Archives 2003

Week ended – 9th Feb 2003

 

Carrigdhoun/City Minor A Football League 9/2
Bishopstown 2-7, Shamrocks 1-7
The concession of 2 goals, one in each half, just proved too much of a handicap to overcome at an extremely heavy pitch at Bishopstown on Sunday last. Shamrocks were considerably understrength on the day but put up a good performance nevertheless, before fading before the end. Team: R.O’Sullivan, R.McCarthy, D.Tuohy, R,Brien, S.Bourke, C.O’Neill, P.Stuart, T.O’Sullivan, D.Kirwan, O?Boland, S.Andrews, D.Hayes, N.Tuohy, B.Mulqueen, P.J O’Dwyer.

 

Carrigdhoun Junior Football League – 9/2
Shamrocks 0-11, Kinsale 2-5
A strong finish, which yielded 3 points without reply, achieved a share of the spoils for Shamrocks at Shanbally on Sunday afternoon last. Kinsale were more forceful in the first half and deserved their lead of 3 points at the interval. Strong defending by the Shamrocks backs and some good football at midfield and up front brought about the revival. Team: M.Fitzpatrick, C.Brady, P.Prout, D.Stuart, N.Hayes, D.Sheehan, K.Hegarty, B.Sweeney, M.Prout, C.Tierney, A,Geary, D.Bourke, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, S.Collins. Subs used: I.Breen, T.Forde, I.Allen, C.O’Sullivan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 16th Feb 2003

 

Carrigdhoun/City Minor A Football League – 16/2
Shamrocks 0-10, Tracton 2-5
A second successive defeat for Shamrocks in the league. Shamrocks played below expectations on the day. They enjoyed plenty of possession but a lack of punch up front was evident. Shamrocks played with the strong breeze in the first half and were 7 points up at half time, Senan Andrews, Oisín Boland, Niall Tuohy and Chris O’Neill doing the scoring. Tracton came much more into the game and started to pick off their scores. They went ahead inside the last 5 minutes and held on. Team: D.Kirwan, P.Stuart, D.Tuohy, R.Brien, O.Boland, C.O’Neill, R.McCarthy, T.O’Sullivan, S.Andrews, C.O’Neill, B.Mulqueen, S.Bourke, P.J.O’Dwyer, C.Fitzpatrick.

 

Junior Football League – 16/2
Carrigaline 0-6, Shamrocks 0-10
Shamrocks had a good win over neighbours Carrigaline on Sunday afternoon in Carrigaline, winning by 0-10 to 0-6. This was a tough game of football and the teams were evenly matched all through, with very few goal-scoring chances created. It was close at half time and it was only in the last 10 minutes of the game that Shamrocks pulled away, getting the winning scores. Brain Sweeney, Cian Ronayne, Michael Prout and Ian Allen did most of the scoring for the greens. Team: M.Fitzgerald, C.Brady, P.Prout, D.Stuart, N.Hayes, D.Sheehan, K.Hegarty, B.Sweeney, M.Prout, C.Ronayne, S.Collins, C.Tierney, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, D.Bourke. Subs used – I.Allen, A.Geary

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ended – 2nd Mar 2003

 

Junior Football League – 22/2
Shamrocks 2-13, Crosshaven 2-2
A third game undefeated leaves Shamrocks in an excellent position to qualify for the League semi finals. This was a game that Shamrocks completely dominated territorially, yet Crosshaven kept in touch until well into the second half. The first half saw Shamrocks with 80% of the possession , playing into the wind, yet, unbelievably, the trailed at half time. They scored most of their points in that half from Steven O?Neill from frees, the Shamrocks midfield and half line being fouled every time they came through the middle. Seanan Collins was the other scorer from play and Shamrocks were 0-7 to 0-2 in front approaching the short whistle. Yet Crosshaven punished some slack Shamrocks defending to score 2 quick goals before half time to lead. The second half was Shamrocks out of the blocks straight away, with Dave Bourke, Brian Sweeney and Steven O’Neill again registering Shamrocks points to claw ahead until subs Mark Hickey (1-1) and Colin O’Sullivan finished the contest with goals. To their credit, Crosshaven played played good football till the end and added a goal from a penalty and a point to their score. On the day, Todds Sweeney, Colin Brady, Nicky Hayes and Senan Collins were Shamrocks best players. Team: M.Fitzgerald, C.Brady, P.Prout, D.Stuart, N.Hayes, D.Sheehan, K.Hegarty, B.Sweeney, C.Ronayne, S.Andrews, S.Collins, C.Tierney, S.O’Neill, D.Collins, D.Bourke. Subs used – C.O’Sullivan, M.Hickey, D.O’Neill, D.Kilgannon, D.Roche.

 

Carrigdhoun/City Minor A Football League – 2/3
Shamrocks 3-6, St Vincents 4-7
Things haven’t clicked for the Minors yet this year so far and this trend continued at Shanbally on Sunday morning. Vincents were a handy team with some good forwards and really should have won by more. But credit to Shamrocks, despite playing below par again, they hung in there right till the end and were a tad unlucky not to be closer at the finish. Vincents got their goals at vital stages, their first half goal the difference between the teams at half time, despite Senan Andrews and Joe Shanahans points. Shamrocks did dominate after the break and Barry Mulqueens goal and Cian O’Neill point brought them to within 2 points of the visitors. But Vincents enjoyed most of the possession for the next 10 to 15 minutes and 2 very soft goals conceded in this period effectively ended the game as a contest. Shamrocks did plug away and Chris O’Neill and Shanahans goals brought the greens right back into it again. However, Vincents broke again and sent over the insurance point. Overall, better than the previous weeks performances, but plenty of work still to do. Team: R.O’Sullivan, R.Brien, D.Tuohy, S.Bourke, S.Andrews, C.O’Neill, O.Boland, T.O’Sullivan, J.Shanahan, R.McCarthy, C.Fitzpatrick, N.Tuohy, C.O’Neill, B.Mulqueen, D.Hayes. Subs used – T.Barrett, G.Foley

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Weekend ending – St Patricks Weekend 2003

 

Junior Hurling League – 16/3 and 17/3
Shamrocks 2-12, Ballygarvan 3-8 and Delaneys 1-8, Shamrocks 0-6
Shamrocks had a one point victory on their first outing at hurling this year, the South East League at Shanbally. This game was dominated by the strong wind that blew right up the top pitch. Shamrocks played with it in the first half, but Ballygarvan were the first to settle, getting a few points into the breeze. Shamrocks gradually fought their way back into it and fine points from Colin O’Sullivan, Terence O’Sullivan, Chris O’Neill, Pat O’Sullivan and Darragh Collins, all from play put Shamrocks back in front approaching half time. Dave Bourke from play and Colin O’Sullivan from a 21 yard free scored Shamrocks goals coming up to half time and this gave them a 2-10 to 0-4 lead facing into the wing in the second half. While Shamrocks scored only 0-2 in the second half, Ballygarvan were restricted to 3 goals and a few points, a few wides costing them towards the end. Shamrocks just about held on in the end for a deserved narrow win. On the day, Michael Prout showed his class on many an occasion, along with Senan Andrews and Seanan Collins in the half back line. Pat Sullivan (until he went off injured) and Chris O’Neill worked tirelessly at midfield. Colin O’Sullivan had a good game at half forward while Terence O’Sullivan and Darragh Collins had their moments.
On Monday, Shamrocks traveled to Delaneys to take on the home side and the excursions of the previous day (or night?) seemed to affect their performance. Shamrocks never really got going in this one. It was a lethargic display throughout yet Shamrocks could have won the game towards the end, finding themselves only a goal down with 5 minutes left, Delaneys wasting a pile of possession through wides. Darragh Collins, Brain Sweeney and Terence O’Sullivan from play and Colin O’Sullivan from a sideline cut were responsible for the Shamrocks total of 0-6, while Delaneys finished on 1-8. Indeed, the Colin O’Sullivan sideline cut is an interesting story! About 35 yards out, he struck a beauty over the bar into the wind. To his disappointment, the referee wasnt ready so it had to be retaken. The Delaneys player who was standing in front of Colin ‘dared’ him to repeat his feat and that he would buy him 5 pints after the match. Much to the delight of everyone on the sideline, Colin did exectly that, right over the centre point. It raised the biggest cheer of the day, even from the Delaneys players, except yer man, who ran off with his tails between his legs, and he didnt open his mouth for the rest of the game! Just shows you that the phrase ‘let your hurling do the talking’ can sometimes be proved true. Well done Professor O’Sullivan!

 

Junior Football League – 2/3
Shamrocks 0-6, Ballygarvan 1-14
Ballygarvan were the visitors to the lower pitch at Shanbally last Sunday and they showed just why they are SE champions with a very impressive display of football. The half time score of 1-9 to 0-1 tells its own story and this was achieved despite Shamrocks playing with the hill and the wind in the first half. Ballygarvans strong running, support play and fitness had the Shamrocks team all at sea in that period, with wave after wave of Ballygarvan attack ending in scores. Steven O?Neill scored Shamrocks point from a free just before half time. However, the disappointment of the team and mentors on that first half hour was forgotten about in the second half as Shamrocks upped their performance considerably, without ever threathening the Ballygarvan lead. The half back line became more of a force and Shamrocks enjoyed a lot more possession. Further points from O’Neill, Seanan Collins, Colin O’Sullivan and Ian Breen brought Shamrocks back within 7 points of the visitors before Ballygarvan reinserted themselves with some late points. They go on and qualify for the league semi-finals along with Kinsale, who had a better scoring record than Shamrocks, who are eliminated. Team: M.Fitzgerald, C.Brady, P.Prout, K.Hegarty, N.Hayes, D.Sheehan, S.Andrews, B.Sweeney, M.Prout, S.Collins, I.Breen, D.Bourke, S.O’Neill, C.O’Sullivan, C.Tierney. Subs used – J.Sweeney

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ending – 22nd Mar 2003

 

U21 A Football Championship – 22/3
Shamrocks 4-12, Courcey Rovers 0-5
Shamrocks had a comfortable victory over a youthful Courceys side at Minane last weekend. Indeed, this Shamrocks team is a youthful one itself as only one player is U21, the rest below. While most of the scoring was done in the second half, the real ground work was done in the first half when our opponents were at their best and Shamrocks still deserved their halftime lead of 3 points. Team: B.Mulqueen, D.Stuart, C.Brady, D.Tuohy, D.Bourke, M.Prout, D.O’Neill, C.O’Neill, N.Hayes, S.Andrews, S.Collins, S.O’Neill, I.Allen, T.Forde, J.Shanahan. Subs used-E.O’Rahilly, T.O’Sullivan, S.Carroll.

 

Underage Trip to Wexford – 22/3
The club organised a trip for the U12 and U14 Footballers to Wexford town last weekend. With club PRO Patrick Andrews working in the town, ties were set up with two local teams and a game was played against them. 29 players and 6 adults joined Patrick in Wexford around noon. We couldnt have asked for a better day weatherwise. Pairc Charman was the venue for Shamrocks V St Johns Volunteers U14’s and ‘the Vols’ ran out easy winners in the end, Shamrocks short some of their best players. At little bit later at Clonards pitch up the road, the home team and Shamrocks played out a thriller at U12 level, Shamrocks holding on for a 2 point win. Alan McCarthy and David Spillane played both games, but they could have played 5 games such was the excitement. Thanks to both St.Johns and Clonard who provided refreshments after the games. On then to New Ross, to visit the Dunbrody Famine ship which is a fantastic piece of restoration work. An before the final journey home, everyone tucked into a meal in the Rhu Glen Country Club, Co. Kilkenny, near Waterford City. So a great adventure for the club and everyone ended at 8.30 when we returned exhausted but with many happy memories of the trip.

