Week ended – 2nd Jan 2005

 

Poc Fada Results 2005 – 2/1/05

 

Overall – Winner : Stevie O’Neill – 27 shots

Runner up : Todds (28)

U14 – Mark Kennefick (Ballygarvan – 32)
Runner up – Jonathan Tuohy (33)
u18 – Cian O’Neill (36)
Runner up – his brother Fergus (36). Cian won on a play-off
Ladies – Ann-Marie Collins/O’Flaherty ( a brilliant score of 33)
Runner up – Catherine Fogarty (Bishopstown – 39)
U40 – John Dineen (35)
Runner up – Lorcan Aherne (36)
U50 – Alan Tuohy (35)
runner up – ‘Stoney’ Bourke (Carrigaline – 37)

 

Long Puck Review – 2/1/05

Thanks to everyone who took part, it was a brilliant day. 88 players took part and we were blessed with the weather, although Patrick Andrews, who came joint first last year complained that ‘conditions’ were against him, saying the wind followed him all the way. Colin O’Sullivan showed the benefit of too many nights training in the Monkstown Inn, while Peter Prout and Avril minds were elsewhere, in particular Peter, who is in love and couldnt concentrate on the task in hand, he was thinking of the big wedding in 2006. Mick Lannon lost his ball in SamsBar, it landed in a pint and was washed away before it could be recovered. Sid Kidney, Setanta’s descendent himself, didnt need a ball; he imagined it, and still couldnt win. Rob Lannon started and finished for the only time this year. Donal Brady was the lead-off hitter and did very well indeed with his special hurley. In fact, he was sponsored and raised ?900 for the underage club. Well Done Donal. Stevie Nail’s urine sample is currently being tested in Pfizers high tech viagra Labs. One of our guest stars, Adrian Dillon, from the northside but with a holiday home in Crosshaven, gave the Insurance companies and the vets an early new years fright when not only hit 2 cars in his firs few shots, but he also hit a dog! The poor animal spent Sunday at the vets but has made a recovery. We still can?t find a motive for the attack.
Paddy Andrews was recently presented with a memento from the club to comemorate serving as juvenile board delegate for an incredible 21 years. Well done Paddy. Our congratulations to Dave O’Flaherty and Ann-Marie Collins who got married last week also and cancelled their honeymoon to take part in the poc Fada. Ann Marie won the ladies category. Also, Peter Prout gave Avril Cooney the best possible Christmas present on bended knee last week also – a ring on her finger. They got engaged on X-mas day. How romantic – a Shamrocks/Carrigaline wedding. Anyway, well done to all involved.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

 Week ended – 9th Jan 2005

 

Club AGM 2005 – 10/1

The club held its agm before its biggest attandance in years at the clubrooms on Monday night last. The following are the positional changes made – Denis Allen was elected as a vice President of the club. Tadhg Forde brings the average age of the executative committee way down as he’s the new Secretary, taking over from Lorcan Aherne, who will act as assistant to Tadhg and show hime the ropes. Thanks for your efforts Lorcan and welcome aboard Fordy. Pat Mac is the new football manager, taking over from Bernard Hickey, who didnt run this time. Again, thanks to Bernard for his efforts over the last year. We wish Pat well. All other positions within the Senior Club remain the same.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 13th Feb 2005

 

Junior Football League – 13/2

Shamrocks 1-6, Ballymartle 1-6
Shamrocks and Ballymartle got their season underway on Sunday last on the bottom field at Shanbally and both teams will be happy to be going away with a draw, especially the visitors as they tagged on 4 late points to level up the scores. The very strong wind played havoc with this game – blowing right down the field toward the top goal. Shamrocks played with its benefit in the first half and led at half time 0-5 to 1-1, Todds Sweeney, Sean Kelly and Stevie O’Neill among the Shamrocks scorers. The second half was real backs to the wall stuff and Shamrocks looked in control when O’Neill drove a shot to the Ballymartle net soccer style to open up a bit of a gap. The defence were playing well and it looked like Shamrocks would get their season off to a winning start. But Ballymartles constant pressure began to show and they snatched the draw with some late scores. Team: B.Mulqueen, B.Hickey, P.Prout, B.McCarthy, D.Collins, D.Roche, S.O’Reilly, B.Sweeney, O.Boland, S.O’Neill, S.Kelly, K.Tierney, J.Sweeney, R.Lannon, R.McCarthy.

 

Minor Football League – 13/2

Shamrocks 0-5, Nemo Rangers 2-8
This was Shamrocks first defeat of the year after winning their opening game the week before. Like the Junior game later on in the day, the game was destroyed by the near hurricane that blew right down the field. Nemo played with its advantage in the first half and had put up an impressive total of 2-8 to 0-1. Shamrocks were short a few regulars on the day but mounted a stronger challenge in the second half but could only tag on 4 points in that time. The scorers were Ronan O’Sullivan (0-2), Tomas Barrett, Cian O’Neill and Philip Brady, all with 1 point each. Shamrocks contributed to their own downfall by missing numerous goal chances which would have possibly put a different complexion on the game. Fergus O’Neill in goal, John Cronin at wing back and Darren Kirwan at centre back were Shamrocks best players on the day.

 

Underage Club AGM 2005 – 1/2

A large gathering attended at the Club Rooms on Tuesday of last week to help kick-start 2005. John Twomey, Chairman, in his review of 2004, paid tribute to our under-14 footballers who advanced to a county championship final where they were narrowly beaten. Our under-16 footballers also did well in winning the South East Championship and advancing as far as the county semi-final. Offices elected 2005 – Chairman – John Twomey, Vice-Chairman – Oliver McCann, Secretary – Paddy Andrews, Treasurer – Greta Sweeney, P.R.O. – Patrick Andrews, Board Delegates – Paddy Andrews, Michael Kidney
Teams U 10: I. Breen, O. McCann, J. Twomey, J. Ronayne
U 12: M. Kidney, I. Breen, K. Barry, O. McCann
U 14: J. Brady, P. Tuohy, P. McCarthy, A. Tuohy
U 16: D. Murphy, P. Cusack, J. Shanahan, A. Downey.

 

City Minor Football League – 6/2

St Finbarrs 2-4, Shamrocks 2-6
The Minor Footballers had the houour of getting the 2005 season underway on Sunday morning last in Togher and they obliged with a winning start. Playing with the aid of the breeze in the opening half, Shamrocks played some great football and led at the break by 1-5 to 0-3, the goal being scored mid way through by Garry Ronayne while Ronán O’Sullivan chipped in with 3 points. The second half was backs-to-the-wall as the Barrs threw everything they had at a teak-tough Shamrocks defence where Ivan Murphy, John Cronin and David Hayes excelled. A late ?Barrs goal looked like denying us the spoils but a late breakaway goal from Stephen Dunne gave us a deserved victory.
Team: I. Murphy, S. Burke, R. Murphy, J. Cronin, D. Hayes, C. Fitzpatrick, T. Barrett, G. Ronayne, S. Dunne, C. O’Neill, J. Brown, R. O’Sullivan, M. O’Neill.

 

Congrats

Well done to Michael Prout who has been nominated this week to receive the Jurys Sports Star Award for January in recognition of his tremendous exploits with CIT in both college and McGrath Cup competitions.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 20th Feb 2005

 

Minor Football League – 20/2

Kinsale 5-12, Shamrocks 2-6
Shamrocks came up against a top class Kinsale outfit at a bitterly cold Kinsale last Sunday morning. In spite of missing a number of regulars for various reasons, Shamrocks, with some young players on show, put up a credible and brave performance. Tomas Barrett was brilliant all throught at centre field and scored a magnificent goal. Jason Browne at half back and Fergus O’Neill in goal were in top form while Stephen Dunne tried his heart out at half forward.

 

Underage Social – 18/2

On Friday last a very enjoyable gathering was held at Pfizers Sports Club to honour our U14 and U16 footballers of 2004. Their medals were presented to them by current All-Star and Cork hurling star Wayne Sherlock who encouraged them to consider that its at the club that it all begins and to be appreciative of their mentors and to be proud of their achievements to date. A special presentation was made to Donal Brady who made the evening possible by his contribution to our recent long puc when he competed with distinction and raised considerable sponsorship.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

 Week ended – 27th Feb 2005

 

U21 Football Championship 1st Round – 27/2

Tracton 1-8, Shamrocks 0-6
Shamrocks put in one of their worst in recent times atMinaneBridge last Sunday afternoon when going down by 5 points to the home side. In a game of two halves – the first half comprising the first and last quarters dominated by Shamrocks and the middle part of the match dominated by Tracton, the visitors just never really got going and were never really able to overcome the sending off of Dave O’Neill just before half time. Shamrocks opened strongly and points from Terence O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Mahony and Joe Shanahan put them into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead. However, from there on in, things started to go wrong for Shamrocks and Tracton took over. The next 6 points were Tractons and they led 0-7 to 0-3 at the break. Shamrocks reorganised their forces thereafter but the concession of the games only goal just after the restart made the task almost impossible. Just as they had faded early on, they gradually began to take control of the game again and Chris O’Neill, O’Sullivan again and Dan Stuart picked off the points but the goal wouldnt come. Shamrocks now play the losers of the Courcey/Carrigaline tie in the next game on the weekend of Sat Mar 19th. Team: B.Mulqueen, D.Tuohy, D.Hayes, S.O’Reilly, D.O’Neill, S.Andrews, D.Bourke, T.O’Sullivan, N.Hayes, E.O’Mahony, C.O’Neill, T.Barrett, O.Boland, D.Stuart, J.Shanahan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 6th Mar 2005

 

Junior Football League – 6/3

Shamrocks 3-9, Belgooly 1-5
Shamrocks got their first win of the season when they had a reasonably comfortable win over a battling Belgooly side at sunny Shanbally last Sunday afternoon. Apart form the ground being a bit dead, these were perfect conditions for Football and both sides put together some nice moves. Shamrocks completely dominated possession in the first quarter but some wayward shooting kept their score down to 3 points, Belgooly replying with their lone point at that stage. Shamrocks then tagged on two minors before Stevie O’Neill finished the ball to the visitors net following a sweeping Shamrocks move which spanned every line of the field. Half time score was 1-5 to 0-1. Shamrocks added a goal shortly after the restart, again from O’Neill, to stretch the lead further and when Sean Kelly finished another sweeping move to the Belgooly net not long after, the game was as good as over. Shamrocks introduced all their subs, while Belgooly came more into the game around the middle of the field and were rewarded with some late scores, one of which was their goal. Throughout the afternoon, Mickey Prout, Todds Sweeney, Oisin Boland, Stevie Neill, Sean Kelly and sub Senan Andrews were the Shamrocks points scorers. Team: B.Mulqueen, C.Brady, P.Prout, K.Hegarty, B.Hickey, D.Roche, C.O’Neill, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, N.Hayes, S.O’Neill, O.Boland, D.Bourke, S.Kelly, D.Collins. Subs used: S.Andrews, D.Tuohy, S.Collins, R.McCarthy, K.Tierney.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 13th Mar 2005

 

Junior Football League – 13/3

Carrigaline 0-9, Shamrocks 4-6
A second half transformation by Shamrocks saw them run out winners at sunny but chilly Carrigaline last Sunday afternoon. Our Annual celebrations at the Carrigaline court the night before had some impact in that it was obvious that while the bodies were on the field of play, the spirits were elsewhere for the duration of the first half in particular. Shamrocks first score didn’t arrive until 10 minutes before half time when Senan Andrews followed by an opportunist goal from Stevie O’Neill which left us level at the break. Some appropriate words of encouragement and counselling from Pat Mac and Paddy O’Mahony at the break had the desired effect and second half goals from Chris O’Neill, Stevie Nail again and Joe Shanahan enabled us to achieve a somewhat flattering victory-Shamrocks. Team: B.Mulqueen, K.Hegarty, P.Prout, C.Brady, B.Hickey, D.Roche, S.O’Reilly, C.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, O.Boland, S.O’Neill, E.O’Mahony, S.Andrews, D.Collins, S.Kelly. Subs J.Shanahan, D.Tuohy.

