Week ended – 20 Febuary 2000
Junior Football League – 14/2
Courcey Rovers 1-8, Shamrocks 2-8
Shamrocks got the season off to a pleasing start with an unexpected win out in Ballinspittle last Sunday afternoon.
The game featured a rousing second half performance from Shamrocks, who overturned a 1-7 to 2-2 Courceys lead at the break. It also featured some interesting positional selections and switches. Shamrocks first 2 scores were goals, Peter Prout and Sean Kelly obliging with the millenniums first. Courceys were the better team in the first half, but Shamrocks played some lovely football in the second half, with all the scores bar one coming from play. Included in this were points from Cian Ronayne, Aidan Carroll, Sean Kelly, Michael Prout and Alan Geary. Overall, a good team performance.
Team: Robert Stuart, Declan Sheehan, Ian Breen, Pat Cusack, Bernard Hickey, Darren Roche, C. Ronayne, P.Prout, A.Geary, M.Prout, S.Kelly, Patrick Andrews, A.Carroll, Brian Sweeney, Darragh Collins. Sub used: Billy Timlin.
Week Ended – 27 Febuary 2000
Minor Football League – 27/2
Shamrocks 1-5, Ballinhassig 6-7
You could tell the story of this game from reading the scoreline – Ballinhassigs ability to create and take their goal chances. That was essentially the difference between the teams. The Ballinhassig backs were far too strong for the Shamrocks forwards, especially the full-forward line. Full compliments to both teams for playing admirably in atrocious ground conditions. The game was decided after the break, when the blues added a few goals to their 3-3 to 1-1 half-time lead.
The young Shamrocks team battled on but their physical size and youthfulness in the face of the Ballinhassig challenge was not enough on this occasion.
Eoin O’Mahony, despite the goals conceded, which he could do nothing about, had a good game in goal, as did Ronan Jordan, Seanán Collins and Steven O’Neill, who tried very hard. As a result of the ground conditions, the junior game for later that afternoon was cancelled.
Team: E.O’Mahony, D.O’Neill, C.Brady, E.O’Sullivan, R.Jordan, J.Delanty, S.Collins, M.Prout (0-1), I.Allen (0-1), S.O’Neill (0-3), M.O’Sullivan (1-0), L.O’Sullivan, S.Andrews, T.Forde, D.Bourke. Subs: S.Carroll, B.Mulqueen.
Week ended – 4th March 2000
Junior Football League – 4/3
Shamrocks 2-7, Valley Rovers 2-8
A strange game in many respects, with both teams enjoying long periods of complete dominance. Shamrocks controlled the start and end of the game, with Valley Rovers doing all their damage in between.
Shamrocks started off as if they were going to blow Valleys away, leading 0-6 to 0-0 after 15 minutes, many of the points being of excellent quality. But they let it slip altogether until the last 10 minutes. Valley Rovers completely dominated in between and had racked up 2-7 without reply, to lead by 6 points.
But Shamrocks got on top towards the end, helped by goals from Cian Ronayne and Colin O’Mahony. However, that elusive point to draw level was squandered on a few occasions by Shamrocks.
Team: P.Cusack, D.Sheehan, I.Breen, D.Roche, D.O’Flaherty, P.Prout, C.Ronayne (1-0), D.Andrews, B.Sweeney (0-1), G.Prout (0-2), M.Prout (0-2), M.Kidney (0-2), B.Hickey, C.O’Mahony (1-0), S.Kelly. Subs: P.Ryan, C.O’Sullivan, M.Lannon, J.Sweeney, B.McCarthy, A.Carroll, D.Livingstone.
Minor Football League – 5/3
Kinsale 3-12, Shamrocks 0-10
A comprehensive win for a far stronger Kinsale outfit . With only 4 on the year minors and 3 of last years U14 team on duty, our performance was commendable.
Team: B.Mulqueen, D.O’Neill, C.Brady (0-2), E.O’Sullivan, S.Andrews, J.Delanty, T.O’Keeffe, M.Prout (0-2), I.Allen (0-1), S.O’Neill (0-3), E.O’Mahony, L.O’Sullivan (0-2), S.Collins, A.McGarry, D.Bourke. Subs: S.Carroll, T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, D Tuohy.