 

Junior Hurling League – 23/3
Shamrocks 4-11, Lough Rovers 2-3
After last weeks reverse at Delaneys, Shamrocks got back on winning ways with an easy win over Lough Rovers at Shanbally last Sunday morning. For the third game in a row, the selectors had to make wholesale changes due to various circumstances. Thankfully, we are operating off a much bigger panel this year. Shamrocks lead from start to finish and were never threatened. Team: S.O’Neill, D.Sheehan, P.Prout, D.O’Neill, C.Tierney, M.Prout, D.Roche, P.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan, P.Ronayne, D.Collins, B.Sweeney, D.Bourke, A.Aherne, B.Hickey. Subs used- T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, K.Hegarty.

 

Carrigdhoun/City Minor A Football League – 23/3
Whites Cross 2-9, Shamrocks 2-6
Shamrocks are still without a win in this league and this was a case of getting a team togother more than anything. The problem lies in the fact that a couple of key players are out injured till the summer so hopefully things will improve before championship. Last Sunday a severly weakened Shamrocks team lost 2-9 to 2-6 to Whites Cross at Whitechurch.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 29th Mar 2003

 

Junior B Football League- 30/3
Crosshaven 1-7, Shamrocks 3-8
A good start to the league was achieved atCamden on Sunday morning last. Shamrocks had an opportunity to try out some new players who have not been around for some time and some fine performances were evident to the selectors. Team: E.O’ Rahilly, D.Stuart, D.O’Neill, P.Prout, N.Hayes, K.Jordan, S.Jordan, I.Cummins, J.Sweeney, R.Lannon, D.Roche, C.Tierney, K.Tierney. Subs used – T.Forde, T.Carpenter.

 

Junior Hurling League- 31/3
Shamrocks 0-13, Ballinhassig 1-7
A good win was recorded against the blues reserve side but such was the depletion of the Shamrocks side a good deal of encouragement can be taken from the result. On a pitch (top one) in excellent condition for hurling, the standard of skill displayed by Stephen O’Neill in goal, Senan Andrews at wing back, Chris O’Neill and Brian Sweeney at centre field and Darragh Collins at centre forward was pleasing to watch. Team: S.O’Neill, D.Sheehan, R.Lannon, P.Prout, C.Tierney, D.Roche, S.Andrews, C.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, D.Bourke, D.Collins, J.Sweeney, B.Hickey, C.O’Sullivan. Subs – T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, N.Hayes.

 

Cork Players over the weekend
This weekend, 4 young players from the club played in the ‘blood and bandage’ of Cork. Joe Shanahan played at half forward for Cork Minor Footballers against the auld enemy Kerry and scored 3 points. Cork won. Mickey Prout played for Cork U21 hurlers against Tipperary in Thurles, a well-contested challenge match. Senan Andrews and Terence O’Sullivan were part of the Cork Vocational Schools panel who lost to Galway in the All-Ireland semi final at Mallow. Senan played at centre field and had a fine game, and became the first player from the club to play for this particular team. With Senan in 5th year and Terence only in 4th year currently, the boys have time on their side.

 

U16 Football League – 29/3
Shamrocks 1-3, Valley Rovers 4-16
A physically stronger Rovers team were far too good for Shamrocks at Shanbally in this the first league game of the year. It really was a mismatch from the start. Shamrocks had just 15 players available against a team who won the County U14 title two years ago. However, they never gave up and battled away until the very end, their 2nd half performance being much better. Best for Shamrocks were Paul Stuart, Sean Bourke, Stephen Dunne, Dave Hayes and Cian McCann. Team: I.Murphy, S.Bourke, P.Stuart, G.Ronayne, C.McCann, C.O’Neill, C.O’Shea, D.Hayes, O.Hickey, R.Hourihan, M.O’Neill, S.Dunne, F.O’Neill, R.O’Sullivan, T.Barrett.

 

U12 Football League – 31/3
Shamrocks 2-6, Crosshaven 5-9
At Shanbally on Monday night, Crosshaven U12s proved too strong for this young Shamrocks team playing their first league match. Crosshaven started well but Shamrocks came back into the match and had the deficit reduced to a point with 10 minutes remaining. However the stronger Crosshaven team scored 3 quick goals and ran out easy winners.. Team: Daniel Browne, Aaron Hickey, Karen Twomey, Jonathan Radley, Stephen Healy, David Spillane, Roisin Breen, Alan McCarthy, Darragh O’Sullivan, Jack Wilson, Jack O’Connell, Laura McCarthy, Jonathan Tuohy, Jordan Wells, Joey Brady. Subs – David Barry, Daniel Breen, James Raleigh, Cathal Kidney

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Week ending – 6th April 2003

 

Junior A Hurling League- 6/4
Shamrocks 1-10, Valley Rovers 5-8
This was a very disappointing display from Shamrocks on Sunday last and the selectors voiced their concerns and disappointment to the panel of players in the dressing room after the game. As one can see from the scoreline, the deciding factor were the goals, the Rovers full line grabbing 4 between them before half time. Darragh Collins replied with the lone Shamrocks major, along with points from Chris O’Neill, Collins and Colin O’Sullivan from frees. Brain Sweeney kept Shamrocks in it in the first half with a superb display at left half back. Half time 4-4 to 1-6. The second half was a lot more even, Rovers got an early goal to finish the game as a contest, while Shamrocks plugged away with scores from the afore mentioned players. Team: S.O’Neill, D.Roche, R.Lannon, K.Hegarty, B.Sweeney, M.Prout, C.Tierney, C.O’Neill, P.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan, D.Sheehan, T.O’Sullivan, D.Collins, A.Aherne, D.Bourke. Subs used – B.Hickey, T.Forde, K.Tierney.

 

U21 A Football Championship – 5/4
Carrigaline 2-11, Shamrocks 0-5
Shamrocks had the misfortune to come up against a very strong and well-drilled Carrigaline team in the quarterfinal played at Ballygarvan last Saturday evening. Carrigaline were well up for this one and you could see that their physical size gave them an advantage over the younger Shamrocks players. Carrigaline started at whirlwind pace and had 1-4 on the board before Shamrocks could mount an attack. 20 minutes in and the Shamrocks position looked impossible. But they fought back bravely up to half time with some nice scores before Carrigaline added a goal and a few points to effectively finish the game off as a contest. Half time Shamrocks 0-3, Carrig 2-9. It must be said that Shamrocks certainly werent disgraced at any stage; Carrigaline just had more firepower up front. The second half was played at a fierce pace and a both teams played some excellent football, with the defenses on both sides being on top. That half was shared, 2 points each. Shamrocks really needed a goal or two to get back into it but their hopes were in vain against a Carrig team, which will take some stopping. On the night, Barry Mulqueen in goal was solid, Senan Andrews at corner back, Chris O’Neill at centre field and Stephen Carroll in attack were Shamrocks best players while the scores came from Joe Shanahan, Stephen O’Neill, Terence O’Sullivan and Chris O’Neill. Team: B.Mulqueen, D.Tuohy, D.Stuart, S.Andrews, D.Bourke, M.Prout, D.O’Neill, C.O’Neill, N.Hayes, S.Carroll, J.Shanahan, I.Allen, T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, S.O’Neill. Subs used – T.O’Sullivan, C.Fitzpatrick.

 

Junior Hurling League- 2/4
Shamrocks 2-10, Ballymartle 2-10
An understrength home side had to come from behind at Shanbally on Wednesday night. The game was there for the taking during the second half but numerous scoring chances from play and from frees were missed leaving Shamrocks dependent on a brace of goals from Dave Bourke near the end to earn a share of the points. Team: S.O’Neill, D.Roche, R.Lannon, P.Prout, N.Hayes, M.Prout, S.Andrews, B.Sweeney, C.O’Sullivan, D.Collins, C.Tierney, B.Hickey, E.O’Rahilly, D.Bourke. Subs – T.Forde, K.Tierney.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 13th April 2003

 

Junior B Football League- 13/4
Shamrocks 2-8, Ballygarvan 1-6
Due to various circumstances, only one adult game was played in the last week, a good 2-8 to 1-6 victory over Ballygarvan last Sunday. As you’ll probably remember, Sunday heralded the end of our recent dry spell and the game was played in a downpour and strong winds. Ballygarvan led at half time on a scoreline of 1-4 to 1-1, Jamie Sweeney scoring the Shamrocks goal in that half. Shamrocks had wasted some golden scoring opportunities in that time and just after the restart Ballygarvan stretched their lead by a further point. However, Shamrocks showed their superior fitness and finished the match much the stronger, indeed scoring 1-3 in the last ten minutes, Dave Bourke getting the all important goal. On the day, Dave O’Neill, Nicky Hayes and Jamie Sweeney were Shamrocks players, while the scoring was shared between the above mentioned plus Mark Hickey, Ian Cummins, Stephen Jordan and half time sub Brian Beale who scored 0-4. Team : D.Kilgannon, K.Hegarty, D.Stuart, D.O’Neill, P.Prout, B.McCarthy, N.Hayes, S.Jordan, C.Tierney, M.Hickey, I.Cummins, J.Sweeney, D.Bourke. Subs B.Beale, K.Tierney, T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, C.O’Sullivan, T.Carpenter.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 4th May 2003

 

City Junior Hurling League – 16/4
Shamrocks 1-15, Blackrock 0-3.
Shamrocks had a facile victory on the night against the visitors to Shanbally. The reason for the unusually wide margin of victory over a team of Blackrock’s calibre was that the Rockies were extremely short on the night. It was clear form an early stage that Shamrocks were going to win this one in a canter and they led 0-10 to 0-2 at half time. Darragh Collins, Colin O’Sullivan, Terance O’Sullivan, Dave Bourke, Senan Andrews, Chris O’Neill, and Steven O’Reilly did the Shamrocks scoring, with O’Neill gradding the second half goal. Team: S.O’Neill, S.O’Reilly, P.Prout, C.Tierney, N.Hayes, M.Prout, D.Roche, D.Sheehan, C.O’Neill, S.Andrews, T.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan, D.Bourke, D.Collins, B.Hickey.

 

Minor Football – 20/4
Shamrocks 4-10, Brian Dillons 0-1.
A first win for Shamrocks in this City\Carrigdhoun Minor A Football League, and it was attained in rather easy fashion from almost a full panel to pick from. The ‘real’ Shamrocks minor team finally turned up and they turned in a good hours football to totally dominate. Shamrocks were on top everywhere and played nice ball into the forwards who took their scores. Joe Shanahan had 1-4 before being taken off at half time, while David Hayes, Chris O’Neill and Sergie Lernov the Russian got the other scores. The game was over as a contest at the short whistle, 4-5 to a point. Shamrocks gave a run out to their extended panel in the second half and though playing into the wind, had the majority of possession and added some nice scores from Niall Tuohy amongst others. Team: R.O’Sullivan, D.Kirwan, D.Tuohy, R.Brien, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, R.McCarthy, C.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, O.Boland, B.Mulqueen, C.Fitzpatrick, D.Hayes, D.Hayes, J.Shanahan, S.Lernov. Subs used – PJ O’Dwyer, N.Tuohy, Cian O’Neill.

