Archives 2009

by Patrick Andrews · December 31, 2009

Week ended – 8th February 2009

Underage AGM – 4/2

The underage AGM was held in Pfizers sports club on Wednesday night last. The outgoing officers were all re-elected; namely John (Socket) Twomey as Chairperson, Evanna O’Keeffe as Vice, Paddy Andrews as Secretary and Gretta Sweeney as Treasurer. The grading and mentors/coaches/selectors for the various teams were also discussed and resulted in the following:
Under 8’s – Stephen Walter, Jonny Tuohy + 2 as yet unnamed parents
Under 10’s – Mark Hickey, Noel Murphy, Kieran Lynam, Anto
Under 12’s – Dick Andrews, Patrick Andrews, Peter Crowley, Paddy Clifford
Under 14’s – Pat Cusack. More to follow here very soon
Under 16’s – Sid Kidney, Pat Mac, Socket (transport), Kieran Barry
These are still at an early stage with more people to be approached. We can never have enough people to look after teams. John Jordan will as usual be involved in helping out all teams. Thanks to all who put in an effort underage and her’s hoping for a successful 2009.

Week ended – 8th March 2009

Junior Football League – 8/3

Shamrocks 1-6, Carrigaline 1-6
Shamrocks and Carrigaline battled out a draw in tough conditions in Shanbally’s bottom pitch on Sunday morning last. The ground was heavy, the wind was boting and the cold was severe but both teams served up an honest hours football. It was typical early season fare from Shamrocks, their first match of the season. The new managment team of Pat Tuohy, Dave O’Flaherty and Billy Timlin will be reasonably happy with the performance. Shamrocks had the aid of the wind and hill in the first half but didnt do enough to put daylight between themselves and Carrig. Seanan Collins did score a beauty of an early goal, and with Darragh O’Sullivan, Michael Prout and Collins again with points, Shamrocks led 1-4 to 0-3 at half time. Carrigaline fought on in the second half and punished some Shamrocks slips and fould in defense to draw level with 15 minutes eft, despite being down to 14 men. Shamrocks dominated the last quarter, and despite plenty of posession and some beautiful points from Philip Brady, they couldnt put away Carrigaline.
Team: B. Mulqueen, K. Hegarty, A. Aherne, D. O’Neill, G. Ronayne, P. Prout, C. Brady, M. Prout, B. Sweeney, P. Brady, T. O’Sullivan, C. Ronayne, D. O.’Sullivan, S. Collins, B. McCarthy. Sub used – A. McCarthy, S. Downey

Week ended – 23rd March 2009

Junior Hurling League – 22/3

Shamrocks 2-13, Tracton 1-14
Shamrocks got their hurling season off to a winning start with a 2 point victory over visitors Tracton at Shanbally on Sunday morning last, on what was a beautiful March morning. This was a close game for most of the 60 minutes, with the teams close on the scoreboard at half time, Shamrocks ahead by 2-7 to 1-8. Shamrocks had some nice scores from Joe Shanahan, Brian Sweeney, Terence O’Sullivan and Fergus O’Neill while Dave Bourke slapped home a rebound for the Shamrocks goal after his brother Sean had earlier scored a goal. Shamrocks, playing up the pitch in the second half, moved ahead with a couple of scores from Terence O’Sullivan, Sweeney again and sub Colin O’Sullivan. Trcton fought back strongly near the end but the Shamrocks goal remained intact. Next up its football next Sunday, at home to Ballymartle at 3pm. Team: D. O’ Neill, C. Brady, P. Prout, S. O’ Reilly, D. Sheehan, S. Collins, B. Mulqueen, B. Sweeney, M. Prout, J. Shanahan, T. O’ Sullivan, G. Ronayne, S. Bourke, F. O’Neill, D. Bourke. Subs used – Brendan Barrett, C. O’ Sullivan, J. Sweeney
Training this Tuesday night from 6.15pm till 7.30pm.

City/SE Minor Football League

Shamrocks 3-7, Carrigaline 2 6-4.
Its obvious that if Shamrocks didnt concede as many goals as they did in this league game played on the bottom pitch on Sunday morning last, they would have been a lot closer to Carrigaline B by the end. They conceded 3 soft goals inside the first 10 minutes and were playing catch up for the rest of the match. Darragh O’Sullivan did most of the Shamrocks scoring, scoring what seemed like 2-5. Shamrocks did try manfully to claw back the 4-3 to 1-2 half time defecit and came within 3 points of Carrigaline with about 15 minutes left. However, Carrigaline then went down the field and scored 2 quick goals to put this game to bed.
Team: D. Murphy, J. Tuohy, A. Hickey, D. Breen, C. Kidney, A. Dunne, A. McCarthy, J. Brady, J. O’Driscoll, D. O’Sullivan, S. Horgan, S. Healy, C. Cafferey.
Training, incorporating the u16’s, continues on Tuesday March 24th and March 31st, from 7pm to 8pm (€3 a head)

Week ended – 30th March 2009

Junior Football League – 29/3

Shamrocks 1-14, Ballymartle 2-2
Shamrocks took the league points on offer on Sunday afternoon in Shanbally. Shamrocks played against the stiff breeze in the first half and began the game very sluggishly, conceding 1-1 in the opening minutes. Eventually the physically stronger Shamrocks, began to take a grip on the game in the half back line and midfield and the scores soon followed. The half time score was 0-6 to 1-1 in favour of the home side. From the strt of the second half Shamrocks upped their game and they started to put daylight between themselves and the visitors. Ballymartle continued to compete well but they were very young and seemed to be missing a good few. On the day Shamrocks did play some good football at times. Their best performers were Ronan O’Sullivan in goal, Snotser and Brian McCarthy who was a constant menace to the Ballymartle defence and kicked some great scores, one in the first half in particular.
Team: R.O’Sullivan, D.Hayes, P.Prout, D.O’Neill, G.Ronayne, C.Brady, D.Sheehan, B.Sweeney, M.Prout, J.Shanahan, T.O’Sullivan, P.Brady, C.Ronayne, S.Collins, B.McCarthy. Subs Used: J.Sweeney, D.O’Sullivan, A.McCarthy.

U16 Football League – 1/4

Shamrocks 3-5, Tracton 0-9
Our U-16 footballers kicked off the underage season with a good win over Tracton in Shanbally last Wed. evening. Conditions were ideal for football. We stared very strong and soon found ourselves in an early lead after a goal by Declan Sheehan after just 1 minute. we soon added some fine points to leave a little daylight between the teams. Tracton put over some fine points to leave just two points between the teams approaching half time. A beautifull Damien Kelleher goal put us 4 points in the lead at half time. Scores in the second half were hard to come by for both teams. Super sub Daniel O’Reilly scored 1-01 when he came on and two points from Roy Twomey late on had us ahead at the final whistle on a score line of 3-05 to 0-09. Team. Gary Hartnett, David Barton, Rory Horgan, Conor Walter, James Raleigh, Daniel Breen (Capt), Jamie O’Driscoll, Roy Twomey, Shane Horgan, Josh Hanlon, Tony O’Mahony, Darren Barry, Cal O’Mahony, Declan Sheehan, Damien Kelleher, Subs. Daniel Hayes & Daniel O’Reilly.

City/SE Minor Football League

Shamrocks 5-11, Ballygarvan 2-7
Shamrocks Minors got their first win of the season (2nd match) in the B City/South East league with a good victory over a much more physical Ballygarvan in Shanbally on Tuesday evening last. With Darragh O’Sullivan leading the way from centre forward, scoring 2-6 and generally being a pain in behind for the Ballygarvan defense, Shamrocks raced away with 4 early goals to lead comfortably by 4-2 to 1-4 at half time. Some stout defending from Daniel Breen, Johnny Tuohy, Cathal Kidney and Aaron Hickey and some nice finishes from Cannice Caffrey, Declan Sheehan (goal and good to see him back) Shane Horgan and Joey Brady (goal) were some of the highlights along with tall Alan McCarthys midfield fetches. Ballygarvan did come strong just before halftime and again midway through the second half after both teams had a man sent off but it was all in vain. When Shamrocks get all their players out, they are going to be a match for the best of them in this league – problem is will that always happen? Next game away to Bishopstown this coming Friday night (April 3rd, 6.45pm). Team: D. Murphy, D. Kelleher, A. Hickey, J. Tuohy, J. Lynch, C. Kidney, D. Breen, C. Cafferey, A. Mac, S. Horgan, D. O’Sullivan, J. O’Driscoll, D. Sheehan, J. Brady, R. Twomey. Sub used – T. O’Mahony