U10 Section – Indoor Hurling Blitz
We had two teams on duty at Rochestown Hall last Sunday when teams from Douglas and Carrigaline provided stern opposition. On the day, our young boys and girls scored six wins out of ten.
Panels:
Team 1. Colin Murphy, Frank Bruen, Philip Brady, John Horgan, Sarah Edwards, Laura McCarthy, Brian Cusack, Darragh O’Sullivan
Team 2. Michael O’Neill, Alan McCarthy, Stephen Hurley, Colm Barrett, Eimer O’Rahilly, Jonathan Tuohy, Thomas Dinan.
Week ended – 19th April 2000
City Junior Hurling League – 4/4
Shamrocks 3-10, Blackrock 1-5
Shamrocks made an excellent start to their venture in the City League with a polished performance against a disappointing Blackrock side. Shamrocks were in top in all areas of the field, with the halfback line supplying plenty of ball to the forwards. Of this bunch, Willie Ashman with 2 goals, Colin O’Sullivan with 1-3, Pat O’Sullivan and John Dineen did most of the scoring. Shamrocks used the second half to give a run to most of the subs.
Junior Hurling League – 9/4
Bishopstown 0-6 Shamrocks 1-8
A strong half performance saw Shamrocks keep up their good run in the league. John Dineen was outstanding for Shamrocks at centre-back, while Colin O’Sullivan got the goal with a great ground shot. Darragh Collins and Alan Aherne also got some good scores from play.
Team: R.Collins, P.Prout, R.Lannon, M.Kidney, D.Roche, J.Dineen, D.Sheehan, A.Geary, P.Sullivan, D.Collins, B.Sweeney, C.O’Sullivan, B.Hickey, W.Ashman, A.Aherne. Sub used: C.O’Mahony.
U21 B Football Championship – 8/4
Crosshaven 1-9, Shamrocks 1-7
Shamrocks made their exit from the championship after a rather tame effort at Carrigaline. Crosshaven tore the formbook to shreds with a real smash and grab show and deservedly took the honours. They showed how to win a match by living off scraps. Shamrocks had enough possession to win two matches but their shooting was terrible at times, and must have kicked upwards of 20 wides. Colin Brady was Shamrocks best player at corner back.
Team: R.Stuart, C.Brady, J.Delanty, B.McCarthy, M.Prout, A.Aherne, B.Sweeney, R.Collins, C.O’Sullivan, G.Prout, C.O?Mahony, A.Jeffers, P.O’Mahony. Subs used: M.O’Sullivan, D.Livingstone, I.Allen.
U14 Section – Football
The U14’s got the season off to a winning start with victory against Crosshaven last week. After a slow start, they started to get on top and Ronán O’Sullivans goal set them on their way. Good points followed from Niall Tuohy. The rest of the game was fairly competitive, with the bigger Crosshaven team having their chances. However, Shamrocks deserved their 3-9 to 2-5, and were best served by David Hayes, Niall Tuohy and Oisin Boland.
U12 Football
This enthusiastic group had their first win of the season last weekend, beating Ballygarvan on a scoreline of 2-9 to 0-5. Jason Brown and Fergus O’Neill were Shamrocks best players on the day.
Week ending – Late April 2000
Junior Hurling League – 29/4
The Junior Hurlers have played two matches in the last week, recording two victories. Last Wednesday night, they beat the Barrs in Togher.
This was a close one all the way, with Shamrocks turning in a fine second half to win on a scoreline of 2-13 to 2-8.
John Dineen was outstanding again at centre-back, with the tireless Pat Sullivan at midfield also a revelation. Mark Hickey, Darragh Collins and Colin O’Sullivan from frees got most of the Shamrocks scores. Alan Aherne saved his second half energy for the all important goal which brought Shamrocks into the lead for the first time and sub Finny O’Flaherty got the clincher.
Junior B Hurling League
On last Saturday night, the Junior Bs beat Crosshaven in a controversial game. The game was over by half time, with Shamrocks about 15 points to the good.
To their credit, Crosshaven did make a game of it in the second half without ever threatening to win. Players to play well included Keith Roche, Michael Prout and Kieran Hegarty. Final score: 4-9 to 1-10.