 

Junior B Football – 22/4
Kinsale 1-12, Shamrocks 2-9.
This was an excellent, exciting game of football played in sunny Kinsale. Both teams were strong on the night, with many players playing themselves into contention for the upcoming A Championship. The game itself was a roller coaster affair and can be analyised into four different sections. First 15 minutes- Kinsale were completely dominant and led by 0-7 to 0-1 after this time and an absolute rout was on the cards. Second 15 – Shamrocks reasserted themselves and dominated. Midfield came more into the game and Mark Hickey stuck away a penalty and a couple of frees along with Jamie Sweeneys beauty from play. Half Time – 0-7 to 1-4. Third 15 – Kinsale were completely dominant again, scoring 1-4 without reply and they looked to have secured victory. However, in the last 15 minutes, Shamrocks fitness told, the half back line got on top and the half forwards started running at the Kinsale defence, more often than not drawing the foul which Hickey punished expertly. Dave Bourke got a goal, Kinsale nudged ahead with a breakaway point but sub Rob Lannon levelled it just before the end. Team: D.Kilgannon, D.Stuart, K.Hegarty, S.O’Reilly, P.Prout, C.Tierney, N.Hayes, S.Jordan, C.Ronayne, M.Hickey, I.Cummins, J.Sweeney, D.Bourke. Sub used : R.Lannon.

 

Minor Hurling League – 27/4
Shamrocks 5-4, Ballygarvan 2-5
Shamrocks had a good win over the reds on Sunday last. Playing with the strong wind advantage in the first half, Shamrocks led by 12 points at half time after some fine scores from Terence O’Sullivan, Barry Mulqueen, and Ronan O’Sullivan. Ballygarvan came out strongly in the second half but were curtailed by some excellent hurling from Senan Andrews, Rory Brien, Chris O’Neill and Steven O’Reilly. This was our first hurling outing of the season and some ring rustiness was evident at times but improvements can be made.

 

Under 16 A Football League – 16/4
Shamrocks 3-10, Courcey Rovers 2-8.
Shamrocks made the long trip to Ballinspittle a winning one with a deserved 5 points win over the home side. After heavy defeats to the big two, Carrig and Valleys, in their first two league games, this was a welcome first victory after a hard fought match against a good Courcey’s team. Shamrocks gave a vastly improved performance from earlier games and were the better team throughout. Good games from Ronan O’Sullivan, Ivan Murphy, Darren Kirwan, Thomas Barrett and Cain O’Neill helped them to victory.

 

Under 16 A Football League – 21/4
Shamrocks 2-7,Ballinhassig 1-8.
Shamrocks made it two wins from two and qualify for the semi finals of the league. At U16 level, Shamrocks and Ballinhassig always produce a good contest and this game was no exception. Players to impress: Cian McCann, Gary Ronayne, Cormac O’Shea, Owen Hickey and Ronan O’Sullivan.

 

Under 16 A Football League – 23/4
Shamrocks 2-7, Carrigaline B 2-4.
Shamrocks made absolutely sure of qualifying for the semi’s with victory over Carrigaline’s second string last week. Second string or not, this was a good Carrigaline team and they made Shamrocks work very hard for the victory eventhough Shamrocks led throughout the match. Shamrocks played with the aid of the breeze in the first half and led by six points at half time, after 2 goals and a point from Ronan O’Sullivan and some nice scores from Owen Hickey, Darren Kirwan and Rory Timmons. Shamrocks turned in a determined display after the break and really should have added more to their score. They went 7 points up with 5 minutes to go. Carrigaline finished strongly with a goal and a point but Shamrocks held on. They now qualify to play Valley Rovers in the semi final.

 

U16 A Football League Semi-Final – 30/4
In the previous league encounter Valley Rovers whipped Shamrocks on a scoreline of 4-16 to 1-4 and certainly looked on a different planet to Shamrocks. But such are the uncertainties of sport and it was never more evident in Brinny last Wednesday night. Shamrocks went out more in hope than anything else but turned in a once in a lifetime performance to stun the home side with a last minute goal from full-forward Ronan O’Sullivan to win, unbelievably, by a point. Shamrocks had led at half-time by a point, Rovers had gone into a six point lead into the second half but Shamrocks showed tremendous character to cause the shock of the season so far. Another Everest awaits them however in the final, as we play neighbours Carrigaline A in the final, which hasnt been fixed yet, due to the U14’s footballers also qualifying for their Final. The price of success!

 

U14 Football.
The boys are playing in the second grade and have qualified for the final which will take place against Tracton. They qualified by virtue of a victory over Courcey’s last Friday night and the following is a report on one of the other games they have played.
Shamrocks 2-6, Tracton 3-3 – 11/4
Shamrocks played out a thrilling draw at Minane Bridge in what turned out to be a dress rehersal for the final to come. Ronan Murphy had a great game at full back, Aoife Breen, Aideen O’Mahony, Jason Browne, and Gary Ronayne played well also. The midfield duo of Cormac Horgan and Nathan Kirwan were outstanding and supplied planty of ball to the forwards who had Phil Brady, Mickey O’Neill and John Horgan in good form. Team: Stephen Hurley, Aideen O’Mahony, Ronan Murphy, Jason Browne, Tomas Pearse, Gary Ronayne, Aoife Brown, Cormac Horgan, Nathan Kirwan, Alan McCarthy, Phipip Brady, Michael O’Neill, John Horgan, Stephen Walter, Brian Cusack. Sub Colin Murphy.

 

U12 Football – 16/4
Douglas C 3-10, Shamrocks 4-6.
Shamrocks were most unlucky to lose this game as Douglas scored from a penalty kick in the last minute to win by the odd point. A draw would have been a fairer result but this Shamrocks team proved thet they have great spirit and never gave up. Best for Shamrocks were David Spillane, Karen Twomey, Daniel Browne, Cathal Kidney, James Raleigh, Laura McCarthy and Jonathan Tuohy. Team: Daniel Browne, Karen Twomey, Jack O’Connell, Stephen Healy, Aaron Hickey, Roisin Breen, Cathal Kidney, Alan McCarthy, David Spillane, Chris O’Sullivan, Joey Brady, Roy Twomey, James Raleigh, Jonathan Tuohy, Laura McCarthy.
Shamrocks 5-6, Tracton 6-14 – 21/4
On a perfect evening weatherwise at Shanbally where three matches took place, the U12’s were defeated by a strong Tracton team. Once again, Shamrocks gave a great second half performance but were too far behind after a poor first half. Shamrocks were best served by Roisin Breen, Daniel Breen, Karen Twomey, Jack O’Connell, Darragh O’Sullivan, Jonathan Radley and Aaron Hickey.
Shamrocks 3-8, Ballygarvan 1-3 – 28/4
This was Shamrocks first win of the league. After a day of heavy rain, the pitch was in good condition, but slippery. The frist half was even with Shamnrocks drawing away in the run up to half time to lead 0-4 to 0-1 at the short whistle. (D.O’Sullivan 0-3, Alan McCarthy 0-1). The defence once again played very well with Jonathan Radley in particular having a great game at full back. Karen Twomey at corner back along with Cathal Kidney and Roisin Breen also played well in defence. Alan McCarthy scored a great goal just before Ballygarvan replied with one of their own to leave just 2 points between the teams entering the last quarter. However, with Darragh O’Sullivan and David Spillane playing well at midfield and the half forwards of Jordan Wells and Jonathan Tuohy getting more of the ball, Shamrocks took control of the game. Alan McCarthy got 2 more goals from half back and three points from Darragh O’Sullivan and anothr point from Jonathan Tuohy helped Shamrocks to a win. Team – D. Browne, Aaron Hickey, Jonathan Radley, Karen Twomey, Alan McCarthy, Roisin Breen, Cathal Kidney, David Spillane, Darragh O’Sullivan, Jordan Wells, Joey Brady, Jonathan Tuohy, Darren Barry, Jack O’Connell, Laura McCarthy. Subs Roy Twomey, Stephen Healy, James Raleigh, Colman Moore, Jamie O’Driscoll, Daniel Breen, Jack Wilson.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 11th May 2003

 

Junior Hurling Championship – 10/5
Ballinhassig 3-6, Shamrocks 0-14
A one point deficit was all that seperated the teams in this keenly contested first round tie at Camden. Shamrocks took the game to their more fancied opponents from the throw in with a combination of strong commitment and first time hurling, with the result that Ballinhassig were never allowed to settle and avail of the wind advantage to their backs in the first half. With Colin O’Sullivan on his game from placed balls combined with some lapses from the Ballinhassig free taker, Shamrocks led by 5 points at half time. Ballinhassig introduced former Cork star Sean McCarthy at half time and in hindsight, this proved to be the winning of the game for Ballinhassig. They upped their performance after the break and scored 2 goals at vital times to keep the pressure on the Shamrocks side, who were just about keeping their noses in front, but in reality needed a goal of their own to consolidate their position. A late Ballinhassig goal just about got them home and consigned Shamrocks to a quarter final stit with Kinsale. Stephen O’Neill was sound in goal while Brian Sweeney won a lot of ball around midfield but the inability of the forwards to create or finish a goal chance cost us dearly on the night. Robert Lannon played well at full back in the first half, Mickey Prout played well throughout. Team: S.O’Neill, S.O’Reilly, R.Lannon, P.Prout, D.Roche, M.Prout, S.Collns, B.Sweeney, C.O’Neill, S.Andrews, M.Hickey, T.O’Sullivan, B.Bourke, D.Collins, D.Bourke.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 12/5
Shamrocks 2-10, Bishopstown 2-10.
This game took place the following Monday night and is a game that Shamrocks should have won but bad shooting from frees and play cost us on the night. This was probably a game too far in the circumstances but City games have to be fulfilled. Many of our players were below their best. It was encouraging nonetheless to see such a large number of players in attendance and arguers well for the B League.

 

S/E Junior B Hurling League – 13/5
Shamrocks lost out by a goal to Crosshaven in this first league game of the campaign. For the first time in a long time, Shamrocks will not be playing any A players in this league so even more players will be getting a game this time. Seventeen players togged out in a B game is testament to the commitment being shown this year. Details on the match are sketchy from this writer but some of the players involved were as follows: Dave Kilgannon (making his hurling debut in goal), Kieran Hegarty, Colin Brady, Eoghan O’Rahilly, Deccy Sheehan at centre back, Conor Tierney, Barry Mulqueen and Nicky Hayes at midfield, Ken Tierney, Cian Ronayne, Alan Aherne, Tadhg Forde, Andrew O’Neill, Bomber Coveney. Both Cian and Ken required hospital treatment after the game so we wish them a speedy recovery.

