Sponsors:

T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St. Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St. Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.

Racing success

Two years ago Julian Pietropaolo was a regular in both codes for St Catherines at U16 level. There would be the occasional call up at Minor level. Let’s just say Julian wouldn’t be afraid!

But it was always going to be horses with Julian. As was the case with Shane Cotter, his first cousin. Julian recorded a double at Punchestown racecourse on Tuesday evening, September 16th. Both races were nine furlong handicaps. Starting with Kashel Spring for his employer Joseph O’Brien in Piltown, Co Kilkenny. Following it with Searcog, which may well be Gaelic for Shercock which is where the second trainer Patrick Magee would be based above in Co Cavan. Well done Julian. Long may your success continue. We will be watching out for you.

Five forwards, four defenders including St Catherine’s player Laura Hayes along with goalkeeper and a midfielder shows Cork to have 11 camogie All-Star nominations, more than any other county when revealed on the morning of Wednesday, September 17th last. All winners along with player of the year awards will be made known on Saturday night, November 15th.

A rewarding day for Ballynoe. Winning the 11-a-side schools hurling blitz confined to the national schools of the area when organised by and held in St Colman’s, Fermoy recently. Victories recorded over Glanworth, Ballyhooly, Gaelscoil de hÍde and Kilworth. While the Castlelyons game was a draw. Before overcoming Ballyhooly again (0-05 to 0-03) in the final.

List of players – Tom O’Keeffe, Sean Cummins, Seamus O’Donovan, James Beecher, Sean Flynn, Ronan Geaney, Cillian Fitzgerald, Rhys Coffey, Adam Fitzgerald, Padraig Barry, Robbie Pietropaolo, James O’Sullivan, Cian O’Neill, Darragh Mulcahy, Danny Collins, Luke Kearney, Tommie Power.

We congratulate Daniel Lane of Bride Rovers on his appointment to the role of Operations Manager at Cork GAA. On a sad note we sympathise with Tallow GAA and his family on the death of Eddie Cunningham recently. Over the years he occupied may roles in the association. One of which was referee. Eddie Cunningham taking charge of the first Paddy Sheehan Cup final in Ballynoe back in the day.

Quarter-final CoOp Superstores Cork County Premier Junior Hurling Championship

St Catherines 1-17 Ballygarvan 1-18

It was a day starting so well for the Saints. Producing a mouthwatering two point success (2-10 to 1-11) over a fancied Sarsfields in the quarter-final of the SE Systems County Senior Camogie Championship played at Castle Road, Mahon on Saturday afternoon last at 1.30pm. One claimed. Then Riverstown, home venue for Sars would be the venue for the quarter-final of the Premier Junior Hurling Championship later that same afternoon at 4pm. A closely fought, evenly contested knockout affair between two well matched teams. Starting with an explosion of scores at the end of which the teams weren’t for separating. Score standing at 0-05 each and just eight minutes having moved on the clock. Rory Galvin scored the Saints’ and the game’s next four points, three from play. Further scores followed from Oisin Fitzgerald and Sean O’Donoghue in turn with the Saints to the good on a half time scoreline standing at 0-11 to 0-09. Yet look across to the flags by the pavilion. Blowing towards the dressing rooms. That wind would be at Ballygarvan backs on the turnover. 

Yet that two point cushion continued to favour the Saints at 0-12 to 1-10 and again at 0-14 to 0-12 to the end of the third quarter and beyond. Ballygarvan had just levelled it up before Rory Galvin, from a pointed free restored a narrow Saints’ lead when Brian Mulcahy weaved his way through the heart of the opposition defence then laid off the sliotar to on-running replacement Daniel Mangan whose clinical finish had the Saints four points ahead again at 1-15 to 0-14. Twenty-two minutes gone in the second half. Michael Cussen was not on the frees before Kevin Lyons, an All-Ireland underage medal winner with the county as a defender, crashed in the equalising goal at 1-15 apiece to 55 minutes. Ballygarvan with three victories from their four previous championship meetings with the Saints were now in the ascendancy and would go three points up. Failing twice in trying to make it four. Sean O’Donoghue’s goal attempt was kept out by Daniel Mackey. Aforementioned Galvin pointed a subsequent free. Working hard in adding another from play. Still it wasn’t over. Time still left. Daniel Mangan resurrected memories from The Glen match in Lisgoold four years ago when squaring up to a late, late sideline ball. Making great contact but this time veered across in front of the posts to the other side, over the line and wide and with it any remaining opportunity of bringing this championship clash to extra time.