Week ended – 6th April 2009

U12 Football League – 6/4

Shamrocks 1-6, Sliabh Rua 2-11
Sliabh Rua came to Shanbally and left with the two league points on Monday evening last. Shamrocks didnt play well on the night and took the best part of half an hour to get going. Sliabh rua played down the hill in the 1st half, aided by the wind, and they built up a 1-5 to 1-1 lead just coming up to half time. David Andrews then gave Shamrocks hope with a goal just before half time, half time 1-6 to 1-1. The visitors held Shamrocks at bay in the second half, eventhough Shamrocks performance improved somewhat. Next game is away to Crosshaven on Easter Monday evening. Team: K. Murphy, C. Hayes, S. Kidney, N. Hayes, M. Hitchmough, C. O’Grady, S. Kelleher, C. Scriven, D. Scriven, D. Andrews, R. Corkery, D. Barry, Tom Murphy, A. O’Grady. Subs used – P. Murphy, E. Horgan, C. Corkery, R. Mehigan

City/SE Minor Football League – 3/4

Bishopstown 4-5, Shamrocks 3-15
Shamrocks got their second win in a row in the City/South East B league with a good win over Bishopstown in Bishopstown last Friday night. This was a good, solid team display from Shamrocks with all players on duty making an impression, especially Jack Wilson in goal (just back from injury), David Murphy at corner back and Roy Twomey and Tony O’Mahony from the under 16’s. Darragh O’Sullivan did the majority of the scoring for Shamrocks.

U16 Football League – 1/4

Week ended – 13th April 2009

Junior A Football Championship Replay – 14/4

Shamrocks 1-10, Belgooly 0-9
In the replay from Sunday afternoons draw in Camden, Shamrocks had a 4 point victory over a game Belgooly, this time in Minane Bridge. Shamrocks were the better team throughout; Belgooly were the more physical team, Shamrocks had that bit more football and led 1-5 to 0-4 at halftime, Seanan Collins with the goal. Brian Sweeney, Joe Shanahan and Darragh O’Sullivan got some points for Shamrocks in that first half. Shamrocks moved 5 points ahead with about 10 minutes to go after further points from Shanahan and Gary Ronayne (up from corner back). Belgooly pushed hard but couldnt get the all important goal to haul themselves right back into it. This important victory means that Shamrocks get a bye into the Semi Final of the A championship, which wont be played until the start of August!
Team: Barry Mulqueen, Dave O’Neill, Peter Prout, Gary Ronayne; Cian Ronayne, Colin Brady, Micheal Prout; Brian Sweeney, Declan Sheehan; Philip Brady, Terence O’Sullivan, Joseph Shanahan; Brian McCarthy, Seanan Collins, Darragh O’Sullivan. Sub used – Stephen O’Reilly.

U12 Football League – 13/4

Crosshaven 5-7, Shamrocks 3-7
Shamrocks and Crosshaven played out a thriller in Camden on Monday evening last before Crosshaven finished winners by 2 goals. Both teams are to be complimented on their efforts in this game. While the Shamrocks lads came out on the wrong end of the scoreline, they played much better than the previous week; all 20 players played well. Crosshaven just had this ability to strike for goals when it was most needed. They led 2-1 to 0-5 at half time. Shamrocks came back at them in the second half but Crosshaven struck for 2 quick goals to kill off Shamrocks. But Shamrocks never gave up and scored 3 goals from Ronan Corkery, Joe O’Keeffe and Darragh Scriven. But Crosshaven finished the game with a few points to tie things up. Players used: K. Murphy, N. Hayes, S. Kidney, S. Kelleher, B. Crowley, C. O’Grady, M. Hitchmough, D. Scriven, D. Andrews, T. Murphy, R. Corkery, D. O’Sullivan, C. Murphy, E. Horgan, J. O’Keeffe, D. Carroll, S. Og Hurley, D. Barry, R. Meighan, C. Corkery.

Junior A Football Championship – 12/4

Shamrocks 1-12, Belgooly 2-9
Shamrocks and Belgooly will have to do it all over again this Tuesday night, April 14th, in MINANE BRIDGE at 6.30pm start, after playing out an enjoyable draw in Camden on Sunday. Shamrocks will probably be the happier team with the result as they trailed for long periods of the game and had to rely on a late equaliser. Shamrocks started the brighter and opened up a 3 point to 1 lead after 10 minutes. However, Belgooly struck for the first of their goals after 15 minutes, before Darragh O’Sullivan and Joe Shanahan with 2 points brought Shamrocks level at the short whistle, 1-3 to 0-6. After having played with the wind, we wondered was that going to be enough for Shamrocks. Seanan Collins slapped over a beauty straight after half time before Belgooly struck for another goal, a most sloppy affair from a Shamrocks point of view. They led 2-5 to 0-7 and looked to be in control; however Shanahan was chipping away at the lead and also played in Philip Brady for a fantastic Shamrocks goal. With time almost up, and Shamrocks down by a point, sustained Shamrocks pressure resulted in Declan Sheehan taking a short sideline ball and drilling over a beauty from way out the wing to level it up. Team: Barry Mulqueen, Dave O’Neill, Peter Prout, Gary Ronayne, Cian Ronayne, Colin Brady, Declan Sheehan, Micheal Prout, Brian Sweeney, Philip Brady, Terence O’Sullivan, Joseph Shanahan, Brian McCarthy, Seanan Collins, Darragh O’Sullivan. Unused subs – Darran Roche, Senan Andrews, Alan McCarthy, Jamie Sweeney, Alan Aherne, Stephen O’Reilly, David Bourke, Stephen Downey, Paul Lordan, Patrick Andrews.

U12 Football League – 6/4

City/SE Minor Football League – 9/4

Tracton 0-8, Shamrocks 1-10
Shamrocks got their 3rd straight win of the league on Thursday night in difficult conditions in Minane Bridge. Shamrocks started well and had an early goal from Roy Twomey to settle them down and it was 1-2 to 0-1 after 10 minutes. Shamrocks stayed on top for the rest of the half and led 1-7 to 0-3 at half time. Shamrocks tired in the second half but managed to stem the Tracton attempts at goal, which they needed to have any hope. The backs stayed tight all through. Gary O’Sullivan in goal and Richard Aherne at corner back had good games for Shamrocks while Darragh O’Sullivan scored 0-7 up front. It is hoped to play one more league game against Crosshaven (a catch up game) before all games grind to a hault for State Exams.

U16 Football League – 8/4

Crosshaven 7-14, Shamrocks 0-3
Shamrocks under 16’s were nearly wiped off the face of the planet on Wednesday evening last in Camden, the scoreline tells its own story.

Week ended – 4th May 2009

Junior A Hurling Championship – 3/5

Shamrocks 0-16, Crosshaven 2-5
Shamrocks had a 5 point victory over Crosshaven in Carrigaline last Sunday in the opening round of the Junior A hurling championship. Shamrocks were the better hurlers on the day and always seemed capable of keeping Crosshaven at bay, eventhough they did mount a serious revival mid way through the second half. Shamrocks played with the aid of the wind in the first half and raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead early on, Joe Shanahan on fire on the wing. Crosshaven settled down a bit but it was obvious that all their scores were coming from frees. Shamrocks again made a scoring burst coming up to half time to lead by 0-10 to 0-4 at halftime. The next score after half time was going to be important and eventhough it didnt arrive until 10 minutes in, it was a goal from Crosshaven from a 21 meter free and they quickly followed with a point. Shamrocks replied at the other end through Terence O’Sullivan, Shanahan again from play (0-7 in total from play) and Darragh Collins, now on free taking duty. Again Crosshaven refused to lie down and scored their only score from play with a bundled home goal to bring the deficit back to 3 points again. However, Shamrocks battened down the hatches again with a few scores of their own
Shamrocks now play the winners of the losers group game between Crosshaven themselves and Kinsale. This game will probably take place mid June but as per usual, could chance due to the things like Cork Seniors, Cork Intermediates, Carrigdhoun etc.
Team: D. O’Neill, S. Bourke, P. Prout, D. Roche, S. Andrews, S. Collins, M. Prout, B. Sweeney, B. Mulqueen, G. Ronayne, T. O’Sullivan, J. Shanahan, C. O’Sullivan, A. Aherne, D. Collins. Subs used – S. O’Reilly, F. O’Neill, D. Bourke.