Junior Hurling League – 2/5
The Junior Hurlers have recorded two victories in the last week, the first coming against an experimental Ballinhassig in the City JHL.
Shamrocks led for most of the match, with Colin O’Sullivan putting over frees from all angles, along with Colin O’Mahony and Mark Hickey. Shamrocks conceded some late goals but held on for a one point win. Then last Sunday in the sweltering heat of Mallow, Shamrocks and Kanturk played out a thriller, before Shamrocks pulled away towards the end of extra-time. It really was a mixed bag of a performance from Shamrocks.
They led by a point at half time, Willie Ashman getting the goal. They looked out of it approaching fulltime, before Darragh Collins goal brought them back into it. When the final whistle went, it was all square, 2-9 to 1-12.
The heat was certainly on at this stage as the two committed teams took to the field for 30 extra minutes. It was a ding-dong affair for most of the extra period, until Colin O’Sullivan, rather fortunatously it must be said, goaled from a long range free. Another followed, and the game was over.
Peter Prout, Pat Murphy, John Dineen, and Pat Sullivan were best for the greens. Final Score: Shamrocks 4-13, Kanturk 1-15.
Junior A Football Championship – 14/5
Shamrocks 0-7, Courcey Rovers 2-8.
Shamrocks made a losing start to their football championship last Sunday night. Courcey Rovers proved too powerful in the end, even though the final result proved to be a bit flattering for them.
Shamrocks certainly put it up to the winners, especially in the middle section of the match, where they completely dominated. However, Courceys pace, in particular in their forward line, won them the victory on the night.
A scoring burst of 1-4 in the last 10 minutes was crucial, after Shamrocks had battled back from 1-4 to 0-1 down after 15 minutes of the first half. Another mixed bag of a performance, two points from play in the entire match tells its own story.
Shamrocks were best served by Ian Breen, Colin O’Mahony, Bernard Hickey and Gary Prout in the first half.
Team: R.Stuart, D.Sheehan, I.Breen, R.Collins, M.Prout, P.Prout, C.Ronayne, M.Kidney, P.Ryan, C.O’Mahony, A.Gaery, B.Hickey, D.O’Flaherty, D.Collins, G.Prout. Subs used: B.Sweeney, I.Allen, A.Aherne.
The losers go into a special first round losers group.
U16 Football League – 22/4
In the U16 league it finished Shamrocks 1-6, Ballinhassig 3-5. Shamrocks went down in the end to a more determined Ballinhassig last week. This was a very disappointing performance, as a promising half-time position didnt produce a sufficient second half performance. The concession of two soft goals early on didnt help Shamrocks.
Tadhg Forde got the Shamrocks goal in the first half. Most of the Shamrocks scores came via Joseph Shanahan frees. Ballinhassig deservedly pulled away in the last couple of minutes.
Team: B.Mulqueen, S.O’Keeffe, D.Tuohy, D.O’Neill, N.Hayes, T.O’Keeffe, R.Brien, S.Andrews. J.Shanahan, S.Collins, E.O’Mahony, S.Carroll, D.Bourke, T.Forde, M.O’Mahony. Subs: C.Fitzpatrick, G.Jordan, O.Boland, R.McCarthy.
U16 Hurling League – 13/5
The lads have played two matches in the last week. Tracton were the visitors last week, and after the Shamrocks team turned in a courageous performance, the game ended in a draw. Both teams must be complimented on an excellent display of hurling.
Man of the match was certainly Terence O’Sullivan, who pulled off a number of brilliant saves. Rory Brien, Ciarán Fitzpatrick, and David Bourke were others to play well.
Then last Sunday morning, Shamrocks ran out comfortable winners (in the end) over Kinsale. Kinsale put up a good show for most of the game, but once Tadhg Forde and David Bourke in particular cut loose, then game was over as a contest. Dave O’Neill, Chris O’Neill, and in particular Joseph Shanahan had superb games for Shamrocks.
U16 Football League – 10/5
Shamrocks 1-11, Carrigaline 1-4.