Scorers: R Galvin (0-05 frees) (0-09), O Fitzgerald (0-05), D Magan (1-00), S O’Donoghue (0-02) and J Neville (0-01). Ballygarvan scorers: K Lyons (1-02), D O’Connor (0-05 frees), M Cussen (0-02 frees) (0-03), R O’Halloran, P O’Halloran and N Dowd (0-02 each), M Kenefick and C O’Regan (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: Eoin Davis, Evan O’Driscoll, Eoghan O’Riordan, Kieran Neville, Kian O’Donoghue, Conor Hegarty, Fionn O’Connell, Oisin Fitzgerald, James Hayes, James Neville, Rory Galvin (joint captain), Sean O’Donoghue, Brian Mulcahy, Kevin Barry, Eoin Condon. Replacements: Richard O’Connell for Kevin Barry (19’), Ben O’Brien for Kian O’Donoghue (39’), Daniel Mangan and Will Leamy for Eoin Condon and James Neville (both 44’). Referee: David Daly (Brian Dillons).

St Catherines 2-09 Carrigtwohill 2-03

A third juvenile match of significance between these two teams in the space of seven days. St Catherines working hard to win this U12 league semi-final played under the lights at Ballynoe on Monday evening, September 15th. Outstanding defensive play from Cathal Twomey, James Beecher and Cathal Kearney helping the home team to settle. Boosted by an Adam Fitzgerald goal from a stunning finish on nine minutes easing the Saints into a 1-03 to 0-01 half time lead against a Carrigtwohill outfit hitting a lot of first half wides.

A contest opening up much more following a cracking Alex Keane goal ten minutes into the second half. Adding a trio of unanswered points, two from play and the Saints were able to empty out the bench against a Carrigtwohill team finishing strongly. We sympathise with sterling defender Sean Cummins now out for a while with an injury. Final against Sarsfields goes out to October. St Catherines play Killeagh in the division 2 football final.

Scorers: A Keane (0-03 frees) (1-07), A Fitzgerald (1-01) and R Pietropaolo (0-01). St Catherine’s team: C Fitzgerald, C Twomey, J Beecher (team captain), O Ryan, C O’Connor, C Kearney, D Linehan, A Fitzgerald, R Geaney, S Flynn, A Keane, R Pietropaolo, D Fitzgerald, S O’Keeffe, E Passaquay. Also: P Barry, R Coffey, S O’Donovan, T O’Keeffe. Referee: David Hickey (Youghal).

Youghal 4-10 St Catherines 2-04

Youghal had too much, were too good and finished up deserving winners of this round 3 tie in mild, humid, occasionally wet conditions on Magniers Hill. Paddy Nicholson and Gearoid Geary were always prominent. As was ex-Cork Senior hurling selector Brendan Coleman getting on a load of ball. That said, Eoin Sheehan couldn’t be faulted for the concession of any of the Youghal goals. Making several telling stops between the sticks. Ciaran Pietropaolo and Owen O’Neill pouncing for two consolation goals very near the finish. Youghal are group winners with the Saints finishing as runners-up and going into the semi-finals. Two from Ballinacurra, Castlemartyr and Dungourney will come through on the other side.

Scorers: O O’Neill (0-01 free) (1-02), C Pietropaolo (1-00), C Hickey and R Collins (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Sheehan, C Hickey, R Collins, S Cotter, A Neville, J Hurley, C Pietropaolo, R Clancy, D Temple, O O’Neill, J Hickey. Replacement: L Heffernan, B Barry and C Bryan for D Temple, J Hickey and C Hickey (all second half). Also: R McConville (team captain). Referee: Jimmy Smiddy (Castlemartyr).

Whitechurch 2-10 St Catherines 3-11

There is no doubt this team continue to defy the odds. You simply dare not back against them. Working as if their very lives depended on it in claiming a 4 point success from this division 2 U14 hurling championship final at Lotabeg, home grounds of Mayfield GAA Club .

In fairness the opposition started the better. Responding well to the concession of a penalty goal with a goal of their own through Billy Hogan. They followed with a brace of points making it 1-04 to 1-00 through 10 minutes. But the whole game was about to change. Change utterly. A Kenneth O’Connell free struck a post, cannoning back into play with the ideally placed Sean O’Keeffe, who had previously converted the penalty, first-timing the breaking ball to the net. Whitechurch were rattled. Catherines going on to register seven unanswered points in a glorious second quarter spell and were deservedly ahead on a half time scoreline now standing at 2-08 to 1-04. See that for a turnaround.