Week ended – 27th April 2009

City JAHL League – 26/4

Whitechurch 1-8, Shamrocks 2-5
Shamrocks were short a number of players again on a Sunday morning but put up a great second half display again to claw back a 5 point halftime defecit and grab a draw up in Whitechurch. For the second week in a row Shamrocks had to field with 14 players and just like the underage, when the hurling starts up fellas just disappear into the sunset. Its a problem that will have to be addressed before we play Crosshaven next weekend. The selectors are going to have to choose between the guys who have been showing the committment and the guys who would normally make the team and who arent showing the same level of interest.
Colin O’Sullivan struck over a few frees while he scored teh second Shamrocks goal after Alan Aherne, who made a good impression at full forward, struck home the first. Team: J. Shanahan, D. Sheehan, P. Prout, S. Bourke, D. Bourke, S. Collins, S. Andrews, B. Mulqueen, M. Prout, C. O’Sullivan, D. Collins, P. Andrews, J. Sweeney, A. Aherne. Kenny Coveney came on after 25 minutes to make 15.

SE Junior B Football League – 23/4

Shamrocks 2-9, Rochestown 1-7
Shamrocks first B game of the year resulted in a 5 point win over friends and neighbours Rochestown at a wet Shanbally on Thursday night last. But they certainly left it late. Shamrocks looked dead and buried with 20 minutes left as Rochestown, who had led 1-3 to 0-3 lead at halftime, built on that to lead 1-7 to 0-3 and they were full value for their lead. However, from a Shamrocks point of view, a few positional switches allied to the 6 subs that were used (agreed with Roco and the ref beforehand) changed the complexion of the game completely and Shamrocks scored 2-6 without reply to garner the 2 league points on offer. This was a much better game than last years encounter, with some nice scores being registered on both sides. Things were slow to settle but both sides had points after about 15 minutes to open things up. Stephen Jordan, Robin O’Donoghue and Darren Roche had the Shamrocks scores in that half. All subs made a valuable contribution in the second half after they were brought on. After Rochestown raced into that lead, Shamrocks more or less controlled the ball for the last 15 minutes and a flurry of quick scores from Rob McCarthy, Dave Hayes, Darren Roche again (nose bleed time) and Brian Cusack along with goals from Cian O’Neill and Alan McCarthy (1-1 when moved to Full Forward) meant Shamrocks ran out 5 point winners in the end. Thanks to all the following players who togged off (it was great to see so many) – F. O’Neill, S. Hurley, D. Hayes, R. Murphy, S. Bourke, D. Roche, S. Andrews. S. O’Reilly, A. McCarthy, C. Murphy, C. O’Shea, R. McCarthy, S. Downey, S. Jordan, R. O’Donoghue, N. Hayes, B. Cusack, D. Murphy, K. O’Mahony, C. O’Neill, D. Livingstone, S. Walter, A. Sweeney, P. Lordan, P. Andrews.

SE Junior Hurling League – 22/4

Shamrocks 1-12, Courcey Rovers 1-7
A handy win here for Shamrocks against a strong Courcey Rovers selection on a wet Wednesday evening in Shanbally. Shamrocks played up the hill against the breeze early doors and started the brighter, and indeed were 4-1 up and cantering after 10 minutes. However, Courcey Rovers worked themselves back into the game and led by 5 points to 4 at halftime. Shamrocks made three changes at halftime and some had the desired effect. Shamrocks again got on top and some sublime points and a bundled home goal from Alan Aherne had us coasting at 1-10 to 0-7 with about 10 minutes left. Courceys did finish strongly and hinted at a comeback for a while but Shamrocks held out. Others on the scoresheet for Shamrocks included Colin O’Sullivan, Fergus O’Neill, Joe Shanahan, Gary Ronayne, Seanan Collins, and subs Brian Sweeney and Pa Andrews. Team: D. O’Neill, D. Roche, P. Prout, S. Bourke, S. Andrews, S. Collins, D. Bourke, M. Prout, B. Mulqueen, G. Ronayne, A. Aherne, J. Shanahan, D. Collins, F. O’Neill, C. O’Sullivan. Subs used – S. O’Reilly, B. Sweeney, C. O’Shea, P. Andrews, A. McCarthy, Next game away to Whitechurch on Sunday morning next, with an 11.30am start.

Under 16 Hurling League – 22/4

Crosshaven V Shamrocks
An extremely disappointing night for underage hurling in the club as Shamrocks only had 9 (NINE!) players and one mentor for the game against Crosshaven. Crosshaven agreed to play with the 9. However, this is a recurring theme in the club – when the hurling starts, the players and some mentors disappear, without giving an excuse. Its crazy, where are we going at all with this type of carry on? Well done to ‘Socket’ who took care of the “team”.

Under 14 Football League – 21/4

Crosshaven 4-10, Shamrocks 3-6
Shamrocks went down by 7 points after a good enough display against Crosshaven on Tuesday evening last in Camden. Im finding it hard to get a report on this game but if/when one becomes available, ill post it up.

Junior A Hurling League – 19/4

Shamrocks 1-12. St Finbarrs 3-13
Shamrocks put in a much better display than the previous Friday night against Kinsale with a spirited display against St Finbarrs in Shanbally on a glorious Sunday morning for hurling. Shamrocks had some great performances throughout the field, in particular from some newcomers (they were short a number of regulars) and from fellas who hadnt been up to the mark two nights previous. Barrs led 1-8 to 0-5 at halftime, and despite the concession of another goal midway through the second half, Shamrocks fought back to a 4 point deficit at one stage with about 5 minutes left. However, in chasing the game, Shamrocks conceded a quick fire goal and after that it was all over. However, all players played with credit, the scorers being Darragh Collins, Nuggett, Barry Mulqueen, Dave O’Neill and Alan Mac with the goal. Team: J. Shanahan, S. Andrews, D. Roche, S. Bourke, D. Bourke, S. Collins, A. McCarthy, B. Mulqueen, G. Ronayne, P. Andrews, F. O’Neill, S. Downey, D. Collins, A. Aherne. Sub used – B. McCarthy.

Under 14 Football League – 19/4

Shamrocks 6-10, Tracton 3-6
Shamrocks had a handy win over Tracton on Sunday morning last on the lower pitch in Shanbally, at the same time as the Juniors above. Judging by the scoreline, Shamrocks were well on top throughout and fully deserved their victory.

Junior A Hurling League – 17/4

Kinsale 0-14, Shamrocks 1-5
This was a poor enough performance from Shamrocks, which was played in Kinsale on Friday evening last. This game was played in honour of the great Jack Barret, who served both Shamrocks and in particular Kinsale well over his GAA career. The Annual Jack Barrett Shield was presented to the winning Kinsale captain after the game. Brief story of the game – Shamrocks played against the wind in the first half and quietly fancied their chances after 20 minutes as they led 1-2 to 0-2. However, Kinsale got on top for the rest of the half and it ended up 1-3 to 0-5 at halftime. Kinsale dominated the second half as the wind died down and deserved their victory. Colin O’Sullivan got the Shamrocks goal. Team: D. O’Neill, S. Andrews, D. Roche, S. Bourke, S. O’Reilly, S. Collins, D. Bourke, G. Ronayne, M. Prout, B. Mulqueen, T. O’Sullivan, J. Shanahan, D. Collins, F. O’Neill, C. O’Sullivan. Subs used – A. McCarthy, A. Aherne, S. O’Neill

Week ended – 11th May 2009

Lá na gClub – 10/5

Shamrocks celebrated the nationwide La na gClub (Club Day) with a Mass in Shanbally (10.30am) which featured current members and players from all generations of the club. Having done a bit of research, I am glad to say that Shamrocks did mark the occasion; while it wasnst of the same ilk as other clubs around us, i do know of some clubs who didnt do anything at all! Current and former stars were present, including members of the ladies football club and former camogie club.
Afterwards, a march took place, behind a piper, from Fileacrow (near the entrance to the deepwater berth) to Barnahealy cemetry where a wreath was laid in honour of all the deceased members of Shamrocks GAA club. Our thanks to all who took part on this momentous day for the GAA and also to Sean O Tuama, event organiser, who had everything sorted to as tee as per his usual organising self. It was great to see some of our Presidents and Vice Presidents out today leading the charge – without these people we would have nothing to celebrate here in the community. Liam O Seanachain gave a “graveside” oration which was very befitting of the occasion.