 

Under 16 B Football League Final – 10/5
Carrigaline 5-14, Shamrocks 2-3.
In the end, overwhelming favourites Carrigaline had their expected easy victory over suprise finalists Shamrocks at Shanbally. Despite Shamrocks getting a goal inside the first few seconds, Carrig took over all over the field and gave a powerful performance of football. The game was over as a contest at half time with the score at 3-11 to 1-2 in favour of Carrigaline. Shamrocks tried very hard up till the final whistle and did manage to restrict Carrig in the second half. Whatever about this game, this was a wonderful league campaign from the lads. Remember, they were playing in the lower grade just 2 years ago but have made the successful step up and that victory over Vallys in the semi will be long remembered by everyone involved. There’s a break now for the exams.

 

U14 C Football League Final – 9/5
Tracton 3-4, Shamrocks 1-7
Shamrocks and Tracton once again played out a thriller in this very close league final. An earlier league final had ended in a draw so a close game was always on the cards. Tracton started well with their centre forward looking dangerous but Philip Brady opened the scoring for Shamrocks. A goal for Tracton left the score at 1-2 to 0-2 at half time. The Shamrocks defence played very well with Ronan Murphy at full back, Aoife Breen, Thomas Pearce and Jason Browne playing well. The midfield of Cormac Horgan and Gary Ronayne were having great difficulty with the Tracton midfield but as the half went by began to take control. Philip Brady, though quieter than usual, was the only effictive Shamrocks forward. The second half began with Ronan Murphy moving to centre back to mark the Tracton danger man. Nathan Kirwan moved to full back and the move worked. Shamrocks were in control now and with the above mentioned players playing well, the forwards saw more of the ball. Mickey O’Neill and Brady got a brace of points each to leave the score 0-6 to 1-2 for Shamrocks with 10 minutes left. However Tracton put pressure on and a high lobbing ball was adjuged to have been taken behind the goal line by Thomas Pearce. This was hard luck on Shamrocks who had Stephen Hurley playing well in goal. Tracton scored a further goal and 2 points through their excellent centre forward to leave 7 points between the teams. Shamrocks rallied before the end and a marvellous goal from Ronan Murphy after a run from midfield left 4 points between the teams. Philip Brady added a point but the vital goal wouldnt come despite great Shamrocks pressure. Team: S.Hurley, T.Pearce, R.Murphy, A.Breen, Aideen O’Mahony, N.Kirwan, J.Browne, C.Horgan, G.Ronayne, Alan McCarthy, P.Brady, M.O’Neill, Brain Cusack, Stephen Downey,, Roisin Breen. Subs used: Colin Murphy, John Horgan, Stephen Walter.

 

U12 C Football League Semi-Final – 11/5
Kinsale 4-4, Shamrocks 1-3
On Sunday morning, the home team once again proved too strong for this very young Shamrocks team. 11 of this team are underage again next year. However, Shamrocks put up a great performance and gave Kinsale a great game particularly in the firat half. With a little bit of luck Shamrocks could have been level at half time. Daniel Browne in goal was the star of the show with a great display of goalkeeping, especailly in the first half when Kinsale were on top. Time after time he brought off save after save. Jonathon Radley at full back and David Spillane at center field were others to shine for Shamrocks. Darragh O’Sullivan who scored 2 points also played well along with Karen Twomey, Aaron Hickey, Roisin Breen, Cathal Kidney, Stephen Healy, Jack Wilson, Jonathon Tuohy and Laura McCarthy. All subs were used and surely we’ll see some of these players in the years to come. Team: D.Browne, J.Radley, K.Twomey, A.Hickey, R.Breen, C.Kidney, D.O’Sullivan, D.Spillane, S.Healy, A.McCarthy, J.Wilson, J.Tuohy, L.McCarthy. Subs used: D.Breen, J.O’Connell, J.Raleigh, R.Twomey, J.O’Driscoll.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 18th May 2003

 

Carrigdhoun Cup (football) – 17/5
Valley Rovers 2-2, Shamrocks 3-13
Shamrocks put up a display that was good enough to see off the home side at Brinny last Saturday night. Shamrocks played against the breeze in the first half and led at half time 2-5 to 2-2. Underfoot conditions were difficult with players slipping on the hard but wet surface. Darragh Collins and Mark Hickey scored the 1st half Shamrocks goals while Dave Bourke added the second half major. Overall, a handy workout with many subs being used in the second half. Others to get on the score sheet from play included Seanan Collins, Chris O’Neill, Brian Sweeney, Mickey Prout and Stephen O’Neill. In reality, Rovers were short on the night and were never going to trouble Shamrocks who were focused on preparing for championship. The match saw the return to Shamrocks colours of Kevin O’Mahony who hadnt played in a good many years.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 25th May 2003

 

Junior Football Championship – 24/5
Shamrocks 0-12, Ballinhassig 0-8
Shamrocks put the frustrations of recent years to the background on Saturday night at Ballygarvan with a thrilling four point win over our hurling conquerors of two years ago. After playing into a stiff breeze in the opening half Shamrocks were well in the game at the interval when they trailed by just one point. The youthful enthusiasm and stamina of the Shamrocks side prevailed over the last ten minutes when Ballinhassig threw all their resources into a late rally but on this occasion they gave second best. Michael Fitzgerald was dependable in goal all through while the full back line of Colin Brady, Peter Prout and Man-of-the-Match Kieran Hegarty were on their game all through. Ian Breen at centre back showed some great positional sense and wing back Declan Sheehan and Michael Prout, who reads a game impeccably, coming forward. Brian Sweeney was majestic in his fielding at critical times and Chris O’Neill contributed a valuable point against the wind. Senan Andrews’ stamina and running abilities were invaluable in the last quarter while Joseph Shanahan and Sená® Collins were always threatening when in possesion. Stephen O’Neill with six points made an enormous contribution and Dave Byrne and Mark Hickey made life extremely difficult for their respective opponents. Nicky Hayes, when introduced in the second half, used his strength and all-action style to great effect. Shamrocks now advance to the quarter-finals with renewed confidence that they are there on merit and could spring a few surprises yet.

 

Junior B Football League – 20/5
Shamrocks 1-11, Carrigaline 2-4
Shamrocks led comfortably at half time after some great scores from Darragh Collins in particular but a spirited second-half Carrigaline rally was only halted by an Eoghan O’Rahilly assisted own-goal which settled the Shamrocks side over the last five minutes. Team: B. Mulqueen, B. McCarthy, K. O’Mahony, S. O’Reilly, B. Hickey, T. O’Sullivan, C. Tierney, N. Hayes, S. Jordan,I. Cummins, D. Collins, A. Geary, K. Tierney, R. Lannon, T. Forde. Sub used: C. O’Sullivan.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 25/5
Nemo Rangers 0-2, Shamrocks 2-10
It was back to hurling at Trá bheag on Monday night and recent lack of match practice was evident at times. Shamrocks did not stand around and hit Nemo hard from the start with some great scores from Darragh Collins. Nemo Rangers never breached a solid Shamrocks rear guard. Michael Lannon was solid all through. The boys from Shanbally used up the full compliment of players in a game in which they were never threatened.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 2nd Jun 2003

 

Junior Hurling Championship – 31/5
Shamrocks 0-15, Kinsale 0-7
Played under miserable conditions at Riverstick on Saturday night last, this game was hotly comtested for 45 minutes from where Shamrocks’ greater desire to prevail ensured a facile last quarter onslaught which yielded six points without reply. Early uneasiness in the Shamrocks back division could have been more costly but for the steady influence of Michael Prout at centre back. The reliability of Robert Lannon at full back and the dependability of Stephen O’Neill in goal during Kinsale’s best period of the game. Shamrocks led 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time due to the ability of Dave Burke and Darragh Collins to poach scores with limited possesion. Kinsale came out strongly after the break and rocked Shamrocks with two quick points but Darren Roche, Peter Prout, Stephen O’Neill and Senán Collins thereafter upped their game and kept the town sides offensive at bay. Shamrocks now began to pick off the scores with Pat, Terence and Colin O’Sullivan and Mark Hickey revelling in the open spaces of this fine pitch. In a field of Riverstick’s magnitude centre-field dominance or at least parity is vital and here Brian Sweeney fielded and delivered many fine attacking balls, while his partner Senan Andrews ranged far and wide demonstrating his considerable repertoire of hurling, craft and resilience.

 

City Junior Hurling League
Shamrocks 3-15, Whitechurch 0-4
Played as a build up to the Kinsale game this was one way traffic all through where the visitors second string only made token resistance after a Shamrocks scoring spree midway through the first half yielded 2-5 without reply. Coupled with a game against Nemo Rangers earlier in the week it proved invaluable hurling practice after our recent concentration on football.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 9th Jun 2003

 

SE Junior Hurling League – 5/6
Courcey Rovers 1-12,Shamrocks 2-6
Shamrocks made the long journey to Balinspittle last Thurday night and were unlucky to come home with a 3 point defeat. The game was played in a downpour which made control of the sliotar difficult. The Shamrocks scorers on the night were Darragh Collins (1-2), Pat Sullivan (1-1), Colin O’Sullivan (0-2) and Brian Sweeney one point. On the night, Senan Andrews, Darren Roche, Peter Prout, Colin Brady and Bernard Hichey played well for Shamrocks.

 

SE Junior B Football League – 3/6
Belgooly 1-10,Shamrocks 2-4

No report received on this game.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 16th Jun 2003

 

U14 Hurling – 11/6
Shamrocks 2-10, Ballygarvan 2-5
After suffering a defeat to Courcey Rovers 2 nights earlier, this was a welcome first win of the competition for Shamrocks on Friday night last. Shamrocks took the initiative from the start and with Michael O?Neill in scoring form up front, Jason Browne solid at fullback, Alan McCarthy and Ronan Murphy keeping things ticking over at midfield and Philip Brady and Gary Ronayne prominent also up front, Shamrocks ran out deserving 5 point winners. The last game is against Crosshaven where the points are vital.

 

U10 Hurling Blitz – 15/6
Played in glorious sunshine last Sunday evening, this was a big occasion for our 8 to 9 year olds. Playing against some very accomplished sides in Valley Rovers, Douglas and Blackrock,. Shamrocks gave as good as they got and showed some tremendous talent exists at this age group in the club. Those who caught the eye this time were Roy Twomey, Jack Breen, Cathal Kidney, Conor Cusack, Stephen Healy and James Reilly. Shamrocks will again be in action on this Sunday.

 

U12 Hurling – 16/6
Shamrocks 1-4, Crosshaven 4-5
Played under ideal conditions on Monday night in the track, this game was hotly and sportingly contested from start to finish. Just like our U10’s, there were some fine displays put in by some of the Shamrocks U12 players, where enthusiasm and commitment know no bounds and everyone is keen to learn the skills of the game and to make an impact in a green jersey. Team was Roisin Breen, Aileen McCarthy, Aaron Hickey, David Spillane, Karen Twomey, Sean Yuohy, Joseph Brady, Liam Horgan, Donal Brown, Jordan Wells, Cathal Kidney, James Raleigh.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 23rd Jun 2003

 

Junior B Football – 20/6
Shamrocks 2-12, Courcey Rovers 0-7
Shamrocks won this game comfortably in the end due to a completely dominant second half display. The first half was even enough with the visitors to Shanbally having a bit more of the play and scoring opportunities. Despite some fine scores from play from Rob Lannon, Nicky Hayes, Dave O’Neill and Darragh Collins in the first half, Shamrocks trailed at the break 0-7 to 0-4. Shamrocks were a completely transformed team in the second half of the match. After drawing level soon after the break through scores from the above plus Alan Geary and Terence O?Sullivan, Shamrocks powered ahead with 2 goals from Collins and Geary to finish off the game and gather the 2 vital points for Shamrocks, who still can qualify for the knockout stages of this competition. Team: B.Mulqueen, A.Aherne, D.Livingstone, B.McCarthy, K.O’Mahony, D.O’Neill, N.Hayes, S.Jordan, T.O’Sullivan, A.Geary, D.Collins, J.Sweeney, R.Lannon (13-a-side). Subs used: D.Stuart, T.Forde, E.O’Rahilly, B.Beale, T.Carpenter.