Difficult to assess the merits and demerits of the wind. If anything it appeared to blow across the pitch from the dressing room side. Right now. Whitechurch captain Dean O’Leary was the central player on view. Powerfully goaling a placed ball. Adding points both from frees and open play. Parity restored for a second time at 2-09 apiece just at the end of the third quarter. Briefly regaining the initiative through an Eoin O’Keeffe point shortly afterwards. It was 2-10 apiece when you feel in all honesty the game’s defining score came about. Ferocious hard work and the endless running of Daragh Kenneally released the elusive David Temple before roofing a priceless goal with a subliminal strike on 49 minutes. If that be the case well then the point added by the excellent Alex Keane was surely the icing on the cake five minutes later. Understandably the opposition were entrenched in the Saints’ half as the clock ran down. Sean Moore, Oisin Feeney and Gary Leahy doing their utmost in keeping them at bay. A savage victory. Killeagh winning the opening leg of a double header. Beating Bride Rovers (0-11 to 1-06) in the division 1 decider. Eoghan O’Mahony, Rebel Óg, made the presentation to winning Catherine’s captain Kenneth O’Connell. Best of luck in the county now lads.

Scorers: S O’Keeffe (1-00 penalty) (0-04 frees) (2-04), D Temple (1-01), A Keane (0-04) and K O’Connell (0-02). Whitechurch scorers: D O’Leary (1-03 frees) (1-06), B Hogan (1-00), J Hegarty (0-02), C Goulding and E O’Keeffe (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: P O’Sullivan, J Mulkerrins, S Moore, C Fitzgerald, O Feeney, G Leahy, A Coakley, K O’Connell (captain), A Keane, O Sheehan, N Keane, Z Pyne, D Kenneally, S O’Keeffe, D Temple. Replacements: O O’Farrell for J Mulkerrins (second half), S Maguire for Z Pyne (42’). Also: A O’Gorman, B Coakley, J Bryan, R Molloy, T Shields, L O’Keeffe and D Rahal. Referee: Jonathon O’Connell (Glenville).

Nemo Rangers 1-18 St Catherine 2-15

One felt on driving to the always excellent Nemo Rangers GAA complex in Trabeg on the southside of Cork city on the evening of Wednesday, September 10th last that at least a win would be a priority and leave whatever happens elsewhere take its course. Second quarter goals from John Temple and Alan Cotter even minutes apart had the Saints in a strong position leading by 8 points to 27 minutes. Human nature being what it is that maybe that badly needed win would materialise. Yet three points without reply with Cian Power and Tom Walsh among the scorers trimmed the interval deficit to 2-10 to 0-11, showing us there was plenty life left in this contest and no-one was leaving early.

A lengthy Tom Brophy delivery off a placed ball eluded all, ending up in the net and two even and well matched teams were together on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-14 to 41 minutes. A championship tie very much in the balance. This was going to the wire. Teams taking it in turns to narrowly force their way ahead. Christopher Lennon, mostly from placed balls, was unerring. They also had an agile goalkeeper in Callum McCarthy O’Donovan. Nemo were in good hands. Likewise Tadgh Walsh, Shane O’Donoghue and Gearoid Sheehan points from frees added to the visitors’ tally. Putting you in the picture it was now 2-15 to 1-6 to 51 minutes. Two late Cian Power scores, one at either side of a stoppage, following an injury picked up by James Kenneally. We hope he and Conor Murray too are ok, and Nemo had maintained an unbeaten run through the group and secured the points so desperately needed. Rapidly fading light on pitch 3 now seemed that much darker. Nemo into the decider where they will meet Castlelyons. Impressive conquerors of St Vincents on the other side. A possible three way play off could easily have unfolded. Talk about small margins.

Scorers: J Temple (1-03), A Cotter (1-02), K O’Donoghue and G Sheehan (frees) (0-04 each), T Dee and S O’Donoghue (0-01 each). Nemo Rangers scorers: C Lennon (0-09 frees) (0-10), T Brophy (1-00) (0-01 “65”) (1-01), C Power (0-01 free) (0-03), T Walsh (0-02), R Denn and C Randles (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: Cathal Higgins, Conor Murray, James Kenneally, Callum O’Driscoll, Ronan Hickey, Sean Walsh, Tristan Clancy, Cillian Hickey (captain), L Moore, Gearoid Sheehan, Kyle O’Donoghue, Alan Cotter, Thomas Dee, John Temple, Shane O’Donoghue. Replacements: Billy O’Connor for Conor Murray (second half), Tadgh Walsh for Shane O’Donoghue (48’), Shay McCarthy for James Kenneally (60’). Also: Eoghan O’Mahony and Cathal Barry. Referee: Trevor Lyons (Douglas).