A great second half display from a number of players inspired Shamrocks to this league win over a good Carrigaline team. The first half performance certainly didnt please the selctors, as Carrigaline led 1-2 to 0-3. Whatever was said at half time really worked in the second half as Senan Andrews and Chris O’Neill inspired the rest of the team to overwhelm Carrigaline in the second half.
Andrews ended up with 1-4 from midfield, while O’Neill was outstanding at half-back. Steven O’Keeffe, the excellent David Tuohy and David O’Neill were on top in the fullback line, and not far behind were Tadhg O’Keeffe and Terence O’Sullivan in the half-back line. Eoin O’Mahony was deadly accurate from frees, as was David Bourke from play, ending up with 0-3.
U14 Football League – 29/4
Two games have been played in this past week. Firstly a loss to Courceys in a very tough game at Shanbally. Despite being short a few regulars, the Shamrocks lads turned in a fine performance, especially in the second half. Gavin Rogers, new addition David Taggert and Sean Bourke were the pick of the Shamrocks players.
Final score: Shamrocks: 2-5, Courceys 4-9.
Then last Friday, Shamrocks and Kinsale played out an absolute thriller in Kinsale, the game ending in a draw. Again, a fine second half performance from the greens. Ronán O’Sullivan in his new position of full-back was excellent, as was goalkeeper Eanna Cole. Others to shine were Cathal Fitzpatrick, Steven Twomey, Shane Hickey, Tomás Barrett and David Hayes. The bulk of the scoring was done by Terence O’Sullivan with 3-2, and Niall Tuohy with 2-1.
U14 Football League – 5/4
Then last week, Shamrocks beat Carrigaline second string in the League. This was a great 4 point win as Carrigaline proved tough opposition. Steven Jones at corner forward got a great goal. Other players to play well included Gavin Rogers, David Palmer-Taggart, Ronan O’Sullivan and Sean Bourke. They have now qualified for the semi-final on a date yet to be announced.
U12 and U10 League Section – 6/5
The U12 footballers had a great victory over Douglas 1 last Saturday, which enabled them qualify for the semi-final, played last Monday night. Shamrocks were unfortunate to run up against a very strong Kinsale outfit in this one, who proved much too strong for a Shamrocks team which perhaps underperformed on the night.
Aoife Breen, Cathal Fitzpatrick Gavin Boland were best for Shamrocks, while the goalie couldnt be blamed for any of the goals.
U10 Football – 9/5
Shamrocks played in the U10 Football blitz at Shanbally last Sunday. They came 2nd of 4 teams, the others being Crosshaven, Carrigaline and Douglas. There is another blitz in Riverstick this weekend, on a day yet to be announced. Well done to the organisers of this group of players for their efforts.
Week ended – 7th June 2000
Junior Hurling League – 7/6
Shamrocks 3-9, Blackrock A 3-7
Just the one match played in the past week, and it proved to be a good effort from a Shamrocks point of view. Blackrock first Junior team came down to Shanbally, and left with no points as Shamrocks turned in a fine hours hurling in wet and windy conditions.
Colin O’Sullivan with 2-5 and Darragh Collins were the main scorers, while Darren Roche and Colin O’Mahony turned in great displays.
U14 Football Semi-Final – 9/6
Shamrocks 5-7, Kinsale 2-8
On the toss of a coin, our sporting opponents Kinsale made the trip to Shanbally to play their second match against Shamrocks this year. The previous league game ended in a draw, however this time Shamrocks had 8 points to spare in the semi-final.
Shamrocks had great performances from Eanna Cole in goal, Ronan O’Sullivan, Steven Twomey, David Hayes, Oisin Boland and Cian O’Neill. Shamrocks now play the winners of Carrigaline and Courceys in the final. We wish them well.
Week ended – 24th June 2000
Junior Hurling
In preparation for this weeks championship encounter against Ballinhassig, Shamrocks have played a number of games at Junior A and B. On Tuesday night in Delaneys against the home team, Shamrocks turned in a very disappointing performance. Conditions were very poor and Shamrocks were never in front in this game. Alan Aherne got Shamrocks goal in the second half. John Dineen, and the two Prout brothers were best for the losers.