 

U10 Hurling Blitz – 22/6
This grade are continuing to play every Sunday evening and last Sunday were in Ballygarvan where they played 4 tremendous games against Tracton, Valley Rovers, Kinsale, and the home team. Enthusiasm is high at this level and those to shine on this occasion were Michael Howard, Jack Howard, Daniel Breen, Damien Kelleher and Angus Boland from Monkstown who got 3 goals. There will be no game for this group this coming week.

 

U14 Hurling League – 20/6
Shamrocks made the trip to Crosshaven and ran out very easy winners. The upshot of this victory is that Shamrocks have managed to qualify for the semi finals of this event due to their tremendous victory over unbeaten Ballygarvan the week before.

 

Junior Hurling League – 23/6
Tracton 3-9, Shamrocks 2-12
While this may look like a good game of hurling from the scoreline on a perfect night for hurling in Minane, in hindsight this was a sickener of a result for Shamrocks. The simple fact was that Shamrocks were home and dry 10 minutes into the second half when they led 2-10 to 0-3. This scoreline had been built up through solid play all over the field and the margin of victory seemed to be the only issue. Darragh Collins and Alan Aherne with goals and points from Dave Bourke, Senan Andrews and Colin O?Sullivan had helped Shamrocks open a 12 point half time lead. Tracton then started to get on top in their half back line and centre field up, with the result that the Shamrocks keeper and back line came under almost constant pressure. Tracton got a goal and few points to creep back into the game, Shamrocks should still should have been able to kill them off but they kept coming and two late goals from close in frees plus a late point tied up the game. It could have been worse for the green with the full back line at times making some fine last minute clearances while Patrick Andrews brought off 2 wonderful saves in the last 15 minutes. The final whistle was a relief for Shamrocks. On the night, Patrick Andrews played his first game in a year in goal and showed some good handling, Chris O’Neill and Senan Andrews played a lot of ball at midfield while Darragh Collins and in particular Dave Bourke were always threatening up front. Team: P.Andrews, D.Sheehan, P.Prout, D.Roche, S.O’Reilly, B.Sweeney, S.Collins, C.O’Neill, S.Andrews, T.O’Sullivan, P.O’Sullivan, C.O’Sullivan, A.Aherne, D.Collins, D.Bourke. Subs used: E.O’Rahilly, B.Mulqueen, N.Hayes, C.Brady.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 30th Jun 2003

 

Junior B Hurling Championship – 25/6
Shamrocks 2-4, Crosshaven 1-10
An early goal by Bernard Hickey did not have the desired impact on Shamrocks at Carrigaline on Wednesday night last. With an abundance of possession the Shamrocks forwards were wasteful of many fine opportunities in spite of another opportunist goal from Jamie Sweeney and led by the narrowest of margins at half time. Shamrocks resumed with high hopes after the break but a very determined Crosshaven side upped their game considerably and rarely allowed Shamrocks to gain any foothold in their half of the field. It looked like going to a replay but Crosshaven put over the vital points in the last five minutes to record a deserved win.

 

Minor Hurling League – 27/6
St. Finbarr?s 0-9, Shamrocks 2-10
In this our first game back after the exam break a fair bit of rustiness was evident but two first half goals from Cian and Fergus O’Neill gave Shamrocks the edge which they never looked like relinquishing in spite of a spirited late surge by the Barrs at Togher on Friday night last. Terence O’Sullivan was Shamrocks top scorer on the night with five points and there were notable performances as well from Barry Mulqueen, Stephen O’Reilly, Chris ONeill and the fit again Simon McGarry. Some work has to be done yet in advance of our championship game against Tracton next Sunday night.

 

City Junior Hurling League – 30/6
Shamrocks 0-8, Rathpeacon 1-12
After some recent good performances, Shamrocks were brought down to earth by a hard-hitting Rathpeacon side at Shanbally on Monday night. No one line of the home side were comfortable on the night with the exception of Stephen O’Neill in goal and the result should serve as a warning that all opposition have to be treated seriously and much more commitment is expected all round.

 

U16 Hurling Blitz – 28/6
Shamrocks put up some very commendable performances against strong opposition in Carrigaline, Courcey Rovers and Ballygarvan in the annual 7-a-side blitz at Ballygarvan on Saturday last. The rules of the competition limited the playing panel to ten and a number of our players could not be accommodated. Panel: R. O’Sullivan, E. Cole, G. Ronayne, C. O’Neill, S. Bourke, C. Fitzpatrick, D. Hayes, F. O’Neill, O. Hickey, R. Murphy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ending – 13th July 2003

It was a blank week on the playing front with no games in any grades due to holidays, postponements etc.
Junior hurling and football training has been continuing with the hurlers in action against Courcey Rovers in the Championship on Saturday night.
Our under ten football blitz is scheduled for next Sunday morning and the panel has been enjoying the training sessions being held on a regular basis.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 20th July 2003

 

Junior Hurling Championship – 19/7
Shamrocks 2-13, Courcey Rovers 0-8
Shamrocks had a comprehensive victory over Courceys at Kinsale on Saturday night in a match which was played throughout in true championship intensity, victory being achieved by Shamrocks? greater ability to pick off scores at vital times. From a neutrals perspective the first half provided better value for money as in that period Courceys challenge was at its strongest and they probably deserved a better harvest before half time. Shamrocks settled the better and some pointed frees from Brian Sweeney and two from play by Senan Andrews was keeping their noses in front when a speculative shot from Dave Burke deceived the Courcey keeper and gave Shamrocks a mid-way lead of 1-8 to 0-5. Courceys challenged strongly at the restart but were set back in their tracks when a Darragh Collins shot went all the way to the net. From here on Shamrocks would not be beaten and some fine points from Terence O’Sullivan, Stephen O’ Reilly, Dave Bourke and Brian Sweeney put them into an unassailable position.
Team: S. O’Neill, D. Roche, D. Lannon, P. Prout, S. Reilly, M. Prout, S. Collins, C. O’Neill, B. Sweeney, S. Andrews, P. O’Sullivan, T. O’Sullivan, D. Burke, A. Aherne, D. Collins.

 

U10 Football
At Shanbally on Sunday morning the curtain came down on what has been a very enjoyable season for our younger set. This was the occasion of our invitation blitz which saw Ballygarvan, Tracton and Crosshaven combining with the locals to make for a very entertaining mornings football. On the day Shamrocks just proved the better and it was a very proud Jack Breen who picked up the Shamrock Bar sponsored trophy on his birthday. Team: Cathal Kidney, Roy Twomey, Daniel Breen, Jack Breen, Michael Howard, Gerard O’Connell, Jamie O’Driscoll, Aonghus Boland, Christopher O’Sullivan, Daniel O’Reilly, Rory Horgan.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 27th July 2003

 

Junior Hurling Championship Quarter – 26/7
Ballymartle 2-12, Shamrocks 2-9
A heartbreaking defeat was Shamrocks fate at Carrigaline on Saturday last when a physically strong Ballymartle side just held out over the last few frantic minutes. A grandstand finish was probably the most surprising phase of the game as Shamrocks had trailed by nine points on two separate occasions, once in each half. Shamrocks had a disastrous start when all lines of the team were slow to pick up the pace of the game and conceded a soft goal and numerous unnecessary frees which our opponents capitalised on. Trailing by nine points with five minutes to the break, a fine Senan Andrews goal sparked a mini revival and we trailed by five points at half time. Hopes of a positive start after the break were dashed when Ballymartle again found the net and put more points on the board from frees. Again with a nine point deficit to overcome Shamrocks looked for goals when points were there for the taking and a heavy defeat was imminent, but Alan Aherne tipped a high cross to the Ballymartle net and the game was on again in earnest. A grandstand finished yielded three more points but the elusive equaliser was not forthcoming and Ballymartle now advance to the semi-final.
Team: Stephen O’Neill, Darren Roche, Robert Lannon, Peter Prout, Chris O’Neill, Michael Prout, Senán Collins, Stephen O’Reilly, Brian Sweeney, Senan Andrews, Pat O’Sullivan, Terence O’Sullivan, Dave Bourke, Alan Aherne, Darragh Collins. Subs used: Barry Mulqueen, Colin Brady.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 4th August 2003

 

Junior Football
The Junior A Footballers are continuing preparations for the upcoming Quarter Final of the Championship, and played two games over the weekend. On Friday night, they drew with Crosshaven in Camden, 1-9 to 1-9. Shamrocks led up till the very end when Crosshaven equalised with a last minute pointed free. Then on Sunday morning, they lost 1-3 to 0-8 against Ballygarvan. The team on the morning was D.Kilgannon, D.Stuart, P.Prout, C.Brady, C.Ronayne, I.Breen, K.Hegarty, N.Hayes, C.O?Neill, S.Andrews, M.Hickey, S.Collins, S.O’Neill, R.Lannon and D.Bourke.

 

Minor Hurling Championship – 29/7
Shamrocks 3-9, Courcey Rovers 4-5
Shamrocks had to withstand a last ditch flourish from Courer-top:none;border-left:nones and a point in the last few minutes, before booking their place against Tracton in the next round. This was a topsy turvey game at Ballygarvan last Tuesday night. Shamrocks controlled the early stages of the game and led by 3 points after 10 minutes. A Simon McGarry goal consolidated their position but some slack marking allowed Courceys back into the game before half time. Shamrocks made some positional switches after the game which seemed to settle the side and goals from Ronan O’Sullivan and Dave Tuohy put them in a commanding position with 8 minutes to go. Lack of concentration at the back almost handed Courceys the initiative and indeed only a last minute missed free denied them the equaliser. We wish a speedy recovery to Gearoid Quinn of Courceys who suffered a nasty hand injury during the game. Team: C.O’Neill, D.Hayes, R.Brien, S.Bourke, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, O.Boland, C.O’Neill, B.Mulqueen, S.McGarry, J.Shanahan, N.Tuohy, R.O’Sullivan, C.Fitzpatrick, D.Tuohy. Subs – R.Murphy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 11th August 2003

 

Minor Hurling Championship Semi Final – 11/8
Shamrocks 1-8, Tracton 2-3
Shamrocks advance to the final where they will meet neighbours Carrigaline after this 2-point victory over Tracton on a perfect night for hurling last Monday. After having built up a big lead, Shamrocks had to withstand heavy pressure in the closing minutes to pull through against a determined second half Tracton onslaught. An equally determined and well-prepared Shamrocks completely dominated the first half and led 1-5 to 0-0 at one stage, Niall Tuohy with the peach of a goal and Joseph Shanahan, Simon McGarry and Ciaran Fitzpatrick with the points from play. Tracton did add on two points before half time and could have had a goal but Cian O’Neill (who had a superb game in goal) saved the pile driver and Terence O’Sullivan cleared. The early stages of the second half followed the same pattern but Shamrocks were finding scores very hard to come by, considering their possession. Tracton made some positional switches and it seemed to work, they threw everything at the Shamrocks defence, but some heroic defending from Rory Brien, Terence O’Sullivan, Senan Andrews and Chris O’Neill (now at half back) kept the score down. Tracton did get in for a goal and a point before Shamrocks had a goal disallowed. Tracton set up a grandstand and nail biting finish with a goal 3 minutes from the end but Shamrocks held on just about. All players played their part in what was a big victory for this particular group of Shamrocks players. Team: C.O’Neill, D.Hayes, R.Brien, O.Boland, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, T.O’Sullivan, C.O’Neill, B.Mulqueen, S.McGarry, C.Fitzpatrick, D.Tuohy, R.McCarthy, J.Shanahan, N.Tuohy. Subs used – R.O’Sullivan, E.O’Mahony.