 

Minor Football League – 13/3

Mayfield 1-4, Shamrocks 0-15
Similar to their Junior counterparts later on that day, Shamrocks had a very slow start to this game (played in Mayfield) and did not score till the 12th minute. After that, they upped the pace and kicked some great scores and were full value for the 2 league points. A feature of the game was a great display from Shamrocks Darren Kirwan who was outstanding all through.

 

U12 Football – 13/3

Shamrocks played an enjoyable challenge game against St Finbarrs at the Track on Sunday morning last. After some entertaining football, the Barrs ran out winners. On the Shamrocks side, there were notable performances from David Raleigh, Cathal Kidney, James Raleigh and Matthew Garvey. The other players to feature were Stephen Healy, David Barton, Michael Howard, Jamie O’ Driscoll, Alan Dunne, Declan Sheehan, Darren Barry, Roy Twomey, Conor Cusack, Jonathan Lynch, Daniel Hickey, Daniel Jordan, Zac Sheehan and David Coleman.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 20th Mar 2005

 

Junior Hurling League – 17/3

Shamrocks 2-8, Courcey Rovers 0-9
The traditional start to the Hurling season on St Patricks morning saw Shamrocks get off to a winning start in the competition which we are defending this year. As the scoreline suggests, this was a close game of hurling. Courceys second string made the long trip to Shanbally and certainly made the home side fight all the way for the 2 league points. They played good hurling, especially in the 2nd quarter when playing up the hill against the wind, and Shamrocks were lucky to be leading at half time. The greens started the better of the 2 and had 1-2 on the board inside the first 10 minutes, Pat O’Sullivans low shot being dropped into the net by the Courcey keeper. Courceys came more into the game thereafter and threathened a few times, all the while picking off the points. Half time 1-4 to 0-5 for Shamrocks. Things looked good for the visitors on the changeover but Shamrocks put in a gutsy second half resistance. Matters improved after ahlf time when the evergreen Dick Andrews, operating at corner forward, bundled home a goal to open a gap of 4 points. Courceys, try as they might till the end, couldnt quite bridge that gap, and in particular the Shamrocks half backline of Mickey Prout, Darren Roche and Chris O’Neill, who were unbeatable. Colin O’Sullivan hit over 3 points, 2 from frees, after coming in as a sub at half time. Team: P.Andrews, C.Brady, P.Prout, C.Brady, C.O’Neill, D.Roche, M.Prout, S.Kelly, B.Mulqueen, T.O’Sullivan, D.Collins, S.O’Neill, B.Hickey, P.O’Sullivan, D.Andrews. Subs used – S.Collins, C.O’Sullivan.

 

Junior Hurling League – 20/3

Shamrocks 1-3, Bishopstown 0-2
This game shouldnt have gone ahead. It was played in absolutely atrocious conditions and both teams have to commended on their efforts over the (less than) hour played. Shamrocks led 1-2 to 0-1 at the break and had some outstanding performance from Senana Collins and Brian Sweeney. Team: R.Collins, K.Roche,P.Prout, O.boland, S.Collins, D.Roche, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, S.Kelly, B.Mulqueen, D.Collins, C.O’Sullivan D.Andrews, P.O’Sullivan, B.Hickey. Subs C.Ronayne, K.Tierney, S.O’Reilly.

 

U21 Football Championship – 20/3

Shamrocks 1-9, Courceys 2-5
Shamrocks got the rub of the green against Courceys on Sunday morning at Riverstick as Darren Kirwan’s last minute goal ensured a passage to the quarter final V Ballygarvan (above). With a very strong wind advantage behind them, Shamrocks raced into a 3 point lead but conceded a soft goal which temporarily deflated their momentum, but some fine points from Joe Shanahan and Terence O’Sullivan enabled us to lead by 2 at the short whistle. Shamrocks consolidated their position on the turn over and led by 4 points entering the last 10 minutes. Courceys put in a massive few minutes and a converted penalty and a brace of points put them in front by two point with 2 minutes to go. A last ditch assault by Shamrocks seemed to have been repulsed but when Kirwan got the ball on the 14 yard line, his shot, although partially blocked, ended up in the net. Barry Mulqueen kept us in the game with some great blocks in the second half, while Senan Andrews, Dave O’Neill, Chris O’Neill, Dave Bourke, Terence O’Sullivan ,Joe Shanahan and Stephen Carroll were the pick of the outfield players. Team: B.Mulqueen, D.Tuohy, D.O’Neill, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, C.O’Neill, D.Bourke, N.Hayes, T.O’Sullivan, E.O’Mahony, J.Shanahan, O.Boland, S.Collins, D.Stuart, S.Carroll. Subs D.Kirwan, T.Barrett.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 27th Mar 2005

 

U21 A Football Championship – 27/3

Shamrocks 2-5, Ballygarvan 2-7
While we got of jail a week earlier against Courcey Rovers with a last minute goal, the boot was very much on the other foot his week as we had to endure being the victim of a similar fate when the Garvans claimed the all important goal with a breakaway goal in injury time. Shamrocks played with the strong wind advantage from the start and Joe Shanahan had the ball in the net after only 20 seconds. He continued in his scoring mood and netted again from a penalty shortly after, on top of two points for good measure. Points from Terence O’Sullivan and Eoin O’Mahony left Shamrocks leading by nine approaching half time and seemingly out of sight. Ballygarvan were coming more into the game however and scored a goal of their own to leave the score at 2-4 to 1-2 at the short whistle. With wind advantage now to their backs, Ballygarvan came thundering into the game but points from Daniel Stuart and Chris O’Neill kept us in front. We had that 1 point lead and in fact on attack entering injury time. But you know what they say about that kind of situation and indeed it came to haunt Shamrocks. A lose Ballygarvan forward finished a centre to Barry Mulqueens net, and time was up. Joe Shanahan was Shamrocks most potent attacking force and he was ably assisted by young Tomas Barrett. Dander won and distributed some good ball from centre forward while Chris O’Neill (who played with Cork the day before) and Nicky Hayes had their moments in the first half. The Shamrocks backs were under enormous pressure in the second half and Senan Andrews was prominent when moved to full back. Oisin Boland was always in the thick of things and Stephen O’Reilly and Dave Bourke never gave up. Team: B.Mulqueen, D.Tuohy, D.O’Neill, S.Andrews, O.Boland, S.O’Reilly, D.Bourke, C.O’Neill, N.Hayes, E.O’Mahony, D.Stuart, T.O’Sullivan, S.Carroll, J.Shanahan, T.Barrett. Subs used: S.Collins, D.Hayes, D.Kirwan.

 

Minor Football League – 27/3

St Michaels 4-11, Shamrocks 2-6
In spite of the scoreline, this was one of our better performances when a depleted and young Shamrocks team gave as good as the got at cold and wet Church Rd on Sunday afternoon. There were some excellent performances from Tomas Barrett, Darren Kirwan and Fergus O’Neill

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 10th Apr 2005

 

Junior Football League – 3/4

Shamrocks 0-5, Tracton 4-12
This was a league game to decide the semi finalists of the league. Also, it served as a warm up for the (in the meantime cancelled) championship match V Ballymartle on the following Thursday night. From a Shamrocks point of view, the game was an absolute disaster from start to finish, both on and aff the field. We wont go into details, (they are too gorey) but a lot of work will have to be done. The situation is not irreversible however.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 2nd Apr 2005

 

City Minor Football League – 29/3

Shamrocks 2-7, Passage 8-9
Passage went on a goal scoring spree in this City league encounter played at Shanbally in wet and dark conditions. Shamrocks started the better and had some nice points on the board chiefly through Ronan O’Sullivan and Cian O’Neill. They led 0-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes but then the game was turned on its head in one minute of football. Three Shamrocks kickouts were returned to the back of Fergus O’Neills net, leaving him helpless in the process. The stuffing was knocked completely out of the Shamrocks challenge at this juncture and try as they might, the home team couldn’t get over this blow. It was 5-6 to 1-4 at half time, Tomas Barrett getting the Shamrocks screamer. A feature of the game was the Shamrocks efforts to curb the Passage full forward, Podge O’Leary. He scored 5-5 and was involved in all other Passage scores as well. A succession of Shamrocks markers had no answer to him. Gary Ronayne got a late Shamrocks consolation goal. Keeper Fergus O’Neill still managed to bring off two fine saves over the hour while Cormac O’Shea, Cian McCann and Gary Ronayne also tried hard for Shamrocks. Team: F.O’Neill, S.Bourke, D.Hayes, R.Hourihane, C.Fitzpatrick, C.O’Shea, I.Murphy, C.McCann, D.Kirwan, G.Ronayne, T.Barrett, J.Browne, C.O’Neill, R.O’Sullivan, S.Dunne. Sub used – P.Brady

 

City Minor Hurling League – 3/4

Shamrocks 3-14, St Finbarrs 2-4
Shamrocks put in a reasonable performance before succumbing to the Barrs second string at Shanbally on Sunday morning last. This is a competition in which Shamrocks will do well to get teams on the field as hurlers at this particular age group are thin on the ground. The first half performance was admirable from the naturally young Shamrocks team, the half time score being 2-5 to 1-2 for the Barrs, Cian O’Neill doing the Shamrocks scoring, mostly from frees. The second half saw St Finbarrs pull away with a string of points before O’Neill got Shamrocks second goal from a late penalty. Team: M.O’Neill, S.Bourke, F.O’Neill, C.Fitzpatrick, D.Hayes, R.Hourihane, G.Ronayne, T.Barrett, J.Browne, C.O’Neill, P.Brady, I.Murphy, R.O’Sullivan (13 a side).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 17th Apr 2005

 

Junior Hurling League – 14/4

Shamrocks 1-9, Carrigaline 0-6
Shamrocks had a good win over a battling Carrigaline side at Shanbally on thurs nite. This game was played in heavy conditions as the pitch cut up easy after all the rain previous. Dick Andrews was the main Shamrocks contributor on the scoreboard, scoring 1-3 from full forward. He was ably assisted by Senan Andrews and Seanan Collins in the half back slots, Todds Sweeney at midfield and Stephen O’Reilly at corner back. Team: Collins, O’Reilly, Prout, Brady, Collins, Roche, Andrews, Sweeney, Kelly, O’Neill, Collins, Mulqueen, Boland, Andrews, O’Sullivan. Subs used – Hickey, Lannon, Shanahan, Roche.

 

U16 Football League – 13/4

Courcey Rovers 3-4, Shamrocks 2-7
This game finishes in a whelter of excitement as Mark Jordan kicked a superb last minute point from an acute angle to give Shamrocks a well earned draw out in Ballinspittle on Wednesday night. It capped a remarkable recovery from Shamrocks, who found themselves 8 points down 10 minutes into the second half. The first half is best forgotton from both sides, it finished 0-2 each with little inspiration on view. Having said that, it was both teams first game of the season. Shamrocks scores came from Mark Jordan and Jason Browne (1-1 each), Mickey O’Neill (0-4), and Ronan Murphy 0-1. Our best players on the night were Cormac Horgan, Ronan Murphy, Mark Jordan when moved to wing forward and Stephen Downey.