Carrigtwohill 0-15 St Catherines 1-11

In fairness it was the home-based team making the livelier start to this underage hurling championship semi-final played in Carrigtwohill on Monday evening, September 8th with a 7pm start. A slightly fortuitous goal on 25 minutes allied to a few points off placed balls helped steady the Saints’ ship. With incorrect jersey number and wrong scoreboard all corrected it was Carrigtwohill ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 0-09 to 1-03.

A change in personnel but especially positional switches were to the Saints’ benefit as the contest evolved. A brace of Alan Cotter points, one from play, and with both Walsh brothers Tadgh and Sean now playing up front the score was turned around with the visitors ahead for the first time on a 1-07 to 0-09 scoreline on 37 minutes. Yet the real opportunity of a real game changer was averted. Kyle O’Donovan saving a penalty now 9 minutes into the second half. Increasingly difficult to separate the teams from there on in. Level twice to 56 minutes. Ronan Hickey briefly had the Saints ahead again. Scott Lavin was also very good but it was two late pointed Sam Ring frees, the second from far out, that swung the day in Carrigtwohill’s favour.

Scorers: A Cotter (0-04 frees) (0-01 “65”) (1-08), T Walsh, S Walsh and R Hickey (0-01 each). Carrigtwohill scorers: S Ring (0-06 frees) (0-09), S Lavin (0-05) and R Domey (0-01).

St Catherine’s team: Sean O’Keeffe, Noah Keane, Ben O’Connor, Cillian McCarthy, Shay McCarthy, Sean Walsh (team captain), Eoin Dillon, Alan Cotter, Cathal Higgins, Shane Riordan, Ronan Hickey, Ronan O’Donoghue, Kenneth O’Connell, Tadgh Walsh, Eoghan O’Mahony. Replacement: Sean Moore for Cillian McCarthy (second half). Also: Jack Cunneen, Aodhan Burke, Tomas Morrison and David Temple. Referee: Michael Carey (Bride Rovers).

St Catherines 5-08 (3-08) Carrigtwohill 3-14 (2-11) after extra time - Carrigtwohill win 6-5 on penalties

An extraordinary match made all the more difficult for both teams taking it in turns having to play into a ferocious wind when this football final went the distance on returning to Mayfield on Sunday afternoon last. Catherines shading it on a 2-05 to 1-04 half time scoreline. Favoured by the conditions Carrigtwohill coming right back into it. Forcing a draw on a 3-08 to 2-11 scoreline. In now terrible conditions Catherines back in front 4-08 to 2-13 at the end of the first period of extra time, 10 minutes a side. It concluded at 5-08 to 3-14 with Carrigtwohill claiming the honours 6-5 on penalties. Second narrow win over the Saints in 6 days. Reversing a heavy championship loss from back in mid-July.

Scorers: B O’Connor (0-05 frees) (2-06), A Cotter (1-01), K O’Connell and S Walsh (penalty) (1-00 each) and T Walsh (0-01). St Catherine’s team: Jack Cunneen, Noah Keane, Eoghan O’Mahony, Cillian McCarthy, Shay McCarthy, Sean Walsh, Eoin Dillon, Alan Cotter, Shane Riordan, Ronan Hickey, Billy O’Connor, Cathal Higgins, Kenneth O’Connell, Tadgh Walsh, Ronan O’Donoghue. Replacements: Sean Moore for Cillian McCarthy (39’), Tomas Morrison for Ronan O’Donoghue (42’), David Temple for Alan Cotter (44’), Sean O’Keeffe for Eoin Dillon (49’), Aodhan Burke for David Temple (58’). 

Board treasurer Michael Mulry made the post-match presentation to successful Carrigtwohill captain, Jack Gilley. Referee: Chris Broderick (Na Piarsaigh).

St Catherines 0-19 St Finbarrs 0-15

A third win in as many seasons over the city based opposition. This time eliminating the Barrs from this year’s competition following the round 3 county premier junior hurling championship tie played under the lights at Carrigtwohill.. All that said, they looked that bit more settled and were making the better start. On numerous occasions enjoying 2 point leads and when Scott Callinan and Conor McCarthy combined finishing with an excellent David Murray score it was a lead extending itself to 0-05 to 0-02 after 13 minutes. Their second occasion enjoying such an advantage, Although one enforced change followed but a little reshuffling benefitted the Saints cause. Scoring 5 unanswered points. By 30 minutes it was 3 before heading to the dressing room to the good on a half time scoreline now standing at 0-09 to 0-07.

