College website at www. colaistenamumhan.ie. Members of Midleton GAA club can complete the attached application form to avail of a GAA scholarship.  Kindly note that Scholarships are awarded on a first come first served basis.  The scholarship reduces the price of fees by €110.00.  The Cork Scholarship scheme applies to Colaiste na Mumhan only and does not apply to any other Gaeltacht college. All applications must be signed by Michael Carroll our Juvenile Secretary before they are sent off to Ballingeary. 

Club Shop
The Club Shop is open each Saturday from 10 to 11.30am and we now have a good selection of Flags, Hats, Headbands & Scarfs for our upcoming Championship games.