 

U14 Hurling League – 15/4

Crosshaven 4-2, Shamrocks 2-1
Shamrocks went down to Crosshaven last Friday night in a game in which Cathal Kidney, David Barry, Joey Brady, Darragh O’Sullivan Johnathan Tuohy and Dan Breen caught the eye. Team: D.O’Sullivan, J. Tuohy, J.Rahilly, A.Brady, D.Barry, J.Brady, D..Breen, C.Kidney, A.McCarthy, J.Wilson, J.Tuohy, L.McCarthy, D.Murphy, J.Wells, J.Lynch

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Week ended – 23rd Apr 2005

 

General Summary

JUNIOR HURLING – We have had a good start to the league so far with victories over Courcey Rovers, Carrigaline, Ballygarvan and Bishopstown with games to come against Na Phiarsaig and Douglas before the week end.
There has been a fine turn out for games and training and the Junior B team will have their first game at Shanbally on Tuesday night next.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL – We have had 4 Junior A games against Ballymartle, Belgooly,Carrigaline and Tracton resulting in 2 wins , a draw and an eye opener of a loss to the the latter.
The Junior B footballers kicked off their campaign with a victory over Crosshaven last week and there are plenty more games to come.
UNDER 12 FOOTBALL – This group were late starting this year and have played 3 games, winning against Valley Rovers and St. Finbarrs and losing against Carrigaline 3. They will play 2 more games over the next week and we appreciate the cooperation being received from the other teams in our group.
UNDER 14 HURLING – Numbers are small at this grade but we have played 2 games,losing to Tracton and Crosshaven. They will not play for a few weeks as Feile games are taking precedent and numbers didn?t permit us to compete.
UNDER 16 FOOTBALL – 2 games have been played, drawing away to Courcey Rovers and going down at home to Valley Rovers. We wish a speedy recovery to Colin Murphy who sustained an injury while at school. Colin had a fine game against Valleys last week.
MINOR FOOTBALL – With an extremely limited and young panel we have played 6 games , winning against St Finbarrs and Mayfield and competing well but losing to Nemo Rangers, Kinsale, Passage and St Michaels.
MINOR HURLING – Even in defeat to St Finbarrs and Delaneys credit must be paid to the efforts of some fine young performers and the dedication of their mentors.
CONGRATULATIONS – Well done to Chris O Neill and Joseph Shanahan who had fine games for Carrigdown in the Senior football championship against Beara last week.
Chris was also a member of the Cork u 21 football panel who recently won the Munster Title.

 

U16 Football League – 20/4

Shamrocks 2-9, Valley Rovers 3-11
Shamrocks suffered their first defeat of the season at home to Valleys on Wednesday night. Shamrocks didnt play to potential and the backs gave away a couple of soft goals which made our task that bit harder. The half time score was 2-4 to 1-4 for the visitors. Shamrocks scorers on the night were Philip Brady (2-3), Mickey O’Neill (0-3) and Brian Cusack, Cormac Horgan and Colin Murphy with 0-1 each. Best for Shamrocks were Philip Brady who was simply outstanding, forcing Valleys to take theirCork u16 player off him, Mark Jordan, Gary Ronayne and Ronan Murphy. We wish a speedy recovery to Colin Murphy who damaged his shoulder in the game.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 1st May 2005

 

City Junior Hurling League

Shamrocks have recorded two excellent victories in the last week in the City league. As you know, Shamrocks are playing in the ultra-competitive top grade this year and these two victories can hopefully set us up for bigger and better things this year. On last Wed night (28/4), Shamrocks played what was considered their best hurling match of the last few years with a great victory away to a strong Na Piarsiagh team featuring some members of their Senior panel. Conditions were awful but both team served up a great hours sport. The half time score was 3-4 to 0-6 for the greens, Dick Andrews and Darragh Collins scoring the goals, with Senan Andrews, Stevie O?Neill and Colin spud getting the minors. Shamrocks played great stuff into the wind in the second half; the backs in particular were outstanding, none more so than the left side where Mickey Prout and the switched Senan Andrews snuffed out the Piarsaighs danger men. Todds Sweeney, Stevie Nail and Joe Shanahan scored the all-important second half scores for Shamrocks. Final Score, Shamrocks 3-9, Na Piarsaigh 2-10. The good run continued on Sunday morning away to Douglas. This time, Shamrocks played mighty stuff in the second half to come from behind to fashion a victory that keeps us top of the table at least. Douglasstarted the better and led 1-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes; the teams were tit for tat all the way to half time, Dave Bourke with the Shamrocks goal before half time, to leave it 1-6 to 1-4 for the visitors. The second half was a better performance all round. Douglas maintained their 2 point lead till 10 minutes from the end when Terence O’Sullivan, who is playing great stuff at midfield presently, shot a bullet to the Douglasnet to put us ahead for the first time. Colin O’Sullivan accuracy from frees, a beauty from Stevie Neill and a hockey style goal from full forward Darragh Collins gave us the moral boosting win. Players used in both games. R.Collins, C.Brady, P.Prout, S.O’Reilly, C.O’Neill, S.Collins, D.Roche, T.O’Sullivan, B.Mulqueen, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, J.Shanahan, O.Boland, C.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke (team v Douglas), P.O’Sullivan, S.Kelly, C.Ronayne, R.Lannon, B.Hickey, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, D.Andrews.

 

Junior B Football League – 27/4

Rochestowm 0-6, Shamrocks 5-15
Shamrocks had an easier than expected victory over Rochestown in a game played in Roco last Tue night. Shamrocks were always on top in this one and the game was more or less over at half time when Shamrocks had built up a big lead. Rochestown did come more into the game in the second half and made more of a game of it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Week ended – 8th May 2005

 

U16 Football League – 4/5

Shamrocks 5-5, Carrigaline B 1-6
Shamrocks scored their 1st victory at the third time of asking at Shanbally against a battling Carrigaline second string. Though missing two of their best players, Philip Brady and Cormac Horgan, Shamrocks were full value for the winning margin. The first half was a poor affair with neither side able to raise a gallop, the score being 2-0 to 0-4 in favour of Shamrocks. Shamrocks did up the tempo on the resumption and scored two late goals to rubber stamp their authority. The Shamrocks scorers on the night were Mickey O’Neill (2-0), Stephen Downey, Dan Browne and Gary Ronayne all with 1-1 and Mark Jordan and Jason Browne with a point each. Shamrocks best players on the night were Alan MCCarthy and Ronan and Donie Murphy. There is a break now till after the state exams though training will continue.

 

U12 Football League – 3/5

Shamrocks 5-6, Carrigaline B 1-3
No report received.

 

Junior A Football Championship – 8/5

Shamrocks are through to the next stage of this years competition after an encouraging performance at Carrigaline on Sunday night. The seeds of victory were sown in the first half hour when the speedy Shamrocks forwards made space an asset and tormented the Ballymartle defence from the first whistle. Ballymartle drew first blood with an opening point but from there to the short whistle they played second fiddle to a confident Shamrocks side. After a Stephen O’Neill point the same player ran onto a Joseph Shanahan pass to score a fine goal. Shortly, the ball was in the net again when Senan Andrews flicked inside to Seán Kelly who made no mistake. Points from Joseph Shanahan, Michael Prout and Brian Sweeney left us 2-4 to 0-2 ahead at the break.
In the second half it was the turn of the defenders to show their mettle and Barry Mulqueen was in top form in goal. Peter Prout controlled the square while Michael Prout and Chris O’Neill were prominent further out the field. Try as they might, Ballymartle were finding it difficult to make progress on the scoreboard and failed to make use of a penalty. On more limited possession the Shamrocks forwards were still threatening and Joseph Shanahan set up Seán Kelly who tapped in his second goal while Darragh Collins kicked over a great point near the end.
Team: B.Mulqueen, C.Brady, P.Prout, D.Roche, C.O’Neill, M.Prout, B.Hickey, B.Sweeney, E.O’Mahony, C.Ronayne, J.Shanahan, S.Andrews, S.O’Neill, S.Kelly, D.Collins.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 15th May 2005

 

SE Junior Hurling League – 11/5

Shamrocks 3-11, Ballymartle 0-7
Shamrocks continued their good start to the season by beating Ballymartle?s second team at Shanbally on Wed night. Shamrocks played against the wind in the first half and despite a number of wides, led 1-5 to 0-4 at the short whistle, Colin O?Sullivan with the goal right on the stroke of half time. Ballymartle came more into the game in the second half and reduced the deficit to 2 points shortly after the restart but Shamrocks reasserted their authority with two goals within the space of 5 minutes through Oisin Boland and Dick Andrews. The Shamrocks full back line was on top form throughout while Pat O?Sullivan and Dick provided the necessary punch up front for the younger lads.
Team: R.Collins, C.Brady, P.Prout, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, S.Collins, D.Roche, B.Sweeney, S.Kelly, S.O’Neill, P.O’Sullivan, T.O’Sullivan, O.Boland, D.Andrews, C.O’Sullivan. Subs used D.Bourke.

 

SE Junior B Hurling League – 10/5

Courcey Rovers 2-6, Shamrocks 2-11
The night previous, the B hurlers kept the run going with an excellent victory over the home side out in Ballinspittle. This was our first league game of the season in this grade and reversed a 1-point defeat from the previous year. Shamrocks were completely lifeless in the first half and were lucky to be only 2-5 to 0-4 down at half time. Whatever the selectors said at half time certainly worked the oracle as Shamrocks turned in a dominant display to out hurl Courceys in the second period. Shamrocks got some early scores through Todds Sweeney who was on form from frees and this gave the team the belief that they could turn things around. His long range free went all the way to the Courcies net with 15 left to play and the scores were level. A beauty from Oisin Boland, a few scores from switched centre forward Seanan Collins and the clinching goal from Barry Mulqueen gave us the victory. Team: P.Andrews, K.Roche, S.Bourke, D.O’Neill, S.Collins, N.Hayes, B.Sweeney, S.Kelly, O.Boland, B.Mulqueen, B.Hickey, C.Ronayne, K.Tierney (13 a side). Sub used B.McCarthy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Week ended – 22th May 2005

 

Junior B Hurling League – 24/5

Crosshaven 1-12, Shamrocks 0-13
Crosshaven inflicted our first hurling defeat of the year at Junior level when an under strength side failed to take their chances at Camden on Tuesday night. Crosshaven scored a sloppy goal with 20 minutes to go and try as Shamrocks might to replicate that score, they didnt really come close. Time ran out for them in the end. Darragh Collins was in fine form and is pushing for a place in the A-side for the next Championship encounter. Team: P. Andrews, K. Roche, C. Brady, B. Hickey, R. Lannon, N. Hayes, B. Mulqueen, C. Fitzpatrick, C. Ronayne, D. Collins, O. Boland, B. McCarthy, K. Tierney, T. Forde.

 

Junior B Hurling League – 17/5

Shamrocks 7-11, Tracton 3-11
This was brillinat game of hurling played in perfect sunny conditions last Tuesday night. As the scoreline suggests, there were scores a plenty. The first half was pretty even, but Shamrocks reasserted their dominance after the break. The feature of this game was the scoring exploits of Oisin Boland, who scored a whopping 4-3, all from play. Joe Shanahan, an own goal and Barry Mulqueen were the other Shamrocks goal scorers. Team: P.Andrews, C.Brady, K.Roche, N.Hayes, S.Collins, D.O.Neill, S.Kelly, B.Mulqueen, C.Ronayne, B.Hickey, J.Shanahan, O.Boland, S.Bourke. Subs used – B.McCarthy, K.Tierney, J.Sweeney.

 

U12 Football League – 14/5

Shamrocks won the C grade league in atrocious conditions at Riverstick last night. Shamrocks led 0-4 to a goal at half time. Shamrocks enjoyed most of the posession throughout the game and their abitity to kick points, in contrast to the Crosshaven forwards, was evident, though the Crosshaven backs were strong on the night. Cathal Kidney, Roy Twomey, Darragh Barry and Stephen Healy were Shamrocks best players on the night.

 

Junior A Hurling Championship – 21/5

Shamrocks 4-11, Kinsale 1-7
Shamrocks successfully negotiated their first hurdle in the Hurling championship last Saturday night with a comfortable enough victory over a dogged Kinsale side at Ballygarvan. Conditions were perfect for hurling and Kinsale were first to settle and were causing Shamrocks problems down the left side of defence. However, Shamrocks came right back into the game with a brilliant Dave Bourke overhead strike to the back of the Kinsale net to leave Shamrocks ahead. It was tit for tat for the next 15 minutes as both sides traded scores. However, the period coming up to half time proved the winning of the game for Shamrocks. Bourke and sliotar rendezvoused at the edge of the square again in the same fashion as the first with the same result and Colin O’Sullivan in the other corner, not to be outdone, connected with a high delivery on the other side to leave the Kinsale keeper with no chance. You?ll not find three better goals scored anywhere in Ireland in any grade this year, all scored via the dying art of overhead pulling. The half time score was 3-4 to 0-4 for Shamrocks. Dick Andrews bundled home a Shamrocks goal shortly after the restart to more or less wrap things up. Kinsale never gave up from here to the end and gave themselves a bit of hope with their own overhead strike, which reduced the gap to 8 points. But this was as close to Shamrocks as they got for all their trying. Shamrocks defence as a whole shored up the gaps and the points began to flow. Colin O’Sullivan in the corner was on fire, scoring 1-7 in total, his free taking and general striking top notch. Sub Joe Shanahan made an impact, scoring 2 points from play. On the night, every Shamrocks player can be happy with their contribution. Team: R.Collins, S.O’Reilly, P.Prout, S.Andrews, D.Roche, S.Collins, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, C.O’Neill, S.O’Neill, P.O’Sullivan, T.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, D.Andrews, C.O’Sullivan. Subs used: J.Shanahan, D.Collins.