City Junior A Hurling League – 9/4

Shamrocks 0-10, Blackrock 0-12
Blackrock dominated the first half with the wind, led 0-8 to 0-2 at halftime. Not for the first time this year, the Shamrocks team on duty displayed admirable guts in the second half to draw it level with 2 minutes left, 0-10 to 0-10, and playing with the momentum. Then the game was decided on one decision given against the home side and that was it, the Rockies scored from the resultant free and added another one. One the night, Todds was immaculate from frees and was ably assisted on the scoreboard by Barry Mulqueen, Seanan Collins, Gary Ronayne and Ronan Murphy from play. Next game is on Thursday week, May 21st, at home to Rathpeacon.
Team: D. O’Neill, C. Brady, P. Prout, D. Sheehan, S. O’Reilly, S. Collins, D. Roche, B. Sweeney, Barry Mulqueen, P. Andrews, G. Ronayne, D. Bourke, A. McCarthy, R. Murphy, J. Sweeney. Sub used – Rob Lannon who ruffled a few feathers when he went in full forward!

Minor B Football League – 8/4

Shamrocks 2-10, Crosshaven 5-9
Crosshaven took two important league points in this catch up league game played in Shanbally on Friday evening last. With both teams doing well in the league, this game could go a long way to deciding who takes what from the season later on. Unfortunately on this occasion, through every excuse you can imagine, Shamrocks only had 13 players for this particular game but did quite well with some good performances.

SE Junior A Hurling League – 7/4

Shamrocks 1-6, Valley Rovers 1-5
In a game destroyed by the driving wind and rain, Shamrocks held on for a narrow one point victory over a good and skillful Rovers team in Shanbally on Thursday night. Valley Rovers never put out a weak hurling team and this was a strong second 15; considering the conditions, the standard was good throughout from both teams. Shamrocks played with the wind and rain advantage in the first half and led 1-4 to 0-4 at half time, Mickey Prout in particular with one lovely point. The goal was a result of the Rovers keeper being unsighted for a long Shamrocks ball into the square. The second half saw Rovers try their bext to get ahead and indeed they did with about 8 minutes left with a goal. However, Shamrocks responded and Dave Bourke hit over the winning score just before the end. Next game at home to Blackrock on this Saturday night. Team: D. O’Neill, S. andrews, P. Prout, D. Roche, S. O’Reilly, S. Collins, M. Prout, B. Sweeney, B. Sweeney, G. Ronayne, T. O’Sullivan, J. Shanahan, D. Collins, D. Sheehan, D. Bourke. Subs used – F. O’Neill, P. Andrews, B. Barrett.

U14 Hurling League – 7/4

Shamrocks 1-2, Ballinhassig 2-1
Shamrocks and Ballinhassig braved the elements in Shanbally on thursday night last and just like the junior match played after, scores were very hard to come by with Ballinhassig winning out in the end by the odd score. I wasnt given a report.

U16 Hurling League – 4/4 and 6/4

Carrigaline 2 1-14, Shamrocks 1-8
Shamrocks suffered a 6 point defeat to Carrigaline 2 in Shanbally on Monday evening last. They also played Kinsale last night in Kinsale and lost 5-8 to 1-9. I wasnt given a report.

Junior B League – 5/5

Shamrocks 3-6, Valley Rovers 1-9
Shamrocks have played 2 and won 2 games in the Junior B Football league after this 3 point victory over Valley Rovers second team in Shanbally on Tuesday night last. The strong wind down the pitch made playing up the hill very difficult and it contributed to 2 contrasting halves. Valley Rovers, despite kicking some bad wides, led 1-7 to 1-0 at half time having played with the strong wind. In fact, Shamrocks were lucky that they were only down by 7 points at half time; also Fergus O’Neill brought off one outstanding save in the Shamrocks goal. Brian Cusack scored the Shamrocks goal at the other end. The second half, just like last week, saw a different and more improved Shamrocks performance. A few positional switches and the introduction of a few subs seemed to have the desired effect. Shamrocks started to chip away at the Rovers lead through points from Stevie O’Neill and a Jamie Sweeney goal and a point. Alan McCarthys long ball also ended up in the Rovers net and the game was level. However, Shamrocks kicked on again and Steve O’Reilly kicked what turned out to be the winning point. Selectors Patrick Andrews, Kieran Hennerty and Ian Cummins are looking for another big turnout against Belgooly next Tuesday night with a 7.45 start (at home). Team: F. O’Neill, D. Hayes, S. Hurley, R. Murphy, S. O’Reilly, D. Roche, D. Murphy, A. McCarthy, S. Jordan, R. McCarthy, S. O’Neill, B. Cusack, C. Murphy, R. O’Donoghue, J. Sweeney. Subs used – D. Livingstone, I. Cummins, E. O’Rahilly, R. Lannon.

Under 12 Football League – 5/4

Shamrocks 4-10, Valley Rovers 2 2-5
Shamrocks qualified for the semi final of the second grade competition after a double scores victory over a good under 11 Valley Rovers team. This was a very close game until a few Shamrocks positional switches seemed to have the desired effect mid way through the second half as Shamrocks scored 3 goals in quick succession to finish off a game Valley Rovers team. The teams were evenly matched in the first half and Shamrocks went in a few points down at half time. However some strong words were spoken at half time and in fairness to the lads, they turned in a much better second half.
The semi final will be on Monday night week (May 18th) against Crosshaven. However, there will be training this coming Saturday morning at 12pm
Players used: A. O’Donovan, S. Kidney, S. Kelleher, S. Og Hurley, C. O’Grady, C. Hayes, D. Scriven, P. Murphy, R. Meighan, R. Corkery, D. Barry, D. Carroll, D. O’Sullivan, C. Corkery, J. O’Keeffe, D. Andrews, M. Hitchmough, S. Horgan, A. O’Grady.

Week ended – 18th May 2009

Junior A Football League – 13/5

Kinsale 1-7, Shamrocks 2-9
This was played more like a challenge match as Kinsale conceded the points beforehand and played a few intermediates. Shamrocks were always in control and played some nice football at times on a muggy evening in Kinsale, the game finished almost in darkness. Scorers included Seanan Collins and Gary Ronayne with goals and Collins, O’Neill and O’Sullivan with points. Team: F. O’Neill, D. Hayes, P. Prout, D. O’Neill, D. Sheehan, D. Roche, C. Ronayne, B. Sweeney, G. Ronayne, J. Browne, S. O’Neill, D. O’Sullivan, P. Andrews, S. Collins, B. McCarthy.

Junior B Football League – 12/5

Shamrocks 3-12, Belgooly 1-6
Shamrocks are now top of the Junior B Football league after this comfortable victory over Belgooly in Shanbally on Tuesday evening. For once, Shamrocks did all their best work in the first half, in particular early on with some great scores from Rob Lannon, Stevie O’Neill, Alan McCarthy, Brian Cusack and a goal from Cian O’Neill. Only then did Belgooly reqister their only score of the half, a point. But Shamrocks quicker ball work and speed resulted in another goal, this time for Rob Lannon and more points from Stevie again and Rob McCarthy. Half time Shamrocks led handy 2-8 to 0-1. Unfortunately, injury resulted in 2 players from Belgooly being taken off (we wish them a speedy recovery) so the second half was played out with 13 a side. Shamrocks kept up the pressure with some scores from Senan Andrews, Stevie O’Neills goal and more points from Lannon and sub Pa Andrews. Belgooly did register a few late scores but it was way too late. So far, Shamrocks have won the 3 matches they’ve played and tonight, all 22 players got a decent run out. Its important that we keep the momentum going into next weeks much tougher assignment, an away game against Ballygarvan on the Wednesday night (May 20th), with an 8pm start. Team: F. O’Neill, S. Hurley, D. Livingstone, R. Murphy, D. Hayes, D. Roche, S. Andrews, S. O’Reilly, A. McCarthy, R. McCarthy, S. Jordan, Cian O’Neill, S. O’Neill, R. Lannon, Brian Cusack. Subs used – K. O’Mahony, R. O’Donoghue, Ciaran O’Shea, Brendan Barrett, Jason Browne, Aaron Sweeney (The Jockey!) and Pa Andrews.

U14 Hurling League – 12/4

Nemo Rangers 1-3, Shamrocks 5-9
Shamrocks won handy as you ca see. No report provided.