 

U16 Hurling League – 6/8
Ballygarvan 5-10, Shamrocks 2-5
13-man Shamrocks put up a brave display before being overwhelmed in the second half of this league game in Ballygarvan. Fact is that Shamrocks are very short of hurlers at U16 level this year and only for the dedication of the players available, some U14’s and selectors Martin Barrett, Tony O’Sullivan and in particular John ‘Socket’ Twomey, they’d be dishing out walkovers all over the place. The championship is this coming Wednesday so lets hope for a favourable number of players and result.

 

U14 Hurling Championship – 11/8
Tracton 5-3, Shamrocks 5-6
Some great football played by both teams. Shamrocks under-strength as key players on holidays. Half time was 3-3 to 2-0. Best players, Stephen Hurley (goalie) brave attempt to save a penalty,Mark Jordan (full forward) scored 1-1, Ronan Murphy solid performance at full back, Gary Ronayne (centre back), Cormac Horgan (centre field) 1-1, Philip Brady (centre forward) 2-1, Brian Cusack (Half Forward) scored 1-0 and Colin Murphy (half forward) who set up crucial scoring opportunities.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 18th August 2003

 

Shamrocks Beat Carrigaline in JF Championship QF – 15/8
Shamrocks 1-11, Carrigaline 1-3
This was a satisfying win for Shamrocks over fierce rivals and neighbours Carrigaline at Minane on another perfect night for football. It has to be admitted that Shamrocks were completely dominant over an out-of-sorts Carrigaline team and the result was never in doubt once Steven O’Neill scored the Shamrocks goal 10 minutes before half time. Shamrocks went behind to an early Carrig goal in their first attack, but the defence were to tighten up considerably after that, in fact not allowing a further Carrigaline score from play. Peter Prout led by example at full back and all other backs were to have their moments, especially the half back line. Chris O’Neill, Stephen O’Neill, Joseph Shanahan and Seanán Collins scored Shamrocks points to open up a 1-6 to 1-2 half time lead and the initiative lay with Shamrocks. They consolidated their position after the break with a 3-point burst in as many minutes to move comfortably ahead. Further scores from Brian Sweeney and Chris O’Neill had the gap at 8 points and hard as Carrigaline tried to score a goal, Shamrocks were never in any real trouble and the defence held up, with keeper Dave Kilgannon making a brilliant save from a penalty in injury time. Kilgannon was safe in goal, the two corner backs, Hegarty and Brady did what was asked of them when the ball came their way on the few occasions, Peter Prout was Shamrocks best player at full back. The half back line of Sheehan, Mickey and Ian Breen (especially in the second half) were well on top, the midfielders of Sweeney and Chris O’Neill won their battle, while contributing 4 points from play, the half forward line of 18 year olds, Andrews, Shanahan and Collins ran all night and got on the scoresheet while the full-forward line of Ronayne, Hickey and Steven O’Neill caused problems all night, O’Neill finishing up with (I’d say) 1-4 of the Shamrocks total. Shamrocks now go on to play Kinsale at a later date. Team: D.Kilgannon, C.Brady, P.Prout, K.Hegarty, M.Prout, I.Breen, D.Sheehan, C.O’Neill, B.Sweeney, S.Andrews, J.Shanahan, S.Collins, S.O‘Neill, M.Hickey, C.Ronayne.

 

Junior B Football League Final – 13/8
Kinsale 3-9, Shamrocks 0-9
The Shamrocks suffered defeat in their quest to win a first Junior Football competition in 9 years when Kinsale proved too good in the B League final played at Belgooly. Just glancing at the scoreline tells you the story of the game – Kinsale were able to strike the back of the net while Shamrocks did not. This was very simply the only difference between the teams after a good, hard hours football. The Shamrocks passing in the early stages was sloppy with the result that possession was being given away far too easily, especially when the ball was being worked out of defence. The Kinsale midfield was well on top at this stage, and their forwards were getting plenty of ball. Shamrocks rued some early missed chances when Kinsale struck for the 3 goals inside a five minute period half way through the 1st half. It made the scoreline 3-3 to 0-3 and really knocked the stuffing out of a Shamrocks side that up to that point looked well capable of winning this game. Afterwards they were chasing the game and started going for goals early on in the second half. In fairness, Shamrocks did pile on the pressure in the second half and virtually owned the ball for the last 20 minutes. The Kinsale goal lived a charmed life at times and with a bit more luck Shamrocks could have had a goal or two. On the night, Rob Lannon scored a few from frees and play, while Cian Ronayne, Mick Lannon and Darragh Collins also got on the Shamrocks score sheet. Team (13): D.Kilgannon, D.Roche, D.Livingstone, S.O’Reilly, K.O’Mahony, C.Ronayne, N.Hayes, S.Jordan, A.Geary, M.Lannon, D.Collins, R.Lannon, J.Sweeney. Subs used – T.O’Sullivan, C.Tierney, E.O’Rahilly.

 

U14 Football Championship – 13/8
Shamrocks 5-12, Ballygarvan 0-6
A good game of open football was played by both teams. They were evenly matched in the first half even though Shamrocks missed two goal opportunities which would have put a comfortable distance between the two teams at half time. The welcome return of our three female players, Aideen, Aoife and Roisin and two other players meant the team were almost back to full strength. A severe dressing down of the first half ‘non-performance’ by team coach Jim Ronayne at the break helped Shamrocks raise their game in the second half and score 4 crucial goals to put the game beyond Ballygarvans reach. Some excellent points from play were also scored from out the field . Words of encouragement and practical advice from ex-stalwart keeper Pat Cusack helped settle the team throughout the game. Beat for Shamrocks on the night were Aideen O’Mahony, Aoife Breen at corner back, Mark Jordan at full-forward (2-1), Gary Ronayne and Cormac Horgan, (both centre field (0-3 each)), Philip Brady (2-2) and John Horgan (0-1). Semi Final V Courcey Rovers is on Friday night, @ Shanbally, 7pm. Come on out and support the team.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 25th August 2003

 

Shamrocks make it a Double over Tracton – 19/8
Tracton 1-7, Shamrocks 1-9
Shamrocks Minor Footballers had a hard earned victory over the home side at Minane in the first round of the Championship where the lack of recent football practice was evident throughout the field. After a fairly even opening half, Shamrocks led by the narrowest of margins at half time. Tracton upped their game on the resumption and with a goal direct from a free and some points from play, opened up a 3 point lead. A long-range effort from Terence O’Sullivan deceived the Tracton keeper and went all the way to the net. This finally settled the Shamrocks side who added some more points to run out narrow winners. Team: S.McGarry, C.Fitzpatrick, R.Brien, D.Hayes, S.O’Reilly, S.Andrews, D.Kirwan, T.O’Sullivan, C.O’Neill, N.Tuohy, J.Shanahan, R.McCarthy, C.O’Neill, E.O’Mahony, T.Barrett. Sub P.O’Dwyer.

 

U14’s go down in thriller – 22/8
Shamrocks 2-12, Courcey Rovers 6-5
This was a very close and exciting semi final contest with end-to-end football played by both sides in Shanbally. The lead changed hands many times throughout the course of the game. Shamrocks won the toss and elected to play with the wind in the first half. Two early Shamrocks points were quickly cancelled out by two easy Courceys goals but Shamrocks battled back with a superb goal from Cormac Horgan and some excellent out-the-field points from Gary Ronayne and Mark Jordan to lead by 3 points at the half time break. Shamrocks could have been further ahead but for some close encounters with the upright add some marvellous saves from the Rovers keeper. Some lose Shamrocks marking and some quick play from Courceys saw them put 2 quick goals on the scoreboard early in the second half and a further 2 goals were to follow before the final whistle. Shamrocks never laid down and battled back with a goal from Mark Jordan and some further excellent points from play. Shamrocks firepower up front was somewhat weakened by the absence of our regular centre forward while several late goal attempts were saved and cleared off the line by a strong Courceys defence that were difficult to penetrate. Shamrocks again played the better free flowing football over the hour but Courceys finished the game on a stronger note and a five point lead to deny Shamrocks a place in the final. Best players on the night were Mark Jordan(1-6) at centre forward, Cormac Horgan (1-2) and Gary Ronayne (0-3) at midfield, while Ronan Murphy, Jason Browne, Aoife Breen and Aideen O’Mahony also did well.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 1st September 2003

 

Shamrocks Football Double over Carrigaline – 26/8
Shamrocks 1-12, Carrigaline 3-4
Shamrocks had a thrilling victory over Carrigaline in the first round of this JBFC at wet and windyCamden last Tuesday night. The game started in an absolute downpour, which seemed to favour the team playing ?out to sea? in the first half, that being Carrigaline. Despite Shamrocks having an even amount of the play, they found themselves 1-2 to 0-1 down early on and the object of the exercise at this stage was to keep the Carrigaline lead to the minimum before half time. The (enforced) switch of Mick Lannon from half back to corner forward seemed to work for Shamrocks as he kicked over 3 points from play leading up to half time, while Carrig got in for another goal just before the half time whistle, which left the scoreline 2-2 to 0-4 for Carrigaline. Shamrocks came out battling in the second half and with the wind at their backs started to eat into the lead with some points from Darragh Collins, Rob Lannon and sub Colin O?Sullivan. This left the teams level and the initiative lay with Shamrocks. However, Shamrocks were soon after reduced to 14 men and this seemed to give the Carrigaline men a boost and soon they had opened up a 5 point lead with 7 minutes to go. But, Shamrocks staged a remarkable comeback in this time. Everyone lifted their game for one last effort and manager and sub Bernard Hickey stroked over 2 points, Stephen O’Reilly had another and Darragh Collins slotted over a free to leave a point between the teams in injury time. Que Terence O’Sullivan: He picked up the ball 45 yards out, went through 3 players before driving the ball to the top corner of the Carrigaline net. A hectic 4 minutes of extra time were played after that with Carrigaline striving in vain to find the Shamrocks net again. Team: S.McGarry, C.Tierney, A.Aherne, S.O’Reilly, M.Lannon, D.Roche, K.O’Mahony, T.O’Sullivan, S.Jordan, I.Cummins, D.Collins, A.Geary, R.Lannon, E.O’Rahilly, J.Sweeney. Subs: C.O’Sullivan, B.Hickey, P.Andrews, B.McCarthy, D.Livingstone.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 8th September 2003

 

Minors go down bravely in A Final – 8/9
Carrigaline 3-12, Shamrocks 0-9
The scoreline did not do justice to a brave performance put up by skilful and spirited Shamrocks side on a perfect night for hurling at Ballygarvan on Monday evening. Shamrocks tore into their opponents from the first whistle and were unfortunate not to score at least a goal, which would have merited from their early initiative. Instead Carrigaline grabbed three goals within five minutes, which gave them a cushion, putting Shamrocks on the back foot from there on. It must be said that some of the best players on view were wearing green jerseys, and their opponents would concede that Senan Andrews, Chris O’Neill, Terence O’Sullivan and Steven O’Reilly were as good as Carrigalines best on the night. The second half saw Shamrocks engage in a titanic struggle and indeed shaded matters, bringing the deficit down to five points at one stage. But we must concede that our victors were overall a stronger side, and we congratulate them, and wish them well in the County.
Team: C O’Neill, S Burke, R Brien, D Hayes, S O’Reilly, S Andrews, O.Boland, C O’Neill, B Mulqueen, S McGarry, C Fitzpatrick, D Tuohy, N Tuohy, T O’Sullivan, R McCarthy.
Subs: E O’Mahony, F O’Neill, P Dwyer, T Barrett, R O’Sullivan.