 

U11 John Kerins Football Tournament – 21/5

At Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday morning Shamrocks suffered the agony of winning their way to the final by beating Donoughmore and losing to Passage after an injury time point. Roy Twomey and Tony Fitzgerald were on the score sheet as they beat their mid-Cork rivals by 2-4 to 2-2 to set up a final confrontation with our neighbours from Passage who had already beaten us in the league stage of the competition. After an extraordinary and close game a Roy Twomey point left us ahead 0-1 to 0-0 at the short whistle but pegged back to 0-1 to 0-1 at the final whistle. A Passage point in injury time was heartbreaking after the effort put in but the runners-up medals were well received. Panel: Conor Walters, Michael Howard, David Barton, Dave Raleigh, Dan Breen, James Raleigh, Jack Breen, Jamie O’Driscoll, Darragh Barry, Aengus Boland, Tony Fitzgerald, Conor Cusack, Daniel Hayes, Roy Twomey, Matthew Garvey, Darragh Twomey, Jack Howard.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 28th May 2005

 

U12 County Football Championship – 29/5

St Colums 1-8, Shamrocks 3-3
At sun-drenched Kealkil last Sunday evening Shamrocks came from completely off the pace in the first half to fashion a one point injury-time winner to the delight of the large following who had the made the trip Shamrocks could not muster a single score in the first period and trailed 1-3 to nil at the short whistle. Whatever transpired at the half-time pep talk must have been just as invigorating as at Istanbul on Wednesday night as the second half saw a complete transformation led by Darran Barry who found net three times during that period and chipped in with the winner for good measure in an exciting last few minutes. Cathal Kidney was commanding at centre back, Declan Sheehan won a lot of ball around the middle and Tony Fitzgerald was always prominent up front. Team: J. Lynch, D. Breen, D. Barton, J. O?Driscoll, C. Kidney, J. Rahilly, A, Dunne, D. Sheehan, T. Fitzgerald, D. Barry, R. Twomey, D. Kelleher, S. Healy, Subs: D. Rahilly, M Garvey, M. Howard, J. Breen, C. Cusack, A. Boland, M. Healy.

 

City Junior A Hurling League – 26/5

Mayfield 2-11, Shamrocks 1-11
A second defeat was suffered at Mayfield on Thursday night when the home side made better use of their chances and just about held on to win, in a game that featured the two teams at the top of the City League table. Team: R. Collins, S. O’Reilly, P. Prout, S. Andrews, C. O’Neill, S. Collins, D. Roche, B. Sweeney, S. Kelly, S. O’Neill, T. O’Sullivan, J. Shanahan, O. Boland, D. Collins, C. O’Sullivan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 5th Jun 2005

 

U12 Hurling League – 30/5

Shamrocks 4-6, Valley Rovers 3-3
Shamrocks were completely in the opening half of the boys first hurling league game of the year, played on Monday night against Rovers second string. The half time score was 3-5 to no score at half time for the greens. Rovers came more into the game in the second half and put it up to Shamrocks right to the end. Daniel Breen was the top player on the field with a score of 3-2. Team: Conor Walters, David Barton, Michael Howard, Jamie O’Driscoll, Cathal kidney, James Rahilly, Dan Breen, Declan Sheehan, Matthew Garvey, Roy Twomey, Lorcan Fidgeon, Aengus Boland, Jack Breen.

 

Junior B Hurling League – 31/5

Shamrocks 4-9, Ballymartle 2-4
Shamrocks B team got back to winning ways on a wet Tuesday night last week with a comfortable 11 point win over Ballymartle. A heavy drizzle made conditions tough but again, the 13 a side format produced many fine passages of play and in particular plenty of scores. The first half was even enough with Shamrocks leading at the half time whistle by 4 points, 2-4 to 1-3. Darragh Collins and a close in effort from Ciaran Fitzpatrick were the Shamrocks goal scores. The visitors could count themselves unlucky not to have scored at least another goal as the hit both the crossbar and post and generally gave the Shamrocks defence a tough time of it in the first half. But, not for the first time this season that said Shamrocks unit tightened up considerably and were the launching pad for Shamrocks commanding half display which featured further points from Oisin Boland, Collins and sub Brian McCarthy added to goals from Fitzpatrick again and sub Jamie Sweeney. Team: P.Andrews, K.Roche, D.Hayes, N.Hayes, C.Brady, S.Bourke, B.Mulqueen, S.Kelly, C.Ronayne, D.Collins, O.Boland, C.Fitzpatrick, B.Hickey. Subs used- J.Sweeney, B.McCarthy, T.Forde.

 

Junior A Hurling League – 1/6

Ballinhassig 0-16, Shamrocks 2-6
A depleted Shamrocks suffered a City and SE league loss at the same time on Wednesday night last in a game that doubled up. Another misty night made conditions greasy. Ballinhassig stormed into a half time lead and were able to find the range, their free taker was on form as they led 0-10 to 1-2 at the short whistle, Darragh Collins scoring the Shamrocks goal with a nice finish. Shamrocks didn’t really make an impression in the second half but too many fouls cost them in the end. Colin O’Sullivan scored with an absolute rocket from a 21 yard free that no keeper inIreland would have stopped, but in the end it wasn’t enough for Shamrocks. Too many players didn’t perform on the night. Team: R.Collins, S.Andrews, P.Prout, C.Brady, O.Boland, S.Collins, D.Roche, S.Kelly, C.O’Neill, S.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, D.Collins, D.Bourke, D.Andrews, C.O’Sullivan. Subs used – C.Ronayne, C.Fitzpatrick.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 12th Jun 2005

 

U12 County Championship – 6/6

Douglas 2-12, Shamrocks 3-4
Our county aspirations came to an end at Carrigaline on Monday night when a fine Douglas side were just about deserving winners of this hard fought tie. After a hesitant start a Tony Fitzgerald goal cancelled out some early Douglas points but Shamrocks were off the pace for the rest of the half during which time Douglas picked off the scores to lead Shamrocks at half time 1-7 to 1-0. Shamrocks rallied strongly after the break and carried the fight to their opponents to trail by only 4 points with 5 minutes remaining, thanks to two more goals from Fitzgerald; Daniel Breen was outstanding at full back and James Raleigh won a lot of ball at wing back while Alan Dunne, Darragh Barry and Damian Kelleher were always in the action. Well done to the lads on a great run nevertheless.
Team: J.Lynch, D.Breen, D.Barton, J.O’Driscoll, C.Kidney, J.Raleigh, A.Dunne, D.Sheehan, R.Twomey, D.Barry, T.Fitzgerald, S.Healy, D.Kelleher.

 

U10 Football – 5/6

Our u10’s got off to a good start with 3 fine games at MinaneBridgeon Sunday morning, beating Tracton and losing to Carrigaline and Valley Rovers. Team: David Rahilly, Jack Breen, Micheal Howard, Jack Howard, Aengus Boland, Conor Walters, Andrew O’Grady, Koby O’Grady, Conor Cuscak, Matthew Garvey.

 

Junior B Football League – 7/6

Carrigaline 1-7, Shamrocks 1-7
Carrigaline came back right at the death to force a deserved draw in this league encounter played in Carrig back field on Tue night last. Neither team deserved to lose in this one as both teams fought out a typical local derby – tough with no quarter asked or given. Shamrocks were first on the board with a few scores from Rob McCarthy and Mark Hickey, who went on to score 1-5 of the Shamrocks total, and was a constant thorn in the Carrigaline side. His goal got us right back in the game after Carrigaline had struck at the other end. The half time score was a low 1-3 to 1-2 for Shamrocks. The lead was stretched after the break with a Dan Stuart point and Shamrocks maintained their 2 point lead entering the last 5 minutes. But Carrigaline struck for their two late points amid confusion over who won, as both sets of players were more or less happy with the draw.
Team: M.Fitzgerald, K.Hegarty, K.Roche, B.McCarthy, O.Boland, K.O’Mahony, D.O’Neill, N.Hayes, S.Collins, J.Sweeney, M.Hickey, K.Tierney, R.McCarthy, R.Lannon, D.Stuart. Subs used – D.Bourke, S. Jordan, P.Andrews, F.Nugent.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 19th Jun 2005

 

U12 Hurling – 14/6

Two games were played resulting in a victory away to Crosshaven on Saturday morning and a defeat at home to Ballygarvan on Monday night. Holidays will take its toll on the limited panel of players over the next few weeks, but this problem has been with us at this age group for some years.

 

U10 Football – 13/6

Another busy morning for the young bunch at Kinsale where four games were played against Crosshaven, Tracton, Kinsale and Courcey Rovers. Patrick Murphy, John Howard, Aengus Boland and Jack Breen showed good form on the day.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 15/6

Shamrocks 2-13, St Finbarrs 1-13
This was a thriller of a game against the City champions from the first whistle where every ball was vigorously contested and scores were hard won. Shamrocks were slow to settle and had problems early on in defence which were soon remedied with some positional changes which resulted in an effective shape which was sustained for the rest of the contest. Colin O’Sullivan had two first half goals which gave Shamrocks a cushion and Chris O’Neill with a brace of points left the greens with a half time advantage. The Barrs came more to the fore after the break but Shamrocks were able to defend their territory and picked off some fine points at the other end.
Team: R.Collins, S.Andrews, P.Prout, S.O’Reilly, M.Prout, S.Collins, D.Roche, C.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, C.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, D.Andrews, P.O’Sullivan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Weeks from 19th Jun to July 3rd 2005

 

Junior B Football- 31/6

Shamrocks 0-7, Tracton 2-12
Shamrocks made qualification for the knock out stages of the league pretty difficult after turning in a below par performance against Tracton at shanbally on Thursday night. Whatever could go wrong for Shamrocks did on the night and they never got motoring against the visitors. Shamrocks played with the strong breeze early on and it was evident that this wasnt going to be our night from an early stage. Tracton kicked numerous wides in that half and should have been out of sight at half time. Shamrocks tried desperately to restructure their team in that period but could make little headway. Passes were going astray and ball were beig dropped all over the place. The 10 minutes after the break offered some hope to Shamrocks but the posession wasnt translated into scores at the other end. The heads went down at that stage after Tracton got their second goal and Tracton finished the game toying with the Shamrocks backs who tried their best on the night. Rob Lannon, Terence O’Sullivan and Dave Bourke got on the scoresheet for Shamrocks. Team (13 a side): R.O’Sullivan, K.Roche, B.McCarthy, D.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, S.Jordan, N.Hayes, D.Stuart, D.Hayes, R.McCarthy, J.Sweeney, R.Lannon. Subs used – K.O’Mahony, S.Bourke, T.Forde.

 

U12 Hurling League – 30/6

Kinsale 6-6, Shamrocks 4-7
Kinsale just about came out in top in this thriller in Kinsale last Thursday evening. The final result was the only thing that put a slight dampener on a very enjoyable evening for the Shamrocks lads, their last game of the campaign. On the night, Shamrocks best players were David Barton (capt), Cathal Kidney and Roy Twomey (3 goals). We wish to thank the Kinsale club who did their most to accommodate Shamrocks who were missing a lot of players previously, the parents of the players who made the journey out in support of the lads and Sid Kidney, who put a lot of effort into the preparation of the team for this match and others. People who give their time and effort to underage teams nowadays are hard to find. Team: Colin Walters, Barton, Jonathan Lynch, Stephen Healy, Matthew Garvey, Kidney, Alan Dunne, Aengus Boland, Tony O’Mahony, Jack Howard, Twomey, Daniel O’Reilly.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 29/6

Shamrocks 2-7, Glen Rovers 0-5
Shamrocks ‘swam’ to victory in this game played in the middle pitch up in the glen on Wednesday night. The story of this game was the weather! It was played in absolutely horrific conditions, a summer monsoon and the pitch was covered in water by the end. It was credit to both teams that they stuck manfully to the task, as the game was nearly abandoned twice. Colin O’Sullivan got the two water polo style goals for Shamrocks, while Todds, Darragh, Colin O’Sullivan, Stevie and Sean Kelly scored points Team: R.Collins, S.O’Reilly, P.Prout, S.Andrews, D.Roche, S.Collins, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, T. O’Sullivan, S.O’Neill, P.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, C.O’Sullivan, Dick, D.Collins. Subs used – K.Roche, S.Kelly.