Week ended – 25th May 2009

SE Junior Hurling League – 25/5

Shamrocks 1-8, Ballinhassig 2-12
Due to unforseen circumstances, Ballinhassig and Shamrocks played a 13 a side league match with Ballinhassig getting a few late scores to seal the win. This game was played like a challenge match due to the numbers but it made for a very open game of hurling. Ballinhassig led 1-8 to 1-5 at halftime having played up the pitch and scored their goal after only 30 seconds. Shamrocks had some nice scores from Kevin O’Mahony, a beauty from Mickey Prout and Prout also was on free taking duty. Fergus O’Neill scored the Shamrocks goal. The second half saw less scoring with Shamrocks not really being able to penetrate the Ballinhassig defence. The Shamrocks defence to be fair were playing an amount of ball but we just didnt have that cutting edge up front. Terence OSullivan did score one fantastic point in that second half. Ballinhassig kept Shamrocks at bay until just before the end when they scored a lucky goal to seal the win. Team: P. Andrews, D. Roche, P. Prout, S. Andrews, S. Collins, D. Bourke, M. Prout, B. Mulqueen, B. Barrett, T. O’Sullivan, C. Brady, K. O’Mahony, F. O’Neill. Subs used – D. Hayes, C. Ronayne, D. Cronin, J. Browne.
The championship match against the winners of Crosshaven or Kinsale probably wont be played until the end of June or the start of July.

U14 Hurling League – 25/5

Shamrocks 5-7, Kinsale 1-3
We played Kinsale last monday evening in Shanbally in what was ideal conditions for hurling. Scores were difficult to come by at the start. w We showed great determination and were rewarded with a goal and a point shortly before half time. At the short whistle the selectors made a few positional switches and they worked a treat. Some fine scores were got and we soon were in a very commanding lead. Try as Kinsale might they just couldn’t break down our strong defence. The training is now showing it’s reward as this team have now won three games and lost just one by a point. Team: R. Corkery, J.O’Brien, C.Walter, C.O’Grady, J.Howard, G.Hartnett, D.O’Reilly, M.Howard, S.O’Brien, M.Garvey, R.Horgan, A.Boland, J.Breen, C.Cusack, B.Coffan & C. Hegarty.
The U-14s & u-12s are training with Tom Nott this Thursday 28th @ 6.15PM sharp. We would like to welcome back Tom after his recent illness.

Junior B Football League – 20/5

Ballygarvan 1-7, Shamrocks 0-2
After winning their first 3 league games, Shamrocks turned in a very disappointing display against Ballygarvan on a night when it pelted rain for most of the match. The contrast between Shamrocks of the last few games and Shamrocks tonight, especially in the second half when we didnt even score, could not have been greater. Its hard to pinpoint what went wrong – we just couldnt hold on to the slippery ball a lot of the time, the shooting was poor and its obvious that some lads simply havent trained even once this year in football. Against a good team like Ballygarvan that was always going to be exposed. Stephen O’Neill and Dave Hayes scored early points for Shamrocks to level up the scores at 0-2 each but little did we believe that they wouldnt score again. The back were under pressure and were doing quite well until just on half time when Ballygarvan scored their goal. In hindsight, this was a crucial score; if Shamrocks had kept that out against the elements who knows what would have happened in the second half. Ballygarvan played much better in that second half as many Shamrocks moves broke down around the 40. Some dredful shooting was recorded. The next game is AWAY to Rathpeacon next Tuesday night. I will post directions up there later on. Team: F. O’Neill, S. Hurley, D. Livingstone, K. O’Mahony, D. Hayes, D. Roche, R. Murphy, S. Andrews, S. Jordan, R. McCarthy, S. O’Neill, D. Bourke, C. O’Neill, I. Cummins, B. Cusack. Subs used – N. Hayes, S. Bourke, R. O’Donoghue, C. O’Shea, S. Downey.

Under 12 C Football League Final – 19/5

Crossahven 2-8, Shamrocks 1-7
Crosshaven had a 4 point victory over a gallant Shamrocks side at Carrigaline in the C grade final. Shamrocks played against the wind in the first half and very little midfield play was seen as Shamrocks would attack for 5 minutes, then Crosshaven would do likewise at the other end; this pattern lasted up until halftime when a long Crosshaven delivery deceived the Shamrocks keeper and ended up in the net, making it 1-3 to 0-4 for Crosshaven at halftime. Having defended so bravely against the strong wind, this was a hammer blow that Shamrocks couldnt really recover from. To be fair, Crosshaven completely dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half, as the Shamrocks team seemed to suffer from that blow before half. Unusually, some of the older, more dominant players went out of the game and Crosshaven went 2-6 to 0-4 ahead. However, a goal from Coby O’Grady and a few points were almost enough for Shamrocks to bridge the gap. Crosshaven held on for the 4 point victory. Our thanks to the six Shamrocks mentors – Dick Andrews, Patrick Andrews, Peter Crowley, Martin Kidney, Kevin O’Mahony and Kevin O’Grady. They realise that there is a core of a very good team there but this year seemed to be spent trying to find the right combination and make up. However, there will be plenty of opportunity with the hurling which starts on Monday June 8th with a home game against Nemo Rangers. We’ll so we’ll keep you posted on training plans. Panel: A. O’Donovan, N. Hayes, S. Kidney, B. Crowley, C. Hayes, S. Kelleher, M. Hitchmough, P. Murphy, D. Scrien, T. Murphy, R. Corkery, D. Andrews, A. O’Grady, C. O’Grady, E. Horgan, C. Corkery, K. Murphy, S. Óg Hurley, R. Mehigan, D. O’Sullivan, J. O’Keeffe, D. Carroll, C. Scriven and D. Barry (both injured tonight)

Week ended – 1st June 2009

Underage Notes

The underage section of the club are organizing a family day in Pfizer Sports & Social Club on June 27th from 5.30pm to 9.00pm. This involves an interactive Camel Race night where there will be ten races for the different age groups both for boy’s and girls. It’s €100.00 to sponsor a race and it’s €10 a camel & €10 for an owner. We will be sending out letters this week to all the families involved in the underage. We are asking each family to name a camel and a be an owner and jockey. The price is €20 per family. We are also asking as many of the junior players to get involved as possible. Your support too is vital.
I know we are in hard times but the sponsorship is reduced vastly this year as some of the firms in the area are tightening up alot. We have to get support for this as we need to continue the excellent work that is ongoing with the underage over the last few years. With your support we can continue to offer trips to Croke Park, playing and training equipment at half price, the use of the NMCI indoor facilaties during the winter months, our presentation night in Pfizer’s and so on.

SE Junior B Football League – 26/5

Shamrocks travelled out to Rathpeacon on Tuesday night (May 26th) to discover that Rathpeacon knew nothing about the game. There was an obvious breakdown in communication within their club, with the result that they nor any referee knew about the game. Shamrocks will probably get the league points on offer. This means that after the first batch of Football matches, Shamrocks have 8 points out of a possible 10. We have to be happy with that. The next B Football match probably wont be held until July.

Week ended – 8th June 2009

Junior A Hurling League – 8/6

Crosshaven 4-06, Shamrocks 0-9

Shamrocks were well beaten by Crosshaven on Monday night last in Camden. Shamrocks yet again got off to a good start and were a couple of points up early on. Crosshaven in reply got 2 goals in quick succession which seemed to set the tone for the game. Shamrocks seemed to get on top and came within 2 points in the second half only to concede easy goals to make the task even harder again. A lot of work needs to be done before the meeting with Crosshaven again in the Championship
Team: D. O’Neill, D. Roche, P. Prout, S. Andrews, C. Brady, S. Collins, D. Sheehan, B. Sweeney, B. Mulqueen, S. O’Neill, T. O’Sullivan, G. Ronayne, D. Bourke, A. Aherne, K. O’Mahony. Subs used – J. Sweeney, S. Bourke, J. Shanahan.

Junior A Hurling League – 4/6

Carrigaline 3-15, Shamrocks 3-5
Shamrocks were short a number of players again on a lovely summers evening in Carrigaline on Thursday night. Playing against a breeze, Shamrocks started off the brighter and were a goal up within the first 2 minutes, a lovely overhead pull from full forward Alan Aherne. Shamrocks were under pressure for the majority of the first half but the management will be happy with the determination and courage shown by all the backs. At half time Shamrocks were losing 2-07 to 1-03. The second half again started on a positive note when Alan Aherne scored a second goal after 10 minutes. But as the half progressed, Carrigaline’s fitness and accurate striking seemed to be the difference. All of the Shamrocks players fought valiantly throughout and were never found wanting, in fact Shamrocks pulled the scoreline back to within 6 points when Alan Aherne scored his and Shamrocks third goal with 10 minutes to play. Unfortunately Carrigaline finished the stronger and ended up winning on a scoreline of 3-16 to 3-05. A big thank you must be given to selector Kenny Coveney who played in goal for the hour and showed that there is life in the old dog yet!!
Team: K. Coveney, D. Roche, P. Prout, C. Brady, S. Andrews, S. Collins, D. Bourke, B. Sweeney, B. Mulqueen, J. Shanahan, T. O’Sullivan, G. Ronayne, B. McCarthy, A. Aherne, K. O’Mahony. Subs used – S. Bourke.