With Rory Galvin assuming free taking duties and no real threat was forthcoming to a lead of 0-14 to 0-09 to 42 minutes. Continuing to use the bench and with well worked points from Kevin Barry, Sean O’Donoghue and Richie O’Connell before Brian Mulcahy picked out Will Leamy for a clever score on 58 minutes it left a certain inevitability about how it all would finish up. As it was in the beginning and so shall it end. David Murray with the first score of the match in the fifth minute bringing down the curtains on the scoring with the game now safely tucked away in injury time. Glen Rovers were too strong for Meelin in their clash at Mallow, topped group one in the process and along with Kilbrittain are now automatic semi-finalists. St Catherines are in the quarter finals where they will meet Ballygarvan. With Cloughduv and Argideen Rangers on the other side. Dreaded relegation play-off involves Meelin and Barryroe.

Scorers: R Galvin (0-04 frees) (0-01 “65”) (0-06), K Barry (0-02 frees) (0-04), B Mulcahy (0-03), O Fitzgerald and S O’Donoghue (0-02 each), R O’Connell and W Leamy (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: E Davis, E O’Driscoll, E O’Riordan, K Neville, B O’Brien, C Hegarty, K O’Donoghue, S Cotter, J Hayes, J Neville, O Fitzgerald, S O’Donoghue, B Mulcahy, K Barry, E Condon. Replacements: R Galvin for S Cotter (18’), F O’Connell and R O’Connell for K O’Donoghue and E Condon (both 40’), W Leamy for J Neville (47’). Referee: Denis Motherway (Ballygiblin).

St Catherines 2-13 Bride Rovers 4-13

After the disappointment of the loss at the venue the evening before and Bride Rovers recorded a well-earned victory in this Junior C Hurling championship quarter final when played at a showery Ballynoe. Philip Griffin had the Saints into a lead quickly following the throw-in. Holding on to it until 21 minutes in a low scoring low key opening half. Strong defensive play from Gearoid O’Callaghan McCarthy and Cathal Sheehan stood to the home team in the opening exchanges. Denis Lane working hard, launching a lengthy delivery out from the back finding Ronan Clancy who duly pointed. Catherines back in front at 0-05 to 0-04 to 28 minutes. But straight away virtually from the puck out, Kamso Obi was able to pick out reliable free taker Frank O’Flynn, forcing the sliotar over the line for the game’s and Rovers’ opening goal. Catherines’ response was swift and emphatic. Jack Murphy that bit unlucky when his powerfully struck effort blazed over with Bride Rovers ahead by the minimum on a 1-04 to 0-06 half time scoreline. Stretching it to 2-08 to 0-08 to the end of the third quarter and genuinely looking the better team.

But Kevin Dinneen with a tally of 1-01 60 seconds apart to 46 minutes duly resurrected the Saints flagging fortunes. Playing an important role in releasing Liam O’Connor to crash home a well worked Saints second goal. Trimming the deficit again to the minimum now on a 4-08 to 2-13 scoreline to 55 minutes. The Rovers rattling off four points without reply confirming their win and we wish them the best of luck for the remainder of the competition.

Scorers: R Clancy (0-07 frees) (0-09), K Dinneen (1-01), L O’Connor (1-00), P Griffin (0-02) and J Murphy (0-01). Bride Rovers scorers: F O’Flynn (0-03 frees) (0-01 “65”) (1-06), M Collins (2-01), CS O’Sullivan (1-01), Forde (0-01 free) (0-03), C O’Callaghan and S Ahern (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: Eoin Sheehan, Gearoid O’Callaghan McCarthy, Denis Lane, Cathal Sheehan, Ronan McConville, Ray Collins, Darragh Galvin, Liam O’Connor, Johnny Hurley (team captain), Cathal Bryan, Ronan Clancy, Jack Murphy, Denis Temple, Philip Griffin, Kevin Dinneen. Replacements: Adam Bryan for Cathal Bryan (24’), Tom Hartnett for Denis Temple (40’), Andy Leahy for Darragh Galvin (59’). Also: Cathal Leahy, Conor Murray, Thomas Dee, John Casey, Dylan ‘Chips’ Murphy, John Mulcahy and William McAuliffe. Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).

St Catherines 5-07 Mayfield/Gleann na Laoi 1-08

Virtually six months to the day and the Saints were confirming a league success from early March up in the opponents venue by this deserved and well-earned victory in a championship plate semi-final played in Ballynoe on Monday evening, September 1st last. Features of the game would include the reliable and safe defending when required of both Jack Cunneen and Eoghan O’Mahony. A night to remember for Ronan O’Donoghue, scoring a hattrick of goals from the left corner forward position. Should he have been allowed to bring the ball home afterwards?!