 

U21 A Hurling Championship – 28/6

Tracton 4-11, Shamrocks 1-9
Shamrocks will have to try and make an impact via the backdoor after Tracton ran out convincing winners on Tue night. Shamrocks played poorly on the night and can have no complaints. Things were going well up to half time but Tracton greater strength began to tell thereafter. Tracton led by 6 points on the changeover and a couple of quick goals after half time put the issue beyond reasonable doubt. Shamrocks goal came with the last puck of the match from Dave Bourke who gobbled up a rebound close in. On the night, two many of Shamrocks established players didn’t perform to the best of their undoubted ability and it was left to the likes of young Gary Ronayne to carry the can for Shamrocks. For such a young player he played great stuff at midfield and he received some assistance from Dave O’Neill, Cian O’Neill in goal and Terence O’Sullivan. Team: C.O’Neill, S.Bourke, S.O’Reilly, D.Hayes, N.Hayes, S.Andrews, O.Boland, C.O’Neill, G.Ronayne, R.McCarthy, T.O’Sullivan, D.O’Neill, D.Bourke, C.Fitzpatrick, Fordy. Subs used – Daniel Stuart, R.Hourihane.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 21/6

Shamrocks 2-8, Whitechurch 1-14
Shamrocks could count themselves most unlucky to lose this game by three points as they played some fine hurling against strong opponents and certainly learned from the experience. Playing against the stiff breeze early on, Shamrocks conceded a lot of unnecessary frees which were pointed and trailed by seven points at half time. Dick Andrews with a bundled effort and Colin O’Sullivan with a fine overhead strike had goals in this period. Shamrocks came looking for scores after the break but the elusive goal would not come and some long range efforts were off target when a shorter delivery was required. Team: R.Collins, S.Andrews, P.Prout, S.O’Reilly, M.Prout, S.Collins, D.Roche, C.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, P.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan, D.Andrews, D.Bourke.

 

City Junior B Football League – 21/6

Shamrocks 1-9, Courcey Rovers 0-6
At the same time as the above game was being played on the top pitch at Shanbaly, the Junior B footballers took on Courcies on the bottom field. This was an enjoybale contest from start to finish. After a close enough first half, Shamrocks pulled away towards the end. Brian McCarthy, Nicky Hayes, Oisin Boland and Kevin O’Mahony showed the way for Shamrocks over the hour. Team: E.O’Rahilly, K.Roche, D.O’Neill, B.McCarthy, K.O’Mahony, B.Sweeney, N.Hayes, O.Boland, D.Stuart, S.Jordan, D.Hayes, T.Forde, R.McCarthy, A.Sweeney, F.Nugent.

 

U10 Football

The young people travelled to Kinsale on Sunday morning last for the last series of games and in the absence of other teams Shamrocks played a very enjoyable challenge against Kinsale. We are grateful to the minders who took time out to travel, John and Eithne Howard, Diarmuid and Olga Kelleher, Kevin O’Mahony, Gerard Murphy and Kieran Boland.

 

U12 Hurling

A severely depleted team were well beaten by Tracton in MinaneBridgeon Monday night. As reported some weeks ago holidays are taking their toll on panel numbers but so far we have been able to fulfil our fixtures.

 

Carrigdhoun Schools Blitz

In a very enjoyable competition played at Shanbally last Wednesday Ringaskiddy National School had victories over Rennies N.S and Gurranes N.S and advanced to the finals at Carrigaline where they eventually went down to Knockavilla. The remarkable thing about the Ringaskiddy side was that no sixth class student was available due to a school tour. The games were played with seven each side and the panel was: Tony Fitzgerald, David Barton, David Drinan, Cathal Kidney, Daniel Breen, Roy Twomey, Damien Kelleher, Lorcan Fidgeon, Josh Hanlon, Jack Breen, Tom Harris.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 10th Jul 2005

 

Junior Hurling Championship Quarter final – 9/7

Shamrocks 1-14, Valley Rovers 2-9
Shamrocks were given a tough test here in Camden tonight but qualify for a meeting with the winners of Courcies/Ballinhassig in roughly a months time. Both teams were slow to settle, in fact it took 13 minutes for the first score to arrive, a pointed free from on form Colin O’Sullivan. Rovers punished a Shamrocks defensive lapse shortly after to score their first goal, a rasper to the top corner giving Ronan Collins no chance in the Shamrocks goal. With the Camden field being on the short side, puck outs were landing on the half forward lines and this is where most of the action took place. Colin O’Sullivan brought Shamrocks back into the game from this range, punishing any Rovers fouling by slotting over a few frees. Todds also got a nice one from play. Half time Shamrocks led by a paltry 0-6 to 1-2. The second half was much better from both sides and proved a controversial one at that. Beside Stevie O’Neill getting a Shamrocks point from play, Colin O’Sullivan was the only Shamrocks scorer. His goal just after half time when he grabbed the sliotar from a sideline cut and buried it from close range was ultimately the winning of this game for Shamrocks. It opened up that bit of a gap which Valleys werent able to bridge throughout the remainder of the game. Colin O’Sullivan scored 1-12 in total, 2 point of that coming from sideline cuts, a quite brillant display of striking really. Just before the end, ref Ger Harrington sent off two Shamrocks players ( Senan Andrews – 2 yellows and Stephen O’Reilly – straight red) and another booked from the same incident. Rovers had none. They pushed Shamrocks all the way and got a late goal to close the gap to 2 points but time ran out. Teams: R.Collins, S.O’Reilly, P.Prout, S.Andrews, D.Roche, S.Collins, M.Prout, B.Sweeney, C.O’Neill, S.O’Neill, P.O’Sullivan, T.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, D.Collins, C.O’Sullivan. Sub used – Dick Andrews.

 

Well Done

Mickey Prout captained Cork juniors to victory in the Munster final V Kerry in Pairc Ui Rinn last Wednesday night (6/7). Not only that but he gave an outstanding display in defense. Also well done to Ballygarvans Ger Spillane who gave a great display from centre back on yet another winning Cork team.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 17th Jul 2005

 

U14 Football League – 15/7

Sliabh Rua 4-6, Shamrocks 1-3
Shamrocks lost out at home on Friday night last to Sliabh Rua after a game performance from this young team, many of whom are still u12. The half time score was 2-3 to 1-1 for the visitors, Darragh O’Sullivan having got the Shamrocks goal. Sliabh Rua pulled away in the second half despite the best efforts of Jack Wilson, Karen Twomey, Tony Fitzgerald and James Raleigh. Team: Jack Wilson, David Murphy, Cathal Kidney, Aaron Hickey, Daniel Breen, James Raleigh, Alan McCarthy, Joey Brady, Tony Fitzgerald, Darragh O’Sullivan, Alan Dunne, Roy Twomey, Jonathan Tuohy, David Barton.

 

U10 Hurling – 17/7

The lads travelled to Minane last Sunday morning to play a blitz. They had a great mornings play and had victories over Crosshaven, Tracton and Valley Rovers with a loss to Sliabh Rua. We wish to thank Eithne Howard, Olga and Diarmuid Kelleher, Jim Rahilly and Ian Breen who traveled with the players and helped out on the day. The panel used was Jack Howard, Michael Howard, Daniel O’Reilly, Aonghus Boland, Jack Breen, Dave Rahilly and Shane Kelleher.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 24th Jul 2005

 

Junior B Football League – 19/7

Kinsale 1-17, Shamrocks 2-6
Shamrocks now cannot qualify for the knockout stages of this league after their last 2 matches ended in their 2nd defeat in a row. This was a sporadic display from Shamrocks. At times they were over run by the Kinsale attack after attack, at other times they made the home side look very ordinary to say the least by playing some great football. Kinsale were faster to the pace of the game and led 0-5 to 0-1 after 10 minutes. Shamrocks came right back into the game with a few points and a goal from Seanan Collins. However, shortly after Shamrocks had a player sent off and within 1 minute, Kinsale had registered 1-1 at the other end of the field. We were left with a mountain to climb. In fairness to the lads, they never gave up and after kinsale had tagged on a number of scores in a 10 minute period after half time, Shamrocks took over. The introduction of the subs saw an improvement and 2 of them, Aaron Sweeney and Ferghal Nugent (goal) got on the scoresheet. We wish Jamie Sweeney a quick recovery from his knee injury which he sustained during the second half Team: M.Fitz, B.McCarthy, K.Roche, J.Sweeney, D.O’Neill, N.Hayes, K.Hegarty, T.O’Sullivan, O.Boland, R.McCarthy, D.Bourke, K.Tierney, D.Stuart, S.Collins, D.Hayes. Subs used – S.Bourke, P.Andrews, A.Sweeney, F.Nugent.

 

Junior B Hurling Championship – 24/7

Shamrocks 0-5, Crosshaven 5-8
While the scoreline might suggest an easy victory for the seaside visitors to Shanbally on Sat night, the scoreline was most definetly flattering to the Crosshaven lads in the end. An understrength Shamrocks gave as good as they got on the night, particularly in the second half and got within 6 points of Crosshaven about 15 minutes from the end when the visitors struck for two killers goals in a row to finish off the home challenge. Played on a wet night, Crosahven led 2-5 to 0-2 at half time, Dave Hayes and Rob Lannon with the scores for Shamrocks. They looked dead and buried but pinned Crosshaven back for the best part of 15 minutes of the second half, with Patrick Andrews putting over 2 points to give Shamrocks hope. However, the goal Shamrocks really needed never materialised and in fact, Crosshaven struck for two at the other end to effectively finish off the contest. Best players on the Shamrocks team on the night were Keith Roche, Dave Hayes, Rob Lannon, Oisin Boland, Cian Ronayne and Patrick Andrews. Team: C.O’Neill, J.Deasy, K.Roche, S.Bourke, D.Hayes, R.Lannon, B.McCarthy, O.Boland, C.Ronayne, P.Andrews, D.O’Neill, K.Tierney, K.Henerty, B.Hickey, T.Forde.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Weeks between 24th July and 13th August

 

There weren’t many games played in this period but here is what happened anyhow-

 

U16 Hurling Championship – 27/7

Kinsale 3-8, Shamrocks 0-6
An extremely youthful and inexperienced Shamrocks side weere no match for Kinsale at Shanbally on Wednesday night last and it is apparent that a lot of work needs to be done at this grade if the game is to florish in the club in future years. Team: M.O’Neill, R.Murphy, D.Brown, A.Hickey, D.Murphy, J.Browne, G.Ronayne, P.Brady, J.Tuohy, S.Hurley, D.O’Sullivan, S.Downey, J.Brady. A feature of the game was the outstanding performance of Gary Ronayne at midfield.

 

All-Ireland trophy for Shamrocks player

On Sunday July 31st, 22 year old Mickey Prout became the first player form the club, indeed the entire division, to captain a successful Cork All-Ireland Football winning team when Cork beat Meath in the Junior All-Ireland final in Portlaoise. Mickey was absolutely outstanding throughout the campaign, both as a player and as a leader, and in fact was man of the match in the close Semi final verses Sligo, where he snuffed out the Sligo dangerman in the second half. There were also to the 2 other South East players on the Cork team. Well done Mickey – a first for Shamrocks!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 15th Aug 2005

 

Junior A Football Championship – 11/8

Shamrocks 2-11, Belgooly 0-14
Shamrocks qualified for the semi final of the South East against Kinsale after a hard fought win over Belgooly at Minane Bridge last Thursday night. The foundations for this victory, as in the last round, were laid in the early stages of the match. Shamrocks struck for two early goals and Stevie O’Neill, Seanan Collins, Todds and Chris struck over some fine points to put Shamrocks in command 2-6 to 0-3 at half time. Belgooly, as is their want, didn’t give up and dominated the third quarter, and had the score down to 2-6 to 0-8 at that stage. However, Shamrocks reasserted themselves with some points from Mickey Prout, O’Neill and Collins again to reach the next round. The back line held out in the end when Belgooly came at them looking for goals. A big improvement is needed in the next round if we are to trouble Kinsale. On the night, Peter Prout, Chopper and Stevie Neill were Shamrocks best players.
Team: B. Mulqueen, C. Brady, P. Prout, K. Hegarty, B. Hickey, M. Prout, C. Ronayne, B. Sweeney, C. O’Neill, E. O’Mahony, S. O’Neill, S. Kelly, O. Boland, S. Collins, D. Collins. Subs used – T. O’Sullivan.