Junior B Hurling League – 2/6

Valley Rovers 5-15, Shamrocks 1-7
The inaugural game of the South East Junior ‘B’ Hurling league took place in sunny Innishannon on Tuesday night last. Shamrocks faced a dilemma just before the game as there were only twelve players present and thirteen were required for this competition. Acting Club Secretary and Team Manager Finny O’Flaherty was called into urgent action. Valley Rovers supplied him with a fine large pair of shorts and other helpings from colleagues were him fully attired for the fray. Despite his years he is still very agile.
He burst into action very early in the game and was taken down heading for the Valley Rovers goal-line. The resultant penalty shot expertly taken by Colin Brady hit the back of the net and put Shamrocks into an early lead.
This ended the fairytale as the more accomplished and skilful Rovers thirteen exerted much pressure and the scores came aplenty afterwards. The much depleted Shamrocks side put up a brave and competitive effort and they never yielded until referee Gerard McCarthy blew the full time whistle. Rovers had accumulated a sore of 3 – 12 to Shamrocks 1 – 8. Full marks to all the players with veterans Kevin O’Mahony, Ian Cummins much to the fore. The Murphy bothers from Raffeen Hill acquitted themselves very well and Declan Sheehan fit frees over the bar better than Henry Sheflin. Colin Brady, David Bourke and Brendan Barrett hurled well throughout and corner forward Jamie Sweeney brought out the best in the Valley Rovers keeper twice with two rasping shots.

Underage Notes

Shamrocks V Douglas 2 – Friday 5th June
This game was played in Shanbally on a glorious Friday evening. Both teams were short players and agreed to play thirteen a side.
Shamrocks started the brightest and were soon on the score sheet when Big Rory Horgan had two goals and a point to his name. He was causing the Douglas defence all problems and in fairness the supply of ball he received from our half back line and centre field made it all the more easier for him. Alex O’Sullivan and Aonghus Boland were also feeding off him and were both on the score sheet. We were in a commanding lead at half time. Douglas came back at us in the second half but we settled down again as Gary Hartnett, Michael Howard, Sean O’Brien and Daniel O’Reilly took command again. Our full back line of Joe O’Brien and David Raleigh protected the ever dependable Ronan Corkery in goal. All the team played well and we are playing Ballinhassing in the Final of the championship on Friday 10th June. We are asking all the players that couldn’t play against Douglas to be available for the final.
Team: R. Corkery, J. O’Brien, D. Raleigh, D. O’Reilly, G. Hartnett, J. Howard, M. Howard, S. O’Brien, A. Boland, R. Horgan.

U11 Football
Shamrocks travelled to Passage West on Saturday morning for the John Kerins competition, there were four teams in this group – Passage, Shamrocks, Ballinora and Ballygarvan. Shamrocks played Ballygarvan in their first game and with a strong wind at their backs and it took a few minutes to settle into the game, the lads had four wides before Mark Hitchmough got the first score with a great goal and Andrew O’Grady got two points to lead by 1-02 to 0-00 at half time. After the break Ballygarvan scored a goal but that was cancelled out by a goal from Joseph O’Keefe and David Andrews scored a point to win by 2-03 to 1-00.
Their second game was against Ballinora and Shamrocks again played with the wind at their backs, Rory Meehigan scored a point for Shamrocks but Balinora got a point themselves and just before half time Eoin Horgan got a goal for a score line of 1-01 to 0-01. After the break David O’Sullivan got a point and Andrew O’Grady got a smashing goal for us to win 2-02 to 0-01. The score line does not reflect how though this game really was.
Our last game was against Passage and we had a lot of wides in the first half, David O’Sullivan and David Andrews got a point each but Passage scored a goal and a point to lead at half time. After the break Passage scored another goal and point before David Andrews got a goal for Shamrocks but Passage replied with another goal and point to win on a score line of 3-03 to 1-02.
Shamrocks have qualified and will now play on 20th June in Pairc Ui Rinn

Week ended – 30th June 2009

U-10 Football
We played Valley Rovers last Wednesday evening in sun drenched Shanbally. This was a lot of our lads first taste of a competitive match. We started brightly and soon had some nice scores on the board. Valley’s came back into the match and soon the sides were level. The game was played over three by fifteen minute periods and all eleven players from both sides got valuable time on the pitch. This was the first time that our lads played a competitive match together and the training in the NMCI during the long winter months along with the Academy is now bringing another generation along. Special thanks must go to Noel Murphy, Kieran Lynam, Anto Mehigan & Jed O’Flaherty for their time and effort that they spent with our under 10s. The parents also must be thanked for the commitment that they are giving us. Keep up the great work.

U-12 Hurling
We played two matches last week in this competition against Crosshaven and then later on in the week against Kinsale. We won both these games handy enough and this should set us up nicely for the remainder of the league campaign. The lads are doing a fair amount of training and this combined with the coaching skills from Tom Nott is starting to show fruit for us. We have a small break from the playing field but we will continue to train once a week.

U-14 Hurling Final

Ballinhassig 2-06 Shamrocks 2-05
We played Ballinhassig in Kinsale in the final of the championship last weekend. Both teams were very evenly matched through out the game. It was touch and go all the way to the final whistle. We had to endure the heartbreak of losing by the minimum of margins. The major talking point after the game was, was it a point or not. The score line won’t change but the disappointment was everywhere to be seen on the faces of everyone connected with Shamrocks who was present on the day. It’s a pity that it had to finish this way as both teams gave a fantastic display not alone in the final but also in the league game earlier on in Shanbally as there was only a point between the two teams on that occasion also. We would like to wish Ballinhassig the very best of luck in their quest for the County.

Family Fun Day
We held a family fun day in Pfizer’s Sports Club on Saturday 27th June. The main focus of the day was the Camel racing. There was 10 races for all the different underage teams and also had daddies and mammies races. We also had a guest race. The fun, crack excitement was a joy to behold. Everyone both young and old (and not so old) enjoyed the day. It’s a pleasure when parents, guardians, and grand parents come up and thank us for such a wonderful day. All they want to know is when are we holding the next on. Champion Jockey on the day was Kevin O’Grady who won the daddies race and also the 10 winners race. Rhonda O’Flaherty won the mammies race and Martin Kilbane won the guest race. Nathan Hayes won both the U-10 & U-12 races, Conor Cusack won the U-14 race. James Raleigh won the U-16 race and Katie McCarthy won the girls race. Special thanks must go to all our sponsors who covered all the races and to a very appreciated gesture from an underage member who sponsored the cost of the night. The staff of Pfizer’s Sports Club along with all the parents, guardians, family members and guests deserve great praise also. Our bookies on the day were controlled by Adrian Doolan and all his experience in this field proved to be a great help. Thanks to Sean and Trish Horgan who provided us with the race cards. To everyone who bought camels and jockeys we say thanks very much. In one race alone the Prout Family from Ringaskiddy bought all the camels and owners. The two lads fromGalway who provided us with the night were excellent. The comments were appreciated. Role on to the next night.

Week ended – 12th July 2009

Junior B Football League – 7/7

Crosshaven 4-11, Shamrocks 0-4
In this Grade B football tie played in perfect conditions at Camden the home side had little difficulty in dealing with the poor challenge put in by Shamrocks. almost from the throw-in Crosshaven began to register scores and at half-time4 led by 2–8 to 0–2.
Aided by the prevailing breeze in the second half Shamrocks improved their efforts but scores were scarce. Shamrocks made a very fine start to this Grade B league competition earlier in the season but the form prevailing on Tuesdays night last leaves a lot to be desired.
Despite the result there were a handful of players who could not be faulted for their valiant efforts, the grey-haired Kevin O’Mahony, Daren Roche, Stephen Hurley and David Bourke.

U-10 football
Shamrocks U10s travelled to Crosshaven to play a very enjoyable exciting game under a blanket of fog for the whole hour.
All players played very well and were just unlucky that a few high lobbing balls caught out our defence in the second half. Some of the panel are on vacation at the moment so this is giving the younger players a chance to show their ability. Everyone enjoyed themselves and this is what it’s all about at this stage. Well done to all the lads involved including players, mentors and parents. We’ll keep you informed regarding training and the next match. Team, Adam Jones, Dylan O’ Flaherty, Filip, Shane Flavin,Cathal, Murphy, Ruairi Mehigan, Sean Browne, Sam Geary, Kieran Buckley, & Shane Downey.