 

Congrats to Mikey and Joe
Special congratulations to Michael Prout who won an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling medal withCork by beating Kilkenny over the weekend. He had a fine game at corner back. He also was a member of theCork under 21 football team beaten narrowly byWaterford last week. We also congratulate Joseph Shanahan who was a member of the Cork Minor Football team beaten byDublin at the All-Ireland semi-finals last weekend. Joseph stroked a lovely point over the canal end bar to start theCork mini revival at the start of the second half, unfortunately they couldnt sustain it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 15th September 2003

 

U21 Stroll to victory – 9/9
Shamrocks 4-15, Kinsale 3-4
Shamrocks had a comfortable victory over a depleted Kinsale in Belgooly. With over half our Junior team on display, Shamrocks had far too much experience and firepower for our opponents and the game was over as a contest early on when Shamrocks got in for a few goals. Ballygarvan now await in the final (B Final) Players used: S.O’Neill, C.Brady, S.O’Reilly, S.Collins, S.Andrews, N.Hayes, B.Mulqueen, C.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, C.Fitzpatrick, J.Shanahan, D.Bourke, M.Prout, (13-a-side) O.Boland, S.McGarry, R.Brien, T.Forde.

 

U16 Football Championship – 10/9
Shamrocks played two games in the space of 3 days in the championship last week. Valley Rovers were too strong in the first round and condemed Shamrocks to a losers group game against Ballinhassig 2 days later. The blues won on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-7. At the start of the year, the club had reservations about Shamrocks playing in the top grade, but the addition of some new players and the efforts of football trainer, Ollie McCann, made the exersise worthwhile and the stood up to the best of them, including Rovers and Carrigaline, who are probably among the best in the county at this age group. However, it has to be asked – why were Shamrocks asked to play 2 games in 3 days in the middle of September and then see their season over? Their whole Championship season condensed into 72 hours? It just isnt right, and we’re trying to hold onto U16 players in this difficult age group, not drive them away. A small club like Shamrocks simply cannot afford to be treated in a way like this.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 22th September 2003

 

Juniors in South East Final
Shamrocks 0-10, Kinsale 0-7
Shamrocks relished the tag of underdogs at wet and windy Camden on Sunday afternoon. Playing against the elements from the first whistle they made the running difficult for their opponents who were never able to gain a clear advantage in spite of some awkward moments at times in the Shamrock defense. Despite this, Shamrocks had more than enough posession to suggest that a shock was on the cards here. Kinsale were beginning to concede frees in point scoring range and Stephen O Neill was obliging on the scoreboard while Senan Collins and Mark Hickey contributed from play. Kinsale led 0-6 to 0-5 at the short whistle. On the resumption some early attacking forays were repulsed by the Shamrock defense but some wayward shooting at the other end was preventing a come back. However, Michael Prout swung over a magnificent point from midfield to put Shamrocks ahead for the first time into the second half, and Shamrocks were gaining in confidence. Kinsale again conceded frees which were punished by Steven O’Neill. A grandstand finish by Kinsale left our followers with some tense moments but only one point was conceded and this was cancelled out by a Joseph Shanahan point in injury time, which was greeted by scenes of celebration by the Shamrocks following. While all 16 players played their part on a famous occasion for Shamrocks, on the day, Michael Prout gave a virtuoso display of midfield play. He was simply everywhere, catching high ball from kick outs, cleaning up in the full back line toward the end and kicking the most important point of the day, the one that that put us ahead for the first time in the match. The defence tightened up considerably in the second half, Kinsale only got one point in that half, while the forwards looked dangerous, and could have had two second half goals. Shamrocks will now be waiting a few weeks to know their final opponents as there are 4 teams still left in the other side of the draw. For now, we can enjoy our football into November. Team- D. Kilgannon,K Hegarty, P.Prout,C.Brady, C. Ronayne.I. Breen. D.Sheehan, M. Prout, C O Neill, S. Collins, J. Shanahan S. Andrews, D. Burke, M. Hickey, S.O Neill. Sub used – N. Hayes.

 

Minor Football Championship
Shamrocks 1-14, Valley Rovers 6-6
The concession of three early goals to a slick Rovers fifteen meant that Shamrocks were chasing an almost impossible task for most of the game. Trailing by 10 points after 40 minutes the Shamrock mentors made some wholesale changes which steadied matters to such an extent that with 10 minutes to go the defecit was reduced to 4 points. Shamrocks again pressed the selfdestruct button and after some sloppy defending Rovers were again presented with a further three late goals. Team- S McGarry, R Brien, D Tuohy, C Fitzpatrick, S O Reilly, S Andrews, D Kirwan, C O Neill, T O Sullivan, D Hayes, J.Shanahan, E O Mahony, N Tuohy, B Mulqueen, O Boland. Subs used – T Barrett, Sergie Leonov, S Bourke.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 29th September 2003

 

Junior B Football – 28/9
Shamrocks 1-10, Ballinhassig 1-09
Punters who paid into this game on a perfect Sunday morning last certainly got their moneys worth as they witnessed three games in one. Shamrocks won the first 30 minutes, Ballinhassig won the next 25 minutes and finally, and most crucially, Shamrocks reinserted themselves and won the important last 5 minutes. Shamrocks were impressive in the first half as they played good football to dominate the blues and got most of their scores from play, Bernard Hickey, Terence O’Sullivan, Darragh Collins, Alan Geary and Mick Lannon obliging. Half time 0-9 to 0-3 in favour of Shamrocks. Whatever happened in the second half, whether it was complacency or whatever, the transformation was total. Shamrocks resembled a sinking ship for the first 25 minutes as hassig took over completely all over the field, starting from their half back line down. They controlled the ball, won most of the kick outs and 50/50 balls and were putting the Shamrocks defence under enormous pressure. It was simply 2 different teams out on the pitch. Ballinhassig went into the lead for the first time (1-9 to 0-9) with 8 minutes left and it looked all over for Shamrocks. At this stage, Eoghan ‘Ratso’ O’Rahilly and Colin O’Sullivan were on as subs on the right flank of the Shamrocks attack and it was they who combined to ultimately win the game for Shamrocks. After Darragh Collins put over Shamrocks first point of the second half with 7 minutes left, O’Sullivan won vital possession on the wing, passed it inside to Ratzo who finished to the far bottom corner. Shamrocks had completed a remarkable comeback for the second game in a row and are now into the semi final against Courceys next weekend. Team: B.Mulqueen, C.Tierney, A.Aherne, D.Livingstone, S.O’Reilly, D.Roche, K.O’Mahony, S.Jordan, T.O’Sullivan, B.Hickey, D.Collins, A.Geary, B.Sweeney, R.Lannon, M.Lannon. Subs used: C.O’Sullivan, E.O’Rahilly.

 

U13 Hurling – 27/9
Shamrocks travelled to Ballinspittle at the weekend to take on the home side with a youthful, experimental side. Having already played an U11 game in the morning, it was encouraging to see 17 players on duty. While we were beaten on the day, good performances were recorded from Stephen Hurley, Philip Brady, Jonathan Tuohy, Jonathan Radley, Thomas Pierce, Stephen Downey, Michael O’Neill and Brian Cusack.

 

U11 Football – 27/9
Kilbrittan made the long journey to Shanbally last Saturday morning for the first underage game ever between the clubs and after a close run contest, the visitors came out on top of an extremely young Shamrocks team. Among the stars of the future on display were Joey Brady, Roy Twomey, Dara O’Sullivan, Christy O’Sullivan, Jack Breen and Laura McCarthy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 6th October 2003

 

Junior B Championship Semi – 4/10
Courcey Rovers 2-6, Shamrocks 1-6
A tough, uncompromising game of football went all the way to the wire on Saturday afternoon last at Belgooly before Courceys deservedly booked their place in the final. Having said that, it was a game that the Shamrocks side will feel they left after them. Unfortunately, some bad options taken at various times and some simple point attempts put wide at crucial stages cost a gallant Shamrocks side the game. The wind was a telling factor all through; it blew right down toward the bottom goal and made life difficult for everyone. Courceys enjoyed its advantage in the first half and they were 1-2 to 0-0 up before Shamrocks even had an attack. Then Terence O’Sullivan and Alan Geary had Shamrocks points before Shamrocks shot 5 wides in a row coming up to half time. Courceys showed them how it was done with the last attack of the half to leave the half time score 1-3 to 0-2. Shamrocks knew that the deficit was manageable and after a half time roasting, got exactly what they needed, an early second half goal courtesy of Rob Lannon. This should have been the launching pad for a dominating second half performance but they really only got going in fits and starts and the high balls into the forwards wasnt really working. After they were reduced to 14 men, they did forge a point ahead, Mick Lannon obliging. But tragedy was to strike at the other end as the Courceys corner forward punished a defensive mix up. There were 5 minutes left but the Rovers defence comfortably dealt with the desperate Shamrocks attacks. Their last point only consolidated their position. Nevertheless, a good season from a second Shamrocks team that managed to get a strong panel of more than 20 players out for each and every game. Hopefully, the trend will continue into next year. Team: B.Mulqueen, C.Tierney, A.Aherne, D.Livingstone, S.O’Reilly, D.Roche, K.O’Mahony, S.Jordan, T.O’Sullivan, B.Hickey, D.Collins, A.Geary, B.Sweeney, R.Lannon, M.Lannon. Subs used: C.O’Sullivan, E.O’Rahilly.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 14th October 2003

 

U13 Football – 12/10
The Shamrocks U13s had a narrow win over Ballinhassig last Saturday. Best players for Shamrocks on the day were Mickey O’Neill, Mark Jordan, Philip Brady, Stephen Hurley, Conor Cusack in goal and Darragh O?Sullivan.