 

U21 A Hurling Championship knock out – 15/8

Carrigaline 2-11, Shamrocks 0-3
Shamrocks bowed tamely out of the under-21 hurling championship at Minane Bridge on Monday night. From the first whistle it was obvious that Carrigaline?s greater attacking force was going to be the defining difference between the teams. There was an obvious contrast between the 2 sets of forwards. When Carrigaline attacked they scored. When Shamrocks attacked, they didn’t score. The ball was coming out of the Carrigaline defense throughout meaning the Shamrocks defense at the other end was under constant pressure and despite their best efforts, the dam burst completely in the second half. Shamrocks didn’t score from play in the entire game and that just about sums it up really. Shamrocks best players on the night were Senan Andrews, who was outstanding in the half back line throughout and beat off 4 different Carrigaline opponents over the hour. Terence O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Reilly and Chris O’Neill played well at times, young Cian O’Neill in goal made one great point blank save in the second half while Dave Hayes improved throughout, as did under-16 player Gary Ronayne, who wasnt afraid to get stuck in. Team: C. O’Neill, S. O’Reilly, D. Hayes, D. Bourke, O. Boland, S. Collins, S. Andrews, T. O’Sullivan, C. O’Neill, N. Hayes, C. Fitzpatrick, B. Mulqueen, D. O’Neill, T. Forde, G. Ronayne. Subs used – E. O’Rahilly, F. O’Neill, T. Barrett.

 

Minor B Hurling Championship Final – 9/8

Kinsale 4-10, Shamrocks 3-3
Kinsale ran out deserving winners of this B final played last Tuesday. Shamrocks cause wasnt helped by the concession of soft goals after mistakes by the Shamrocks backs and the missing of scores at the other end, some from very scoreable positions. On the night, Mickey O?Neill in the Shamrocks goal was simply outstanding and prevented a certain rout with some great saves. Fergus O’Neill at corner back was solid throughout as was Rob Hourihane and Jason Browne. The Shamrocks goalscorers were Ronan O’Sullivan with two and Ivan Murphy.

 

Under-11 Hurling – 15/8

Tracton 3-6, Shamrocks 0-6
Tracton deserved their victory in this very enjoyable game of hurling, also played in Minane on Monday night in perfect conditions. Tracton led 2-2 to 0-2 at half time and got another midway through the second half to kill off Shamrocks, who battled gamely to the end. The club would like to thank Diarmuid Murphy and John Twomey (Ringaskiddy) and the various parents for organizing the lads. Team: Conor Walters, David Raleigh, M. Howard, Jack Howard, Jack Breen, Matthew Garvey, Roy Twomey, James Raleigh, Jamie Murphy, Aongus Boland, Daniel Reilly, Donie Hayes. Best for Shamrocks on the night were goalkeeper Conor Walter, the midfield of Roy Twomey and James Raleigh and Aonghus Boland.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 21st Aug 2005

 

Under 14 Football – 16/8

Shamrocks 2-3, Carrigaline 4-11
An understrength Shamrocks proved no match for a strong Carrigaline side at Shanbally last week. Shamrocks were behind from an early stage and despite the best efforts of Declan Sheehan in goal, Karen Twomey, James Raleigh and Cathal Kidney; they just couldnt peg back the deficit.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 Week ended – 28th Aug 2005

 

Junior A Hurling Championship Semi final – 21/8

Shamrocks 4-5, Ballinhassig 1-12
Shamrocks qualified for the final of the South East Junior Hurling Championship for the first time since 1981 when they had a thrilling last minute victory over Ballinhassig, who themselves were trying to reach the decider for the fourth time in a row. Time was almost up when a Stephen O’Neill floated-into-the-square free dropped amongst about seven players who all pulled on the ball. Luckily for Shamrocks, and after years of bad luck, the ball rebounded off somebody or something and trickled into the back of the net. Nobody was quite sure who scored the goal but it doesnt matter – we’re in the final in two weeks, against Kinsale, who demolished Carrigaline in the first game yesterday. September 4th in innishannon (not Brinny) is the date with destiny. Shamrocks hot gotten off to a flying start and new full forward Terence O’Sullivan had the ball in the back of the Ballinhassig net inside 30 seconds. After Ballinhassig had opened their account at the other end, Colin O?Sullivan struck home a rebound from the ‘hassig keeper to the net to give Shamrocks an early 5 point lead. Slowly but surely, Ballinhassig started to get on top, and with the wind at their backs, they chipped away at the Shamrocks lead, and actually led at the half time break, 1-6 to 2-2. They got an early point to stretch their lead to two, before Shamrocks had their first bit of luck in front of goal in the second half. A Stephen O’Neill effort for a point dropped short and amid the confusion at the edge of the Ballinhassig square, the ball rebounded off a defenders shin into the back of the Ballinhassig net for goal number 3. Shamrocks were now ahead, but the ‘hassig weren?t buried yet. After Shamrocks had made a few positional switches, their half forward managed to score three points from play within 8 minutes and Ballinhassig moved back into a two point lead with time almost up. It was desperation stuff all round and it culminated in that dramatic finish. On the night Shamrocks had many heroes. The two corner backs, Senan and Dick Andrews were outstanding and Senan kept a close reign on Ballinhassig dangerman Denis McCarthy. Mickey Prout was his usual consistent self at wing back while in the forwards, Todds caught a lot of ball at centre forward as did Terence O’Sullivan at full. Team: R. Collins, S. Andrews, P. Prout, D. Andrews, D. Roche, S. Collins, M. Prout, C. O’Neill, S. Kelly, S. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, P. O’Sullivan, D. Collins, T. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan. Subs used – C. Ronayne, D. Bourke.

 

Under 14 Football  23/8
A severly understrength Shamrocks were completely over-run by Tracton at Minane Bridge on Tuesday night last. This team have been hampered by holidays and what not all season and its a credit to the mentors and players that they have fulfilled their fixtures at all. On the night, Roy Twomey, James Raleigh, Joey Brady and Aaron Hickey were Shamrocks best players.

 

Under 11 Hurling – 22/8

Valley Rovers 6-6, Shamrocks 2-3
Shamrocks were short a few for this game but still put up a decent performance in Brinny last Monday night. Shamrocks best players on the night were Michael and Jack Howard, Roy Twomey, David and James Rahilly, Daniel OReilly and Jack Breen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Week ended – 3rd Sept 2005

 

Minor B Football Final – 27/8

Kinsale 3-12, Shamrocks 1-9
Kinsale ran out deserving winners of this final played at Riverstick on Saturday afternoon last. Shamrocks certainly played their part throughout an enjoyable contest and maybe with a bit more luck and savvy in front of goal could have pushed Kinsale even harder. The first half was just about Kinsale’s as they led by 1-5 to 0-3 at half time, Gary Ronayne, John Cronin and Tomas Barrett with a beauty the Shamrocks scorers. Shamrocks resumed the half much the stronger and Barrett had the ball in the back of the Kinsale net soon after the restart and this allied to points by Dave Hayes and Cronin again gave Shamrocks great hope of an unlikely victory. However, Kinsale struck for two killer goals inside 7 minutes to effectively close out the game, though Darren Kirwan tagged on a few late Shamrocks points. Thanks to the selectors who persevered with this team who have struggled with numbers throughout the season. Team: R. O’Sullivan, F. O’Neill, C. McCann, I. Murphy, J. Browne, D. Kirwan, C. Fitzpatrick, D. Hayes, P. Brady, J. Cronin, T. Barrett, G. Ronayne, C. O’Neill, R.Hourihan, S. Dunne. Subs used – R. Murphy, D. Murphy.

 

U12 Hurling, Cecil Gash Tournament – 27/8

The under 12 hurlers of Shamrocks, Tracton and Kinsale played in the annual Cecil Gash tournament in MinaneBridgelast Saturday. The Shamrocks lads really enjoyed their days play. Shamrocks lost to a late Kinsale goal but beat Tracton by 5 points, to finish runners up overall. Thanks to the Tracton for organizing the event and inviting Shamrocks to participate and for providing medals, tea and refreshments for all. Also thanks to the Shamrocks mentors for the time and effort put in to organizing the lads – Sid, Ian Breen, Jim Raleigh and John ‘Socket’ Twomey. Players used – Roy Twomey, David Barton, Stephen Healy, Michael Howard, Jamie O’Driscoll, James Raleigh, Cathal Kidney, Daniel Breen, Declan Sheehan, Aonghus Boland, Tony Fitzpatrick, David Rahilly, Jack Howard, Matthew Garvey, Damien Kelleher, Jack Breen.

 

Under 11 Hurling – 29/8

Ballygarvan 7-6, Shamrocks 3-3
A young Shamrocks team went down to a well drilled Ballygarvan side over in Ballygarvan last Monday night. Team: Jack Breen, Michael Howard, Conor Walters, Jack howard, David Barton, Matthew Garvey, David Rahilly, Roy Twomey, James Rahilly, aonghus Boland, Tony Fitzpatrick, Patrick Murphy, Shane Kelleher, Daniel O’Reilly, Lorcan Fidgeon. Our thanks to John Howard and Jim Rahilly who helped out on the night.

 

Under 14 Football Championship – 2/8

Shamrocks 4-3, Sliabh Rua 7-9
This was not the one sided contest that the scoreline suggests but a game in which Shamrocks gave as good as they got after a disastrous start in which they conceded 4 goals without reply in the first 10 minutes as a result of defensive errors. Declan Sheehan in goal could not be faulted while Daniel Breen and Darragh O’Sullivan were prominent throughout. Alan McCarthy caught some great ball at midfield and his distribution was excellent while up front Cathal Kidney was forceful and committed to the end. D. Sheehan, D. Barry, J. Brady, A. Dunne, D. Breen, D. O’Sullivan, D. Murphy, A. McCarthy, A. Hickey, J. Raleigh, C. Kidney (0-2), T. O’Mahony, J. Tuohy(2-0), D. Brown (1-1), R. Twomey (1-0). Subs – D. Barton, J. O’Driscoll, J. Lynch.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 10th Sept 2005

 

South East Junior A Hurling Final – 4/9

Shamrocks 1-9, Kinsale 1-7
Shamrocks captured the Carrigdhoun Junior A Hurling Championship crown after a gap of 24 years after this thrilling victory over a gallant Kinsale side at Innishannon on Sunday afternoon last. The game was played in slippery conditions throughout, especially the first half, when torrential rain turned the game into a battle of attrition between two wound up teams. Kinsale were first on the board with a point but Colin O?Sullivan for Shamrocks, after some uncharacteristically early errors, began to find his range from placed balls. Such was the nature of the contest that both free-takers were to play pivotal parts in the game. It was nip and tuck coming up the 20th minute when Colin O’Sullivan grabbed the sliotar on the 13 and unleashed a shot to the Kinsale net, which the Kinsale keeper got a touch to but couldn’t keep it out. Shamrocks gained belief from his score and went in at half time leading 1-3 to 0-5, the scoreline reflecting the tough, hard, physical exchanges. Brian Sweeney got the only Shamrocks point from play just before half time. Still, the game was there for the taking for either team and it seemed that whoever got a run of scores going was going to emerge victorious. Shamrocks were the better team overall up to the middle of the second half when they had stretched into a four point lead through O?Sullivan and Stephen O’Neill, who crucially, was coming more into the game at half forward. Kinsale had been reduced to 14 men after one of their midfielders had got a second yellow – advantage Shamrocks. However, despite Shamrocks sensibly deploying Senan Andrews as the spare man in defense, not for the first time we saw a team with a numerical disadvantage up their game and within a minute had the game level with a goal and a point. Advantage Kinsale just about. The next score was going to be vital and thankfully for Shamrocks, after a scoreless 5 minutes, Stephen O’Neill broke free down the right wing and sent over the score of the game, and with it the all important lead entering the last 5 minutes. Terence O’Sullivan swung over a ludicrous point thereafter to stretch it to two. Kinsale hit back with a point of their own but O’Sullivan restored the lead to 2 entering injury time.
The tension was almost unbearable as the drab first half had been forgotten. Kinsale tried manfully with one more attack but Shamrocks scrambled the ball to safety. Oliver Webb blew the final whistle amid scenes of great joy for all connected with the club. Again, everyone played their part on the day and it would be absolutely unfair of me to pick out one player over another. This was a victory for the club and a badly needed one at that. Captain Peter Prout accepted the cup from a no doubt proud South East chairperson John Twomey. Team: R. Collins, D. Andrews, P. Prout, S. Andrews, D. Roche, S. Collins, S. O’Reilly, M. Prout, C. O’Neill, S. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, P. O’Sullivan, D. Collins, T. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan. Sub used – D. Bourke, blood sub Sean Kelly. Incidently Shamrocks play the winners of the Carbery division, either Diarmuid O’Mathunas or Kilbrittan, who drew last Sunday in their respective divisional final.