On Wednesday night in similar conditions, it was the turn of the Junior Bs, who took on Tracton in a challenge match. Tracton led 2-2 to 0-1 at half time. But Shamrocks had the strong wind at their backs in the second half, and with Brian Sweeney and Bernard Hickey tagging on the points,and strong displays from Keith Roche, Kieran Hegarty, Mick Lannon and Tomás O’Sullivan, Shamrocks eventually won by a point, 1-7 to 2-3.
Last Saturday night, the City League game against Brian Dillons turned out to be a procession for Shamrocks, as they won by 3-11 to 0-5. Darren Roche, Deccy Sheehan and Alan Geary played well, while the scoring was done mostly by evergreen Willie Ashman with 2 goals, Alan Aherne, Darragh Collins, Colin O’Sullivan, Colin O’Mahony and Bernard Hickey.
U16 Hurling Blitz
Shanbally was the venue for group 1 of the SE invitational blitz on Saturday morning. Shamrocks, Sliadhb Rua, Killeagh and Newcestown played off. An understrength Shamrocks acquitted themselves well, but found the pace of 7-a-side too much. Tadgh Forde, Robert McCarthy, David Tuohy and Cathal Fitzpatrick were best for Shamrocks.
Minor Football
Shamrocks had a useful workout against Bishopstown in preparation for the upcoming championship game against Ballygarvan. Eoghan O’Sullivan, Mickey Prout, Seanán Collins and goal scorers Steven O’Neill, Senan Andrews, Mark O’Sullivan were on top form for the winners.
Week ended – 4th August 2000
Junior Hurling League – 4/8
Shamrocks 3-14, Ballygarvan 0-11
Shamrocks had a fairly convincing win over Ballygarvan in the end last weekend in the championship. It was only in the last 15 minutes that they pulled away with centre forward John O’Sullivan mainly responsible. His first goal ten minutes into the second half was the real turning point, and Shamrocks never looked back after that.
The game was tied at 6 points each at the break, with Colin O’Sullivan being his usual reliable self from frees, hitting over 0-5 in that first half. He continued his form into the second half and along with O’Sullivan, Darragh Collins, Colin O’Mahony and a beauty of a goal from Cian Ronayne accounting for the scores, they pulled away to set up a quarter final against old rivals Carrigaline next weekend.
Peter Prout, Darren Roche, Brian Sweeney, Alan Geary were others to play well.
Team: R.Collins, P.Prout, W.Ashman, M.Kidney, B.Sweeney, D.Andrews, D.Roche, P.O’Sullivan, A.Geary, C.O’Sullivan, J.O’Sullivan, M.Prout, C.O’Mahony, D.Collins, A.Aherne. Subs used: J.Dineen, F.O’Flaherty, C.Ronayne.
Week ended – 12th August 2000
CARRIGALINE HURLERS BITE THE DUST!
Junior A Hurling Championship – 12/8
Shamrocks 0-11, Carrigaline 0-7
A truly wonderful team performance paved the way for this famous Shamrocks victory over Carrigaline in the South-East Hurling Championship quarter final at Ballygarvan last Saturday night. Revenge was sweet for the greens, who had been beaten by the same opponents in last years Championship.
The game was very close all through. Carrigaline raced into an early 2 point lead and their forwards looked very sharp. Shamrocks hit back, mainly through Colin O’Sullivan from frees. Willie Ashman contributed the half-time lead point from play. The second half saw Shamrocks remerge really believing in themselves, and almost from the throw in, Michael Prout sent over a great point from play, to make it 0-5 to 0-3 for Shamrocks.
Carrigaline began to get on top after that, without ever threatening Ronan Collins in goal. They clawed back to 0-7 all with 10 minutes to and looked like they might go on to win. But this Shamrocks team showed it true character, and after John O’Sullivan went close to a goal, the floodgates opened and Shamrocks scored four unanswered points from play to finish out the game.
Darragh Collins, Colin O’Sullivan (2) and fittingly John Dineen put the icing on the cake. I say fittingly because John Dineen was the best player on the field at centre-back. He gave an exhibition of covering and clearing his lines, both on the ground and in the air. Carrigaline simply had no answer to him. Michael Kidney at corner back and Dick Andrews were others to excel, and these wise heads showed the way for ‘younger’ Brian Sweeney who had an absolute stormer at midfield. Alan Geary stymied Carrigaline efforts in the same area, while Darragh Collins (when moved to half-forward), Michael Prout and sub Alan Aherne all made vital contributions.