Mayfield who are now in with Gleann na Laoi enjoyed much more possession than what the final score indicates. Eolann O’Donovan scored their goal from a penalty in the last minute. Carrigtwohill will be final opponents.

Scorers: R O’Donoghue (3-00), K O’Connell and B O’Connor (0-01 free) (1-01) each, A Cotter (0-03), T Walsh and R Hickey (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: J Cunneen, N Keane, E O’Mahony, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh, E Dillon, A Cotter, S Riordan, R Hickey, B O’Connor, C Higgins, K O’Connell, T Walsh, R O’Donoghue. Replacements: S Moore for E Dillon (second half), A Burke, S O’Keeffe and D Temple for C Higgins, R O’Donoghue and C McCarthy (all 47’). Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).

St Catherines 4-14 Killeagh 3-05

Introduced purely to an inhouse domestic schedule by Batty and Billy O’Connell in June of 1993. But over the years interest in and commitment for the Minor hurling tournament began to wane. Almost falling off the ladder entirely. But under the chairmanship of Paul Davis resurrected itself with family approval and since probably from around 2012 is now played for as an U12 hurling tournament. Latest reenactment unfolding at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, September 3rd last. Opening as an evenly enough contested affair. Difficult to separate two thus far even and well-matched teams. Together on two, ten and standing at 1-03 apiece to 21 minutes. With the Saints just edging it on a half time 2-05 to 1-04 scoreline.

Despite the best efforts of Conor McCarthy, Matthew Clifford, Ray Murphy and James Clifford yet it was the home team slowly yet surely advancing their way over the line as the contest progressed. Sean Cummins, Cathal Kearney, Ronan Geaney, Robbie Pietropaolo, Adam and Cillian Fitzgerald and the almost unmarkable Alex Keane all to the fore with the Saints winning on an end scoreline of 4-14 to 3-05.

Juvenile chairman Shane Fitzgerald delivered a few words on the history of Paddy Sheehan. Was complementary to referee Brendan Noonan of Fermoy. Before now club president Billy O’Connell handed over the trophy to captain and outstanding Saints fullback, James Beecher. Alex Keane was top scorer.

Panel of players: J Beecher (captain), S Flynn, S Cummins, C Twomey, D Linehan, C Kearney, C O’Connor, R Geaney, A Fitzgerald, C Fitzgerald, A Keane, R Pietropaolo, S O’Keeffe, D Fitzgerald, E Passaquay, P Barry, R Coffey and L Fleming.

St Catherines 1-12 Castlemartyr 4-17

This was billed for Pilmore. Out there as the appointed venue. But hey. Doctors differ. Patients die. Locations move. This round 2 divisional tie switched and played at Ballinacurra on Tuesday evening, August 26th. Now Erins Own-based official Shane Hodgins throwing the sliotar exactly on the appointed time of 7pm. With Castlemartyr hitting the ground running. Converting both goal chances created, Darragh Cashman one of the scorers with just 7 minutes elapsed. Catherines looking like they had been offered a lifeline. Brian Davis very much involved with Harry Draper finishing off the Saints goal. Trimming the deficit to just four points right on the 15 minute mark. With Dara Coughlan, Declan Kelly and Peter Fleming among others, the opposition went on to score eight unanswered points, an emphatic response to the concession of the goal. Stretching out the margin to stand at an intimidating 2-10 to 1-03. Twenty-five first half minutes gone. Saints’ captain Matthew Mulcahy pointing just before the break. Castlemartyr still very much in the driving seat and ahead on a half time scoreline now standing at 2-11 to 1-04.

A stiffish breeze blowing at the Saints’ backs prevailed on the change of ends. Mark Geary, Ciaran Leamy and Doc O’Connell points forthcoming. Briefly raising Saints’ hopes. Quickly dashed when Oran Murphy added his second and Castlemartyr’s third goal. Making it 3-12 to 1-06 just 5 minutes into the second half. A Charlie O’Neill goal right on the three-quarter mark realistically killed it off.

Scorers: B Davis (0-06 frees), H Draper (1-00), D O’Connell (0-03), M Mulcahy, M Geary and C Leamy (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, C McCarthy, D O’Donovan, C McAuliffe, T Barry, C Pietropaolo, A Neville, M Mulcahy (captain), D O’Connell, C Hayes, M Geary, H Draper, B Davis, C Leamy, O O’Neill. Replacements: S Cotter for O O’Neill (second half), G Sheehan for H Draper (45’), C Hickey for M Geary (50’), also E Sheehan and G England. Referee: Shane Hodgins (Erins Own).