 

Man of the Match presentation

Seanán Collins received the man of the match award at a very pleasant function held in the Roberts Cove Inn on Monday lunchtime. The club would like to thank Denis Quinn and his staff for the lovely meal and hospitality provided to all the Shamrocks members present at the award. Well done Seanán who cleared a pile of ball from center back.

 

Under 16 Football Championship – 7/9

Shamrocks travelled to Ballinspittle to take on Courcey Rovers in the first round of the championship and lost out by 5 points in the end.

 

Under 14 Football League – 2/9

Crosshaven 4-5, Shamrocks 2-4 Shamrocks played some of their best football of the entire season against Crosshaven but it wasnt enough to give them the win on the night. Declan Sheahan, Joey Brady, Cathal Kidney and Darragh O’Sullivan shone for Shamrocks while manager Declan O’Neill made sure 20 players were togged out for Shamrocks, a mnagnificent feat considering the problems this age group have had all year actually fielding teams.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 17th Sept 2005

 

Under 11 Football – 13/9

Ballygarvan 3-2, Shamrocks 1-11
Our under 11 footballers had a great win the other night away to Ballygarvan. Shamrocks led by 0-8 to 1-1 at half time and did just enough to register the win. Roy Twomey was top scorer with 0-7 and he was assisted by Tadhg O’Mahony (1-3) and Aongus Boland (0-1). Team: Peter Barry, Michael Howard, Conor Walters, Jack Breen, David Raleigh, Roy Twomey, James Raleigh, Matt Garvey, Tony O’Mahony, Aongus Boland, Conor Cusack, Jack Howard and Patrick Murphy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 24th Sept 2005

 

South East Junior A Football Semi Final – 18/9

Kinsale 0-11, Shamrocks 0-6
The euphoria of the hurlers recent victories didn’t rub off on the footballers last Sunday morning as Kinsale gained revenge for some hurling defeats earlier on in the year to qualify for this years South East football final. In many ways the hurling victories possibly had a detrimental effect on Shamrocks as players maybe had their eyes on other prizes. Whatever the reason, Shamrocks turned in a largely inept performance on the day. In fact, the game was more or less over as a contest as early as the 16th minute as Kinsale raced into a 0-6 to 0-1 lead and were completely dominant over Shamrocks in all sectors of the field. Shamrocks couldn’t possibly have played worse in that opening 30 minutes even if they tried. Absolutely nothing was going right for them; score able frees were being driven wide and any attempts from play were just ballooned up into the sky and the Kinsale backs were just gobbling up the scraps and setting up attacks for their own forwards. The only ray of sunshine for Shamrocks in that half was the display of Peter Prout at full back, and he continued his hard work into the second half. At the break Kinsale had a 0-7 to 0-1 lead. Shamrocks had only pride to play for in the second half as they turned to face the breeze but in fairness they did improve in all sectors. Chris O?Neill had our first point from play within a minute of the restart but Kinsale were always comfortable throughout, even though Shamrocks enjoyed the lions share of the second half possession. Brian Sweeney, Shamrocks fourth free taker on the day slotted over a few frees and did Joe Shanahan from play but Kinsale comfortably hung on to deservedly claim their place in the final verses Courcey Rovers or Tracton. Team: B. Barrett, B. Hickey, P. Prout, K. Hegarty, C. O’Neill, D. Roche, C. Ronayne, B. Sweeney, M. Prout, O. Boland, S. O’Neill, E. O’Mahony, D. Collins, S. Collins, J. Shanahan. Subs used – T. O’Sullivan, C. Brady, S. Andrews, D. Bourke.

 

 

Under 12 Football Blitz – 15/9

RingaskiddyNationalSchoolwon the football blitz for the first time in 13 years with this great victory on Thursday afternoon last. It was held in Shanbally and on route to the final RingaskiddyNSbeat BallinadeeNS, GurransNSand St Josephs boys NS, Kinsale. They played Gurrans again in the final and after leading at half time 1-4 to 1-2, they pulled away in the second half to record a tremendous victory on the scoreline of 3-15 to 1-4. Most of the panel is backboned by the Shamrocks under-12 team. Team: Tony O?Mahony who was brilliant in goal, David Barton who was outstanding in the full back line, Cathal Kidney, Daniel Breen, David Drinan who was also outstanding throughout, Damien Kelleher (Capt.) and Roy Twomey. Subs were Chris O’Sullivan, Josh Hanlon, Daniel Galvin and Michael Howard. A special thanks and well done to Mr. John Herlihy who took care of the team.

 

Under 16 Football Championship – 14/9

Shamrocks played Courcey Rovers in the first round of the B championship on September 7th and came away on the wrong side of a 3-9 to 2-8 scoreline in Ballinspittle. They led by a goal at half time but the concession of 3 second half goals was to prove their undoing. As a result, Shamrocks played Crosshaven, who themselves beat Carrigaline in the first round. Again short a few regulars, and with a limited panel made up of a few under 14 players, Shamrocks came up against a physically stronger Crosshaven on the night and lost out on a scoreline of 3-7 to 2-4 to finish their season. Team: Tomas Pierce, Ronan Murphy, Stephen Hurley, Donie Murphy, Cormac Horgan, Stephen Walters, Philip Brady, Gary Ronayne, Alan McCarthy, Jason Browne, Mickey O’Neill, Stephen Downey, Brian Cusack. Thanks to the selectors Pat Q and Deano for the effort they put in with the lads over the year.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 1st Oct 2005

 

County Junior A Hurling Quarter Final – 24/9

Shamrocks 0-10, Diarmuid O Mathunas 1-6
Shamrocks are into the semi final of the County after defeating Diarmuid O Mathunas on Saturday afternoon last in Kinsale. This game was played in an absolute monsoon but the standard served up by both teams, particularly Shamrocks in the second half, was excellent. Colin O’Sullivan grabbed the winner for Shamrocks with a minute of ordinary time left when he put a sideline cut over the bar from 30 yards out. It was a brilliant score into the teeth of the wind and the rain and it gave Shamrocks a deserved win, as their second half display was their best of the year. Shamrocks hurled O Mathunas off the field in the second half but the conditions dictated that scores were hard to come by. Shamrocks were on the scoreboard first through Todds Sweeney from play but were rocked back by a quickfire 1-1 from O Mathunas. Conditions were starting to deteoriate as the game moved into the second quarter as both teams matched each other score for score. Besides Colin O’Sulliva from frees, Chris O’Neill and a beautiful effort from Stevie O’Neill way out on the wing kept Shamrocks within 2 points of O Mathunas. The half time score was 1-4 to 0-5 and O’Mathunas were in the driving seat as they turned to play with the elements in the second half. Shamrocks had a re-jigged team at this stage and each of the switches was to work out in their favour, particularly Mickey Prout in his preferred half back position. In fact the entire Shamrocks half back line were the launching pad for many a Shamrocks attack in the second half as they completely took over and received able support from the midfield and half forwards. Players struggled to perform the most basic of tasks and even getting a clean strike on the sliotar was proving difficult. This was borne out by the fact that Shamrocks got 4 65’s in a row midway through the second period and each one was only able to reach the O Mathunas 21 yard line.
Stevie O’Neill stepped up to the plate late on to steady the free taking ship and landed another from play to finally get Shamrocks level with 5 minutes of normal time left. Enter Colin Spud to stroke over the winner. O Mathunas had a late free go agonisingly wide as Shamocks qualify for a meeting with Fr O’Neills in the County semi final in 2 weeks time. Team: R.Collins, S.Andrews, P.Prout, D.Andrews, D.Roche, S.Collins, S.O’Reilly, M.Prout, C.O’Neill, S.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, P.O’Sullivan, D.Collins, T.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan. subs used – D.Bourke, J.Shanahan, S.Kelly. All other games involving the club this week were cancelled.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 8th Oct 2005

 

U11 Football – 8/10

The under 11’s lost out narrowly to Valley Rovers in the South East Football Semi Final last Saturday afternoon. It was an outstanding game of football and this team have played some great stuff throughout the year and can be very proud of themselves. The final score was Valley Rovers 2-7, Shamrocks 3-2. Thanks to team mentors Ian Breen and Oliver McCann for their countless hours work put in on the training field with this group of players. Team : D.Barton, M.Howard, C.Walters, G.Hartnett, J.Breen, J.Raleigh (1-0), D.Raleigh, T.O’Mahony (0-1), R. Twomey (2-1), A.Boland, M.Garvey, J.Howard, M.Murphy, D.O’Reilly. Subs Shane Kelleher, Patrick Murphy, Owen Sheehan, Daniel Hayes.

 

U11 Football

The boys and girls of the under 11’s have played three games over the last week and are proving to be one of our most successful underage teams. Last Thursday night (29th) they lost out to Crosshaven by a single point but have followed up that reverse by recording two wins in a row to qualify for the semi final. They beat Tracton on Saturday (1st Oct) by three points and again won by a three point margin on the following Tuesday night (4th), this time at home to Carrigaline. Players used over the three games were David Barton, Conor Walters, D.O’Reilly, M.Murphy, Jack Breen, James Raleigh, David Raleigh, Roy Twomey, Tony O’Mahony, Matthew Garvey, Michelle Murphy, Gary Hartnett, Patrick Murphy, Aongus Boland, Jack Howard, Shane Kelleher and Owen Sheehan. The semi final is on this coming Saturday at home to Valley Rovers at 12 noon. Well done and best of luck to all involved.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 Week ended – 15th Oct 2005

 

County Junior A Hurling Semi Final

Fr O’Neills 3-17, Shamrocks 2-6
Shamrocks hurling odyssey for 2005 came to an end in Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday as a crack Fr O’Neills side inflicted a heavy beating on a game but outclassed Shamrocks team to reach their 3rd county Junior Hurling final in 5 years yesterday. Fr O’Neills showed just why they are strong favourites for the title with a power packed display of all the skills of hurling. They started with the very strong wind to their backs and after a slow start in the first 10 minutes, after which they led by 0-3 to 0-1, they really turned on the style coming up to half time. Their midfield was lording it in the middle of the field and they along with the nippy inside forwards started picking off the scores with ease to forge ahead 0-11 to 0-2, Stephen O’Neill and Joe Shanahan being the sole Shamrocks scorers. To make matters worse for Shamrocks, O’Neills bagged 2 goals before half time, the first from a well struck penalty, to finish off the game as a contest. Half time 2-11 to 0-3 and the ship had sunk. Shamrocks only had pride to play for in the second half and this they did admirably, never for one second giving up, eventhough the strong wind had eased off. After O’Neills had struck for yet another major shortly after the restart, They managed 2 goals midway through the second period, the first from a well struck Colin O’Sullivan 21 yard free and the second from a Darragh Collins ground stroke to pull the defecit back to 10 points. This was as close as they got as Stephen O’Neill had another goal bound effort well saved and O’Neills broke to send the ball over the bar at the other end to underline their class. Chris O’Neill and Stephen O’Neill from frees were the other Shamrocks scorers in the second half. Team : R.Collins, S.Andrews, P.Prout, S.O’Reilly, D.Roche, S.Collins, M.Prout, C.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, S.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, J.Shanahan, D.Bourke, D.Collins, C.O’Sullivan. Subs used – P.O’Sullivan, C.Ronayne, O.Boland.