With the clubs Vice-President Donal Brady and Treasurer Helen Prout talking to the Man upstairs in Lourdes all weekend, their efforts were well and truly rewarded. In reality however, it was Shamrocks greater will to win which told in the end, and Carrigaline, gracious as ever in defeat, wished us well in the semi-final against Courcey Rovers (who Carrigaline have already beaten in the Championship).
Team: R.Collins, P.Prout, R.Lannon, M.Kidney, D.Andrews, J.Dineen, D.Roche, A.Geary, B.Sweeney, C.O’Sullivan, J.O’Sullivan, M.Prout, C.O’Mahony, D.Collins, W.Ashman. Subs used: A.Aherne.
Week ended – 15th August 2000
Minor Football Championship – 24/8
Tracton 2-9, Shamrocks 1-6
A close and hard fought semi-final all through deservedly went Tractons way in the end. Tracton were first on the scoreboard with an early goal. Playing against the hill in the first half, Shamrocks weathered the storm with Mark O’Sullivan scoring a goal from a penalty and slotting over a free. The Shamrocks defence lived a charmed life at times in that first half.
It was 1-2 each at the break with everything to play for. It was clear that Tractons physical superiority was contributing to them getting on top in the 2nd half while Shamrocks performance was littered with mistakes throughout. After a rather fortunate goal and the sending off of one of Shamrocks players, Tracton pulled away in the last 5 minutes.
All but three of the Shamrocks panel are underage again next year. Mark O’Sullivan was easily Shamrocks best player, scoring 1-5.
Team: B.Mulqueen, E.O’Sullivan, C.Brady, D.Touhy, C.O’Neill, J.Delanty, T.O’Keeffe, M.Prout, S.Andrews, S.Collins, M.O’Sullivan, I.Allen, T.Forde, E.O’Mahony, D.Burke. Subs used: S.O’Neill, L.O’Sullivan, N.Hayes.
Major Scalp for Minor Footballers – 15/8
Shamrocks 5-14, Ballygarvan 1-9
Shamrocks Minor footballers shocked County Champions Ballygarvan in the Quarter-final of the SE Minor A Football Championship at Carrigaline last week.
They played some superb football in the first half in particular, and had the game more or less wrapped up at half-time. Their ability to get goals was striking, considering their first three scores were majors, two from Eoin O’Mahony and another from Tadhg Forde.
Ballygarvan managed to recover with 1-3 but that was largely the extent of their first half effort. With superb running off the ball and support play, allied to their dominance at half-back and midfield, Shamrocks went in leading 3-5 to 1-4.
It was a case of keeping the expected Ballygarvan revival at bay in the second half, and this they did admirably, scoring some nice points, particularly from Steven O’Neill, who ran riot in that second half, scoring 0-6.
Yet again, every player on the panel played their part, but the ones who really stood out were Colin Brady, Jamie Delanty, Chris O’Neill, Michael Prout, Steven O’Neill and Mark O’Sullivan, who was back to his very best.
U16 Hurling Championship – 18/8
Shamrocks 4-8, Kinsale 2-3
Nine of that Minor Football team switched codes on Friday night but it didn’t seem to matter as they comfortably disposed of Kinsale, who yet again, sportingly made the long trip to Shanbally.
As this was coupled with a league game as well, a competition Shamrocks are very much in the running for, a lot was riding on the result, especially for the home team. However, after Barry Mulqueen (now operating at full-forward) had completed his hatrick by the 20th minute, the outcome was a forgone conclusion.
Shamrocks were well ahead at halftime, and just went through the motions in the second half to close out the game. Kinsale did make a fight of it in the second half even when they were down to 14 men through injury, but found Terence O’Sullivan dependable in the Shamrocks goal. Others to play well included Joseph Shanahan, Robert McCarthy who won a lot of ball, and Barry Mulqueen.
Having said all that, a much improved performance will be needed if the lads are to challenge Ballinhassig in the next round, which was being played this week.