Aghada 2-10 St Catherines 1-11

Playing against what were nightmarish conditions initially, ferocious wind and rain prevalent and Aghada would make the kind of start to die for. Oscar Slye and Eoin Motherway were the goalscorers, all inside the opening four minutes of this round 3 tie at occasionally wet and all times windy Killeagh. They were the two most influential scores of the hour. Into a lead not for surrendering. Catherines in an uphill struggle straight away. Responding as best they could. Mark Geary and Aaron Neville among the scorers. Trimming the deficit to the minimum one point on 18 minutes with Aghada still to the good on a half time scoreline now standing at 2-02 to 0-06. Ending the scoring before the break and Ciaran Leamy pounced for the game’s first score just 90 seconds into the turnover. With the wind at their backs and there were some excellent opposition scores forthcoming with James Hurley, David Wallace and Aaron Stafford on target. Indeed it was 2-08 to 0-08 to the end of the third quarter. But still quite couldn’t kill the Saints off. Couldn’t put the issue beyond doubt. There was outstanding defending from Fionn O’Connell and team captain Matthew Mulcahy in turn. Diarmuid ‘Doc’ O’Connell always reliant off the placed ball. Replacement John Temple making a significant impression when introduced only 8 minutes into the second half. Brian Davis brought on earlier struck for the goal right on the 60 minute mark. But there would be no more. Time ran out and with it Saints’ participation in this year’s East Cork Junior B hurling championship.

Scorers: D O’Connell (0-05 frees), B Davis (1-00), C Leamy (0-02), M Geary, A Neville, C Hayes and J Temple (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, P Keane, D O’Donovan, C Pietropaolo, C McAuliffe, M Mulcahy (team captain), A Neville, F O’Connell, D O’Connell, G England, M Geary, C Hayes, H Draper, S Cotter, C Leamy. Replacements: B Davis for H Draper (24’), J Temple for M Geary (38’), O O’Neill for S Cotter (45’), C Hickey for D O’Donovan (56’). Also: E Sheehan and L O’Connor. Referee: Tadgh O’Connor (Killeagh).

Cobh 2-13 St Catherines 1-18

It was a start so reminiscent of what we witnessed in Killeagh just three and a half hours previously. Conor Farrell, who played the entire second half at fullback, pouncing for 1-01 within the opening three minutes of this match when played in Cobh on Sunday afternoon last at 3pm. In fairness two point-blank Eoin Sheehan stops between the sticks must be mentioned, making a huge and significant contribution, following which parity was restored for the first time following a Denis Temple point. Score standing at 1-03 to 0-06 after 20 minutes. Six further points shared from there to the sound of the half whistle. Cobh 1-06 St Catherines 0-09 at half time.

Conditions with the Saints on the changeover. Points from Liam O’Connor, Dylan ‘Chips’ Murphy, while he didn’t get them all, he’s only human, yet Ronan Clancy was largely unerring, be it frees or general play on a 0-15 to 1-10 scoreline to the end of the third quarter and just beyond. Jason Cotter and Conor Kidney shared four points for the opposition. Before a glorious period opened up for a ferociously hard-working Saints. Team captain John Hurley marginally extending the advantage before Adam Bryan, winning the race, getting the vital touch for the Saints’ goal and a lead of 1-16 to 1-10 to 50 minutes. A goal so similar in creation and execution to the one finished off by Stephen Cotter in the B grade match against Castlelyons at Rathcormac 3 weeks ago. Patrick O’Neill adds another point. Clancy again on target from a far out placed ball. In fairness there was a lengthy enough stoppage following an injury picked up by Chips. So the added time was fully justified. Playing on their own pitch and Cobh weren’t dead yet. Ian O’Brien struck for a great goal. Coming as it did on 65 minutes, a score of a consolation nature. Not sure of how far the Saints have advanced. But are clearly and definitely in the knockouts.

Scorers: R Clancy (0-09 frees) (0-11), A Bryan (1-01), D Temple (0-02), L O’Connor, D Murphy, J Hurley and P O’Neill (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: E Sheehan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, D Lane, C Sheehan, C Leahy, R Collins, R McConville, J Hurley (team captain), L O’Connor, D ‘Chips’ Murphy, R Clancy, T Hartnett, D Temple, J Mulcahy, K Dinneen. Replacements: A Bryan for K Dinneen (6’), P O’Neill for T Hartnett (second half), L O’Callaghan McCarthy for D Murphy (52’), B Barry for D Temple (62’), W McAuliffe for J Mulcahy (64’). Also: C Murray. Referee: Brian Murphy (Carrigtwohill).