Minor Football vs. St. Finbarrs
We played the Barrs in Togher last Wednesday evening in ideal conditions for football. We had a very young team out against a much stronger Barrs team. In fact eight of the starting team are playing U-16 with the club. The lads started brightly and had two points on the board before the Barrs registered their first points. Another point from play had us back in front half way through the half but in a five minute spell the whole game turned for us when we conceded three very soft goals in that period. We regained some composure to finish the half strongly again but the damage had been done. We made a few positional switches at the interval and they seem to work for us as we scored some more points and then a Darragh O’Sullivan penalty got us the goal that we had threatened all evening. The Barrs came back at us again and soon got their game back in motion. At the final whistle they ran out comfortable winners. Our lads played some good football at times and even though we were well beaten, the lads showed that all is not lost. We would like to thank the large number of parents, mentors and supporters who travelled to the match and provided us with the transport. The support was great to see. Team. David Murphy, Johnny Tuohy, Aaron Hickey, Alan Dunne, Cathal Kidney, Shane Horgan, Alan McCarthy, Cannice Caffrey, Roy Twomey, Darragh O’Sullivan, Jamie O’Driscoll, Tony O’Mahony, Declan Sheehan & James Raleigh.

Week ended – 26th July 2009

Under 10 Football – 20/7

This was a very difficult game for our young lads on Monday night in Shanbally. We played eleven a side in a very enjoyable game against a good Valley’s side, even though we got the first two points, Valleys were quick to respond with a few goals and points to leave us trailing at half time.
Playing down the slight hill in the second half, we hoped to put more pressure on their goal which did lead to us getting to within two points after scoring three goals and four points, but the lads from Innishannon were just that bit too strong and finished with a brace of points and a goal to finish us off.
This was once again a very enjoyable game for all involved.
Players : David Howard, Adam Jones, Shane Flavin, Cathal Murphy, Shane Downey, Joseph O’Keeffe, David O’ Sullivan, Dylan O’ Flaherty, Fionn Moore, Filip Nieradka, Sam Geary.

Under 14 Football – 20/7

We played Ballinhassig last Monday evening in Shanbally in this re-arranged league match. Both teams were short players due to family holidays. It was a credit to our lads that we were able to field fifteen players. We started brightly and had some fine scores on the board early on. This settled us down for the rest of the game. It was a very close game through out with only a kick of a ball between the two evenly matched sides for the whole game. Our lads had a two point lead approaching full time and when we scored a vital goal we thought that we had it. Ballinhassig to their credit came back at us and scored a goal and a point in injury time to leave us only a point between the sides. Our defence held out for the remainder of the game to leave us the winners by the slightest of margins in the end.
Team: D. O’Reilly, C. Cusack, C. Walter, C. O’Grady, D.Raleigh, M. Howard, J. Howard, G. Hartnett, S. O’Brien, A. Boland, A. O’Sullivan, P. Murphy, R. Corkery, J. Breen, B. Coffan.

Under 10 Football – 13/7

With the weather so bad on Monday morning we thought that this game would not be played at all. as the day went on and the rain stopped, we had a fine evening in Kinsale for the U-10 football match. We had just the bare minimum eight players but each and everyone of them played their hearts out for each other.
In the first half Kinsale started the strongest and were 1-01 up inside the opening five minutes. Our lads never gave up and kicked over some fine points from play. We hit the upright four times in that period so we knew that with a bit of luck we could turn around the deficit in the second half. What a second half it turned out to be with both teams scoring at will. Some fine displays from both teams had only a kick of a ball between them at the end. It was our lads who ended up winning by a small margain at the end.
Team. Adam Jones, Shane Flavin, Cathal Murphy, David O’Sullivan, Joseph O’Keefe, Dylan O’Flaherty, Sean Browne & Filip Nieraclka.

That was the only game played last week at underage level. We will be picking up any outstanding games over the next two weeks for all age groups. The selectors will be in contact with their teams regarding any training or fixtures.

Week ended – 9th August 2009

Minor B Football Championship Quarter Final – 12/8

Shamrocks were well beaten by Crosshaven in the B championship on Tuesday night. Crosshaven played up the hill and led 3-11 to 1-6 at half time and it really was all over even at that stage. The second half was all one way stuff from start to finish as well. S. Horgan, J. Tuohy, C. Kidney, D. Breen, A. Dunne, A. McCarthy, A. Hickey, J. Brady, C. Carrerey, R. Twomey, T. O’Mahony, D. O’ Sullivan, D. Kelleher, G. O’Sullivan, D. Sheehan, Jamie Raleigh. They are in either the final of the semi final of the league so all is not lost yet this season.

Week ended – 16th August 2009

U14 C Football Championship Final – 15/8

Ballinhassig 5-14, Shamrocks 6-6
The final was played in Ballygarvan on Saturday afternoon against Ballinhassig. We started brightly and a Conor Walter goal was followed soon after by a point to leave us the early leaders. That’s when it all started to go wrong for us. Ballinhassig came at us with attack after attack. They kicked over some fine points and found our net three times in the first half. A Gary Hartnett goal gave us some hope for the second half where we played with the aid of a strong breeze. The half time score was 3-10 to 2-03. The first five minutes of the second half proved to be a diaster for us as Ballinhassig scored 2-03 with out reply. To our lads credit they never gave up. Positional switches were made and soon we were winning a lot of ball and creating lots of scoring chances. Two goals from Rory Horgan and a David Raleigh penalty brought us back in to the game with still some 7 minutes left to play. Two Conor Cusack points was followed by a goal from Gary Hartnett to leave just a kick of a ball between us. Ballinhassig weathered the storm and scored two late points to leave them victorious on a final score of 5-14 to 6-06. The U-14 selectors would like to pay special thanks to the players and their parents for the fantastic effort and sacrafices that they made over the weekend to ensure that we were able to field a team. People travelled from Kerry, West Cork, Carlow and more came straight off the French Ferry in Ringaskiddy and went straight to the match. We wont mention names but these people and their support are really appreciated by the club. Team. Aonghus Boland, Coby O’Grady, Joe O’Brien, David Raleigh, Morgan Walsh, Rory Horgan, Daniel O’Reilly, Sean O’Brien, Mathew Garvey, Patrick Murphy, Gary Hartnett, Alex O’Sullivan, Conor Cusack, Jack Breen & Conor Walter. Subs: Ronan Corkery, Darragh Scriven & the injured Brian Coffan.

U14 C Football Championship – 13/8

Tracton 2-3, Shamrocks 4-5
We played Tracton in the semi final of the championship in Minane Bridge last Thursday evening. It was a very evenly matched game as both teams were struggling with numbers due to the holiday season. We started well and our forwards showed that they could provide the scores if the right ball was coming in to them. Ee were leading 1-02 to 0-02 at half time. Tracton came out stronger in the second half and soon had the ball twice in our net. They followed up with two points to leave us trailing by five points. A few positional switches work a treat and Gary Hartnett scored a hat trick of goals and was quickly followed by points from Conor Cusack to leave us winners at the end by 6 points. The game was held up for fiftenn minutes in the first half due to a very nasty injury sustained by our wing forward and captain Brian Coffan. Brian had to be shifted to hospital in what turn out to be a dislocated elbow. We would like to wish Brian a very speedy recovery from his injury. We would also like to thank Tracton for their help they provided in assisting Brian.

Club Shop

Shamrocks have a club shop with all kinds of gear for adults and children alike. Sean and Trish Horgan (Monkstown) are the people to contact, please ring Trish on 086-2594131. I hope to get some pictures up on the website soon of some of the merchandise.

Week ended – 23rd August 2009

Underage Bus to Croke Park- August 23rd

A wonderful day was had by all who travelled with us for the All-Ireland Football semi-final. It was some of the kids first time in head quarters. We were blessed with the weather as it stopped raining just as we got to Dublin. The kids behaved themselves impeccably and they were a credit to their families and to the club. The result made it all the sweeter for all of us. We would like to thank the adults who looked after the kids, to Braham Brennan who got us there and home safely and to the staff of the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel who fed and watered us on the way home. Thanks also to Socket, the main organiser

The underage section of the club would like to congratulate Michael Prout in winning another All Ireland medal with Cork Junior footballers in Portlaoise on Saturday. Michael is a true example of the dedication and effort that’s required to be successful at this level. He’s always made himself available to the underage to help out when he was asked to do so. He took a number of U14 training sessions this season in helping us reach both Championship finals with this team. He is an excellent ambassador for the club and the underage would like to thank him for his time and effort he afforded us and wish him the very best for the future.