(Fr O’Neills later went on to win the All Ireland that year)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 22nd Oct 2005

 

Junior B Football Championship

Crosshaven 3-11, Shamrocks 0-3
Shamrocks got what they expected atCamden last Saturday in the Junior B Football championship. With absolutely no preperation whatsoever done for the match, this was one way traffic all the way. In fact, such was the desimation caused by unavailable players, injuries and so on, Shamrocks did well to actually field a team at all. On the day, Shamrocks were best served by Ronan O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Reilly, David Hayes and manager Pat McCarthy who came out of retirement to ensure Shamrocks had the 15 players.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 29th Oct 2005

Junior A Hurling League – 23/10

Shamrocks 3-11, Ballinhassig 0-11
Shamrocks junior hurlers completed the South East championship and league double for the first time in 25 years as they had a deserved victory over Ballinhassig at Ballinhassig on Sunday morning last. The game got the go ahead at the last minute as conditions were very heavy underfoot for both teams. Shamrocks longer hurling year seemed to benefit them as they had been training regularly up until 2 weeks ago for the County. Their first touch seemed to be better than the home sides and apart from the first fifteen minutes after half time when Ballinhassig cut a 5 point deficit back to draw level, Shamrocks were definitely the sharper team. Both teams took a while to adjust to the sticky conditions and it was level pegging early on. Davey Bourke at corner forward gave Shamrocks the go-ahead goal after 17 minutes of the game and Shamrocks were never led thereafter. The added a few more points through Colin O?Sullivan coming up to the break to stretch their half time lead to 1-7 to 0-5 (Joseph Shanahan, Brian Sweeney and Chris O’Neill being the other scorers). Ballinhassig took over after half time and looked like they might win the game such was their dominance, however a vital point form Chris O?Neill and an opportunistic goal from Bourke again put daylight between the teams once again. Great scores from Stevie Neill and a goal from the hard working Shanahan were the green icing on the Shamrocks cake. A good year for hurling on the cup therefore; Peter Prout accepted a second Carrigdhoun trophy after the match. Well done to all involved and dont forget the Junior B hurlers can add another title next Saturday against Crosshaven in the league final. Team: R. Collins, S. Andrews, P. Prout, S. O’Reilly, D. Roche, S. Collins, M. Prout, C. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, S. O’Neill, T. O’Sullivan, J. Shanahan, D. Bourke, D. Collins, C. O’Sullivan. Subs used – P. O’Sullivan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 5th Nov 2005

Sponsored Walk – 31/10

The underage club held its annual sponsored walk on the bank holiday last. Our thanks to all who sponsored and those who got sponsored and also to John Socket Twomey and his wife Geraldine for organising the event.

 

Condolences

The club extends its sympathy to the family of Donie Livesey of Ringaskiddy who died over the weekend. Donie played at full back for Shamrocks for a long number of years and picked up 2 South East hurling medals in 1959 and 1963 with the club. He also played football with Robert Emmets and played on the Cork Junior hurling team of 1960 along with 3 other Shamrocks players. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 12th Nov 2005

 

Junior Football League Semi Final – 6/10

Shamrocks 0-5, Courcey Rovers 1-8
Shamrocks were beaten by 6 points in the football league semi final played on the bottom pitch on Sunday afternoon last. With no preparation done for the game there was a lack of urgency throughout and Courceys adapted better to the windy conditions. They raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead within 15 minutes and this proved to be the decisive move of the match. Shamrocks played catch up thereafter and never really threatened to win the game, despite points from Chris O’Neill (x2), Joe Shanahan (x2) and Seanán Collins. Team: B. Barrett, C. Brady, P. Prout, D. Roche, C. Ronayne, C. O’Neill, B. Hickey, M. Prout, T. O’Sullivan, S. O’Reilly, J. Shanahan, E. O’Mahony, S. Kelly, S. Collins, S. O’Neill. Subs K. Hegarty, O. Boland

Socials Upcoming

The club will hold a race night in the Shamrocks Bar on Thursday night December 8th to help raise much needed funds for the club. A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed as well. Contact organizers Patrick Andrews, Finny O’Flaherty, Tadhg Forde, Declan O’Neill or Bernard Hickey to buy horses and jockeys. Prior to that, the club are holding a victory dinner in honour of Michael Prout captaining the Cork junior footballers to All-Ireland glory this year. It will take place in Pfizers Sports club on Friday night, November 18th and tickets are priced at €20 per person, available from committee members.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

Week ended – 20th Nov 2005

 

Junior B Hurling League Final – 20/10

Crosshaven 1-4, Shamrocks 2-13
While the A team have been getting all the plaudits for their exploits this year, last Sunday in Camden it was the turn of the Killers B’s to hog the limelight. Shamrocks have had a good year at adult hurling and this was simply the icing on the cake and a fitting end to an 11 month season for some of these players, who trained just as hard as the rest of the A team but who didn’t see any championship action. In the process, and this is what made it all the sweeter was the fact that this was Shamrocks first ever Junior B hurling trophy, and all the belts that captain Keith Roche got during the game were forgotten as he gleefully accepted the trophy (the biggest in the division). Shamrocks approached this game like a championship match in the middle of summer and it paid off. They were faster out of the starting blocks and maintained their dominance throughout. The score after 20 minutes was 0-8 to 0-2 with Barry Mulqueen, Oisin Boland, Pat O’Sullivan and Rob Lannons 65 finding the target. Sean Bourke bundled home a goal to put Shamrocks firmly in the driving seat before Crosshaven struck at the other end for a goal which left the half time score 1-10 to 1-3, some scoring for Junior B in November. Shamrocks took their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half as both defenses got on top. Dave O’Neill, who had come on as a sub before half time, pulled on a loose ball on the 21 yard line and that was the last anyone saw of until the Crosshaven net bulged a pico-second later. Game over. It was as good a goal as you’ll never see! Anyway, the game meandered to its inevitable conclusion with Deccy Sheehan lighting up proceedings with 2 brilliant points from wing back. Welcome home mate! Pat Sull and Barry Mul added on a few more to end the year on a high for the greens. It was a great performance all round.
Congrats to the selectors John Hanley, John Bourke, Bernard Hickey and in particular the manager John Collins who is the epitome of Shamrocks hurling. The team (13 a side) played as follows: Patrick Andrews was safe and dependable in goal and dealt with any high balls admirably. There was no meltdown (as there sometimes is) this week. The full back line of Keith Roche and Dick Andrews would strike fear into any inside forwards. Dick started quiet enough but grew into the game while Keith volunteered as a guinea pig to the Crosshaven forwards who were testing the reaction of the human leg to hurley bashing. The mans legs were black and blue as he accepted the cup. The half back line yesterday was the rock that the victory was founded on. Bernard played his best ever hurling game in a Shamrocks shirt and showed the value of training throughout the year. Deccy Sheehan cleared a pile of ball and as mentioned above, all the training on “Maroubra beach” in Oz with Tony “Wombat” Dunne and the coconuts paid off as he fired over 2 brilliant second half points. I wouldn’t like to be standing in front of Snotser when he’s bearing down on you at full tilt with a hurley and sliotar. In the fulcrum position, Rob Lannon gave an exhibition of centre back play. Unlucky not to have played the last day against O’Neill, he lorded his own 45 to 65 yard line, clearing ball after ball, left and right. A welcome back to you also Rob. Sean Kelly and Cian Ronayne in the engine room kept the ball moving throughout and Kelly in particular popped up all over the pairc. Oisin Boland ran so much at half forward that he was a small bit tired at the end (!) and scored a beauty of a point over his shoulder in the first half. The ball didn’t fall kindly for Ciaran Fitzpatrick on this particular morning but he has a lot more to offer in the years ahead. Dave O’Neill, his replacement played his part and finished off the game with his missile. Sean Bourke won a pile of ball, especially when moved inside and his hurling ability shone through. Inside, Barry Mulqueen was deadly from placed balls and was unlucky not to have scored a goal or two. Another who returned successfully from injury. Pat Sullivan (the man who “thinks” he’s retiring) was superb and played his best game all year. Not known as a scoring forward, he got 3 points from play, all from the half forward position when he was moved out. It was good to see the following subs come on and they too played their part – Ken Tierney, Kieran Hennerty, Kieran Hegarty and Cian O’Neill. The subs who were unlucky not to play but who have a part to play next year were Jamie Sweeney, David Hayes, Tadhg Forde, Robert McCarthy and Fergal Nugent. Thanks to the Crosshaven club who produced their pitch in as good a condition as could be expected for this time of year and we congratulate them on winning the county under 14 C grade football championship on Saturday last, where they beat Adrigole. So there ends a successful season for Shamrocks hurlers and if the Dinner Dance isnt sold out next year then it never will !

 

Underage Social – 20/11

The young members (under 10’s) of our club held a very enjoyable social last Sunday evening last in the Community Centre in Ringaskiddy. Our thanks to Kieran Kramer who supplied the disco music and to Joseph Shanahan for presenting the medals. We are also grateful to the many parents who gave their time and much of the ‘goodies’.

 

Precentation to Mickey Prout

The club held a very pleasant function for Michael Prout in Pfizers sport club last Friday night. This was in recognition of his outstanding leadership given to Cork Junior Footballers in 2005 as they won theMunsterand All-Ireland cups. Invited guests included the trainer Mossy Barrett from Donaghmore, selector Donal McCarthy and kit man Mick Curtin, both from Valley Rovers. Ger Spillane from Ballygarvan, who played centre back on the team was also in attendance. They all received a token of appreciation from Shamrocks in recognition of their efforts during the year. Jim Forbes, Chairman Cork County Board and Liam Webb, Runai South East Board were also present. Also our thanks to the two John Twomeys and Pat Tuohy who organised the night.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 11th Dec 2005

Race night

The club held only is second ever race night on Thursday night but such was it a success that it is bound to be pencilled in for next year and perhaps beyond. Besides being a vital fundraiser for the club, it is one of the highlights of the social calender in the club, of which thankfully we have had more than our fair share of in 2005 (whether by accident or design!). There was plenty of ‘horse play’ on the night, winners, losers, close finishes, money, pints and above all else craic. The club would like to thank a few people – everyone who bought a horse and jockey (up to a 100 including the action race buyers), everyone who turned up on the night and bet, all or sponsors who we are very grateful to, Mark and the staff of the Shamrock Bar, the two lads who run the tape (their names escape me now), the Belgooly lads (Pat Sullivans crowd) who sat in the ‘corporate box’ under the telly and really “added” to the atmosphere!,everyone who lost money and the main organisers who met up to 3 months ago and have huge mobile bills as a result – Finny O’Flahery, Tadhg Forde, Pa Andrews and Deccy O’Neill (and Bernard and Pat Sullivan who sold a race each). Eventhough some horses are still running, we’re sure they’ll be still around this time next year to rejoin the race (right Darren Roche and Colin O’Sullivan? Bad night eh?) .

 

Underage Social

The under 12’s received their medals for winning the football championship earlier this year at a function held in Pfizers sports club last Friday night. Each player was presented with a medal and a copy of a photo of the team panel byCorkhurling star Wayne Sherlock. Along with the under 12 trophy, captain of Cork Junior Football team, Mickey Prout brought along the All-Ireland and Munster cups as well as his Shamrocks Junior team colleagues who brought along the South East hurling championship and league trophies. The young lads were deserving of the support of the more Senior club members as they put in a great years effort. We’d like to thank everyone who turned up on the night, especially the parents and representatives of the schools, without whose support we couldnt survive, and especially the main organiser John “Socket” Twomey