St Catherines 2-17 Castlelyons 2-19

There were early scores from Shane Hallihan and Tomás McAuliffe and Castlelyons were into a lead they wouldn’t give up when this round 4 tie went ahead at overcast Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, August 27th. For the Saints we witnessed scores of outrageous skill from Alan Cotter and John Temple. Eye catching back-to-back Kyle O’Donoghue points followed. But by now an Adam Lardner goal on 24 minutes was the key score. It was 1-12 to 0-09 for Castlelyons at half time.

Pat Hartigan now had the lights sensibly turned on and following a second Lardner goal on 37 minutes one feared Castlelyons might cut loose. Cutting through from the middle of the pitch and Cillian Hickey again added points. It was 2-15 to 1-13 to the end of the third quarter and beyond. No team was cutting loose here.

Points from aforementioned Lardner, whose grandad won a football medal with the Saints back in 1969 and Gearoid Sheehan, mostly from placed balls kept the board ticking over. Still we had an exciting finale. Alan Cotter bringing the best out of Jude Hallihan only for the again ideally placed John Temple to fire the rebound to the net. Catherines winning a “65” from the resultant attack. You know yourself. Anything can happen. That’s why we love the game. It didn’t. Game over. Now facing a tricky journey to Trabeg playing Nemo Rangers next Wednesday evening, September 10th. See fixtures.

Scorers: J Temple (1-03), G Sheehan (0-06 frees), C Hickey (1-01), A Cotter (0-03), K O’Donoghue (0-02), T Dee and S Walsh (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: C Higgins, C Murray, J Kenneally, C O’Driscoll, R Hickey, S Walsh, T Clancy, L Moore, C Hickey, J Temple, K O’Donoghue, A Cotter, T Dee, S O’Donoghue, G Sheehan. Replacements: B O’Connor for R Hickey (second half), T Walsh for S O’Donoghue (41’). Also: S McCarthy, C Barry, L Kilmartin and E O’Mahony. Referee: Michael Carey (Bride Rovers).

St Catherines 3-17 Cobh 4-12

A result maintaining the Saints’ interest in the competition following this round 3 tie at an overcast Ballynoe on Monday evening, August 25th. A match producing 36 scores with never more than five between two even and well-matched teams. A cracking Ronan O’Donoghue goal on 21 minutes playing a vital part in a narrow Saints’ lead on a half time scoreline standing at 2-06 to 2-04.

On the change of ends both teams taking it in turn to take the lead. Also together on four occasions, including 2-09 to 3-06, 2-11 to 3-08, 2-12 to 3-09 and following a Will O’Keeffe Cobh goal the score stood at 2-15 to 4-09 23 minutes into the second half. Excitement!

Cillian O’Connell off a placed ball edges the opposition narrowly ahead again. Counteracted by a cracking goal from the hugely influential Alan Cotter 58 minutes in. There was a bit of time added on at the finish in which Tadgh Walsh and Cathal Higgins pointed the match winning scores. St Catherines were due to play Mayfield in the division 2 football plate semi-final at Ballynoe on Monday evening just gone, September 1st. Update next week.

Scorers: A Cotter (1-06 frees) (0-01 “65”) (2-11), R O’Donoghue (1-01), T Walsh (0-03), K O’Connell and C Higgins (0-01 each). 

St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, N Keane, B O’Connor, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, S Walsh (captain), E Dillon, A Cotter, K O’Connell, S Riordan, R Hickey, C Higgins, E O’Mahony, T Walsh, R O’Donoghue. Replacements: S Moore for N Keane (41’), T Morrison for E O’Mahony (55’). Also: A Burke, J Cunneen and D Temple. Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carraig na bhFear).

Blarney 4-05 St Catherines 3-08

St Catherines dropped their first and only point thus far. A late Alan Keane goal helping to secure a share of the spoils from this round 5 juvenile hurling league tie in Blarney on Friday evening last. Two major games imminent with Killeagh. Paddy Sheehan Cup scheduled for Ballynoe yesterday evening (Wednesday, September 3rd). While the Saints and Killeagh are both in the division 2 Rebel Óg East U12 football league final. Down for the end of the month.

Scorers v Blarney: A Keane (0-03 frees) (3-05), R Geaney, R Pietropaolo and A Fitzgerald (free) (0-01 each).

St Catherine’s team: S Flynn, C Twomey, J Beecher, O Ryan, S Cummins, C Kearney, C O’Connor, A Fitzgerald, A Keane, C Fitzgerald, R Geaney, R Pietropaolo, S O’Keeffe, D Fitzgerald, L Kearney. Also: P Barry and R Coffey. Referee: David McCarthy (Kilmurry).