 

U11 Hurling – 12/10
The U11 hurlers were well beaten by a much bigger Crosshaven on Saturday.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 21st October 2003

 

Junior A Football Final – Shamrocks denied (20/10)
Ballygarvan 0-12, Shamrocks 0-5
Ballygarvan retained their crown rather comfortably at Carrigaline last Sunday afternoon. Shamrocks contributed immensely to this game of football, but when the need was greatest, midway through the second half, they had no answer to Ballygarvans power football. 

A strong breeze blew diagonally across the pitch and Ballygarvan played with its advantage in the first half. After 15 minutes it was 0-2 each, Mickey Prout and Mark Hickey with the Shamrocks scores. However, Ballygarvan were creating chances at the other end, and let Shamrocks off the hook on numerous occasions, shooting 11 wides. They did kick 3 points to move 0-5 to 0-2 ahead before Steven O’Neill pegged the deficit back to 2 points with a free. Shamrocks turned with the wind to their backs for the second half but Ballygarvan seemed to up their game. Their half back line and midfield got on top and they played controlled possession football up the pitch, denying Shamrocks much needed control of the ball. After Joe Shanahan kicked over a lovely point, Ballygarvan turned the screw on this game and suffocated the Shamrocks; their physical advantage over Shamrocks was striking. They chipped away at their points tally to deservedly take the trophy home for the second year in a row. On the day, Shamrocks can have no complaints – they were beaten by a better team. However, it was generally agreed amongst everybody present, on both sides, that this not the last to be seen from this extremely young Shamrocks team. We wish our conquerors all the best in the county. Team – D.Kilgannon, K.Hegarty, P.Prout, C.Brady, D.Sheehan, I.Breen, C.Ronayne, M.Prout, C.O’Neill, S.Collins, J.Shanahan, S.Andrews, S.O’Neill, M.Hickey, A.Geary. Subs used – B.Sweeney, T.O’Sullivan, D.Collins (0-1).

 

U13 Hurling – 19/10
A second victory in a row over a determined Tracton side was achieved at wind swept Shanbally on Saturday morning. Playing into a strong wind in the opening half, Shamrocks were very slow to settle and found themselves 4 goals in arrears at half time. The second half was an entirely different affair and Shamrocks were camped in the Tracton half for long periods and the scores just had to come. Our game against Ballygarvan next week will determine whether or not we advance to the knock out stages of the competition. Panel: B.Cusack, J.Brown, A.McCarthy, J.Tuohy, P.Brady, M.Jordan, D.Murphy, M.O’Neill, D.O’Sullivan, C.Murphy, S.Downey, S.Walter, S.Hurley, D. Spillane.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 27th October 2003

 

U13 Hurling final – 27/10
Courcey Rovers 7-8, Shamrocks 5-3
Shamrocks suffered defeat at the hands of Courcey Rovers in the final of this competition played at Ballygarvan last bank holiday Monday. The winning and losing of this game occured in the first half – Courcey Rovers scored 3 goals early doors. It was an uphill battle after that but in fairness to Shamrocks, they never gave up and battled right to the end, matching Courceys in every department, especially in the second half. Final score 7-8 to 5-3 for Courceys. Philip Brady was Shamrocks most accomplished player, and he finished with 3-1 from midfield. Jason Browne and Mark Jordan were other Shamrocks players to shine. B.Cusack, A.McCarthy, J.Tuohy, P.Brady, M.Jordan, D.Murphy, M.O’Neill, D.O’Sullivan, C.Murphy, S.Downey, S.Walters, S.Hurley, D.Spillane. Our underage sponsored walk also took place after the game and we thank all our contributers and sponsors.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 2nd November 2003

 

U21 Hurling final – 2/11
Shamrocks 1-18, Ballygarvan 1-5
November Hurling!! Shamrocks won the B title after pulling away against Ballygarvan in the second half at Ballygarvan on Sunday morning last. A gale force wind blew right up the pitch and was worth at least 5 points, but Shamrocks, having played against it in the opening period, managed to go in at half time leading by 1-6 to 1-4, so optimism was high at half time of victory. Dave Bourke pounced for the Shamrocks goal, which cancelled out Ballygarvans early major. Mickey Prout, operating at half forward, Joe Shanahan, Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Terence O’Sullivan from frees did the point scoring before the break. There was inevitability about the second half as Shamrocks turned to play with the strong wind advantage. Ballygarvan did hang on manfully for about 15 minutes until the floodgates opened and Joe Shanahan, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Barry Mulqueen (now taking the frees), Mickey Prout, Terence O’Sullivan and sub Oisin Boland with a beauty piled on the points. On the morning, there were some solid performance from all the Shamrocks players, who played well as a team above all else. They will move up to A level next year, where all the players are underage again. Captain Colin Brady accepted the trophy on behalf of the Shamrocks team. Team: D.O’Neill, S.O’Reilly, C.Brady, S.Collins, S.Andrews, N.Hayes, C.O’Neill, T.O’Sullivan, B.Mulqueen, C.Fitzpatrick, J.Shanahan, M.Prout, D.Bourke. Subs used: S.McGarry, O.Boland, R.Brien.

 

U13 Football – 2/11
Shamrocks 6-12, Courcey Rovers 6-7
Shamrocks had a well merited win over our hurling conquerors from the week before. Playing into a very strong wind in the first half, Shamrocks were mainly on the defensive and were behind at half time, 3-6 to 2-1. On the resumption, they used the elements to their advantage and picked off some good scores with Michael O’Neill, really on form. Others to stand out were Stephen Hurley, Darragh O’Sullivan, Philip Brady, Mark Jordan and Brian Cusack. Team: S.Hurley, A.Hickey, J.Browne, S.Walters, C.Murphy, M.Jordan, D.Spillane, A.McCarthy, P.Brady, B.Cusack, M.O’Neill, J.Tuohy, D.O’Sullivan, S.Downey, C.Murphy, J.Wells , R.Breen and D.Breen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 9th November 2003

U13 Football – 8/11
Ballinhassig 2-5, Shamrocks 1-11
Shamrocks had another great win in this competition when they had 3 points to spare over the home side last Saturday evening. Playing with the wind in the first half, Shamrocks led by 4 points at half time and considered themselves lucky as Ballinhassig had some missed opportunities. Shamrocks performed with more control after the break and held out for a deserved win. While it was entirely a team effort, great commitment was shown by Aaron Hickey, Stephen Walters, Roisin Breen, Jonathan Tuohy and Stephen Downey. Team: S.Hurley, A.Hickey, J.Browne, S.Walters, D.Spillane, A.McCarthy, R.Breen, P.Brady, M.Jordan, B.Cusack, M.O’Neill, J.Tuohy, D.O’Sullivan, S.Downey, C.Murphy. Subs- T.Pierce, D.Breen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 16th November 2003

 

Junior Football League Final – 16/11
Shamrocks 1-5, Kinsale 0-9
Kinsale were deserving winners of the Carrigdhoun Cup which was played at Shanbally last Sunday. It was a hard fought contest between 2 evenly matched teams, but Kinsale were able to hang on in the last 10 minutes when Shamrocks, by this stage down to 13 men after the dismissal of 2 of their players, threw everything into attack. However, despite some gilt edged chances, including goal ones, the equalising point never came. Joe Shanahan was the chief Shamrocks scorer, helping himself to 1-4 while Brian Sweeney, playing his last game along with chopper before they head off to the land of Oz, kicked a nice first half point. A good season overall for the footballers, spoiled by 3 final losses, 2 of them at the expense of Kinsale. Team: B.Mulqueen, K.Hegarty, P.Prout, C.Brady, D.Sheehan, M.Prout, C.Ronayne, B.Sweeney, C.O’Neill, S.Collins, J.Shanahan, S.Andrews, S.O’Neill, M.Hickey, D.Bourke. Subs used: S.O’Reilly, N.Hayes, D.Collins.

 

U13 Football – 16/11
Shamrocks 2-6, Sliabh Rua 3-9
Shamrocks lost out to Sliabh Rua by 6 points in the league. More on this to follow. Team: S.Hurley, A.Hickey, J.Browne, S.Walters, C.Murphy, M.Jordan, D.Spillane, A.McCarthy, P.Brady, B.Cusack, M.O’Neill, J.Tuohy, D.O’Sullivan, S.Downey, C.Murphy, J.Wells, R.Breen and D.Breen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

Week ended – 25th November 2003

 

U13 Football – 22/11
Sliabh Rua 7-9, Shamrocks 3-7
This Fe13 football final against Sliabh Rua was played on a well prepared Belgooly pitch in perfect conditions on Nov 22nd. Sliabh Rua were a much fitter and stronger footballing side and gave Shamrocks plenty of trouble on the wide pitch that did not suit the smaller Shamrocks players. The half time score saw Sliabh Rua ahead, 3-6 to 1-2 which left Shamrocks with plenty to do for the second half. Shamrocks did rally with 2 goals and some points but Sliabh Rua were able to counter with 4 goals at crucial stages to put the game beyond our reach. Beat performances on the day came from Jason Browne, Philip Brady (2-3), Dara Spillane, Mark Jordan and Darragh O’Sullivan (1-0). Team: S.Hurley, A.Hickey, J.Browne, S.Walters, R.Breen, A.McCarthy, D.Spillane, M.Jordan, P.Brady, B.Cusack, T.Pearce, J.Tuohy, D.O’Sullivan, S.Downey, C.Murphy, Subs: M.O’Neill, D.Murphy, J.Breen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week ended – 2nd December 2003

 

Winding Down
That’s it now for the year on the playing front; the U13?s being the last team out last weekend. The Underage presentation of medals took place in the track on Saturday afternoon last; the AGM has been fixed for Monday, Jan 13, while tickets for the Shamrocks Christmas draw will be on sale soon. And speaking of draws, well done to Martin Stuart (jnr) a.k.a ‘Electro Magnetism’ of Monkstown who scooped the jackpot prize of €1350 in last weeks draw. Stuarty actually played Minor for Shamrocks but his studies into the importance of the magnetic induction produced by the electric current brought his mind elsewhere.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week ended – 9th December 2003

 

Congratulations and Bon Voyage
At an enjoyable Prize giving evening atSt.PetersCommunitySchool, Passage West recently, some of our younger players were awarded distinctions at the annual Barr Bua awards. Awards were presented to Tadhg O’Keeffe (Commitment), Gary Jordan (Tech Drawing), Sergey Leonev (Science & Maths), Dave Tuohy (Languages) and Dave Bourke (Accounting & Hurling). Tracy O’Neill, daughter of the well known Pat and Tess, received the past pupils award for achievement in attaining her CPA accountancy status. Senan Andrews was honoured as the overall sportsperson of the year and was gracious to the Shamrocks club for their support and commitment in his acceptance speech. Im sure a large portion of the club will be in Blackrock National Hurling Club this Friday night for Mickey Prouts 21st . In case you’re thinking that he’s been playing overage for the last few years, he isnt actually 21 until January, but Mickey is heading off to theland ofSetanta over Christmas for a months holiday. And we say Bon Voyage to 4 of our players, Brian ‘Todds’ Sweeney, Cian ‘Chopper’ Ronayne, Eoin O’Sullivan and Ian Allen who are also off to the land of Setanta, but this time for a year. They’re heading off Sunday. I wonder will they be presenting themselves for training at any clubs over there. I heard Todds would make a great leg spin bowler….