U14 Hurling League – 21/8

We played Carrigaline 2 in Shanbally in what turned out to be the semi-final of the football league where the winners would meet Crosshaven in the final. The players turn out for this game was very disappointing indeed. At throw in we had only 12 players and some of them where U-12s. The players who didn’t bother turning up left their friends and team mates down big time. The team selectors who put in such a huge effort with this team felt very let down indeed. The match itself proved to be too difficult for us with so many missing. Carrigaline ran out comfortable winners in the end. The lads who did play can feel proud of themselves and we would like to thank those who made the effort in playing for the club. We still have a hurling league final to play against Ballinhassig in this grade.

U12 Hurling League – 20/8

Shamrocks 4-6, Carrigaline (2) 2-6
A tremendous game of hurling on Thursday night between two committed teams. Both sets of players are to be commended on their play which kept everyone present on tenterhooks throughout. This was a good win for Shamrocks over what proved to be an excellent Carrigaline second under 12 team with plenty of fine hurling played throughout the pitch. Shamrocks played with the aid of the breeze in the first half and led 2-4 to 2-2 at half time. They had more possession but plenty of goalmouth scrambles (plus some great goalkeeping from the Carrigaline keeper) came to nothing. David O’ Sullivan and Darragh Scriven (brilliant throughout) scored the goals, along with points from Andrew O’Grady and the two aforementioned lads. The second half was very exciting with Carrigaline forging ahead with 10 minutes left. However, Shamrocks knuckled down and with strong play from Ronan Corkery in goal, Nathan Hayes, Cormac Scriven, Pa Murphy (who won loads of posession) and the already mentioned lads, Shamrocks took over the last period to score 2-2 without reply (David O’Sullivan with one of the goals) to run out just about deserving victors. Shamrocks have now qualified for the higher grade championship and have been drawn to play Courcey Rovers on this coming Tuesday night, in Ballinspittle with a 7.00 start. A tall order indeed but if the lads play like that again, we’ll all be happy with them. Its hoped to have more than the 15 players this time, one slap of a hurley and we’re down a player which is unfair on the lads. We’d also like to thank the 4 players and their parents who travelled up from Kerry on their holidays to be present for the game. Team: R. Corkery, C. Corkery, S. Kidney, N. Hayes, B. Crowley, T. Murphy, C. Scriven, D. Scriven, P. Murphy, M. Hitchmough, D. Andrews, A. O’Grady, D. O’Sullivan, C. O’Grady, E. Horgan.

Junior Football League – 18/8

Shamrocks 0-8, Ballinhassig 2-7
With both teams playing upcoming championship Semi Finals, this was a much needed competitive game for both sides at a muggy Shanbally on Tuesday night, indeed if the game had gone on for 15 minutes longer, it would have ended in near darkness. Ballinhassig won because of the two goals as the teams were more or less evenly matched throughtout. They struck for an early goal and forced Shamrocls to play catch up until the 40th minute when they finally drew level thanks to points from Stevie Neill, a brace from Philip Brady, Brian Sweeney, Seanán Collins and one from Peter Prout. However at this juncture, after doing all the donkey work, they were outdone by a scrappy Ballinhassig goal, quickly followed by a point and that was more or less it for the night. Both teams were short a few regulars on the night. However, the Shamrocks turnout was encouraging after the recent holidays.

U16 Hurling League – 17/8

Ballygarvan proved to strong for Shamrocks in this rearranged league game played at Shanbally on Monday evening last. Ballygarvan struck for a couple of early goals to open up a lead that they were never to surrender. Shamrocks did battle on until the end and they have some nice hurlers indeed. However, more hurling needs to be done at all levels of the club. Young players should be encouraged to carry around their hurleys everywhere with them. Some players will definetly come on from this performance as they hadnt picked up a hurlry in months. Damien Kelleher got the Shamrocks goal in the first half and Daniel Breen scored in the second half. The final score was something like 6-20 to 2-10 for Ballygarvan. Shamrocks players: G. Hartnett, S. Horgan, D. Barton, J. Hanlon, D. Breen, S. Horgan, C. Kidney, R. Twomey, P. Barry, T. O’Mahony, D. Kelleher, J. O’Brien, D. Sheehan and J. Breen.

Week ended – 30th August 2009

U10 Football – 30/8

Shamrocks 2-3, Ballygarvan 4-5
This was a closely fought contest in a rainy Shanbally on Sunday. We had 11 players starting and they all played & ran their hearts out for the whole game. Ballygarvan got a great start with 2 goals in the first 15 minutes which we really could not claw back for the game. We got a goal back but at half time but we were behind by 2 goals to a goal.
We picked up the pace more in the second half and got another goal and a point but we lost David O’ Sullivan who injured a foot so we were fighting an uphill battle with a man down for most of the second half. In the end Ballygarvan got a goal and a few points to seal their victory but our lads ran themselves ragged for the cause.
Team; Ruairi Meehigan, Cathal Murphy, Shane Flavin, Kieran Buckley, Sam Geary, James Lynam, David O’ Sullivan, Dylan O’ Flaherty, Shane Downey, Filip Nieradka & Sean Browne.

Girls Football

The girls have also resumed their training and matches. They beat Dripsey last Friday night (28th) in the U13 girl’s league.

U12 B Hurling Championship – 25/8

Courcey Rovers 5-13, Shamrocks 2-4
This was always going to be a tough assignment for Shamrocks out on Ballinspittle on Tuesday night. By virtue of being the highest placed SE team from the C league, we were put up into the B championship; obviously against stronger opponents. Despite the scoreline, some of the lads have put in a tremendous effort during the year. Due to injuries and holidays and what not, our training numbers have been curtailed. However, the players who have put in the hours have been the biggest improvers. My message to all the u12’s is this – continue to carry the hurley around for the next few months, you just cannot beat hitting a ball up against a wall down the village. The under 11’s play this coming Monday night against Ballygarvan, at home.

Week ended – 7th September 2009

U16 Hurling Final – 5/9

Tracton 2-11, Shamrocks 3-4
We played the final of the U16 hurling last Saturday evening over in Carrigaline against Tracton. The game started well for us and after the first twenty minutes we were leading on a score line of 2-01 to 0-02. The two goals were scored by Declan Sheehan and Damien Kelleher. Tracton got back into the game and punished us with their free taking as we gave away some needless frees. At half time we found ourselves a point behind. The second half started the way the first half ended with Tracton in command. They added on some more points and we were chasing the game half way through the second half. Some positional switches were made and not long after a Tony O’Mahony bullet found the back of the net to leave just a puck of a ball between us. Both sides exchanged some fine taken points. As the final whistle was fast approaching, we threw everything at their goal. A Cathal Kidney pile driver beat everyone but hit the foot of the post. Alas it was not to be our day. A great effort was put in by the lads on the night. We would like to wish Tracton the very best of luck in the county. We will be back at football again this week.
We would like to wish David Barton a very speedy recovery from his injury that he received during the U16 hurling final. David had to be hospitalised after the match for the weekend. He is now on the road to recovery and hope to see him back fully fit shortly.

Week ended – 13th September 2009

U11 Hurling – 7/9

Shamrocks 2-4, Ballygarvan 1-2
This was a closely fought contest in a rainy Shanbally on Monday evening. Shamrocks started the brighter but found scores hard to come by. They eventually had a point from Andrew O’ Gradys free and David Andrews, who had a superb game all through, scored the first Shamrocks goal not long after. Shamrocks led by 1-1 to 0-0 at halftime, and conditions were to get worse in the second. Howvere, the intensity of the game improved as well. Ballygarvan finally got going and pulled level with about 10 minutes left. However, some strong Shamrocks play from thehalf back line, and midfield saw them finish much the stronger to register a 2-4 to 1-2 win, the second Shamrocks goal could have been scored by any number of players in a goalmouth scramble. Some players played in new positions for the first time and did very well indeed. We will train next Wednesday (Sept 15th) at 5pm, with a game V Kinsale next Friday night, away. Team: R. Meighan, K. Murphy, N. Hayes, S. Flavin, C. Corkery, C. Scriven, J. O’Keeffe, A. O’Grady, M. Hitchmough, C. Hayes, D. Andrews, J. Lynam, A. Jones, D. O’Sullivan, E. Horgan. Subs D. Howard, A. O’Donovan, L. O’Brien.

Week ended – 20th September 2009

U11 Hurling League – 18/9

Shamrocks travelled to play Kinsale on Friday night and after a struggle in the first half, cut loose in the second to record an easy victory. The lads were very slow to settle and led 0-5 to 0-0 at half time, but the game was played at a very leisurely pace from Shamrocks in that period. Nevertheless, there were some outstanding displays from some our less heralded players. After a few harsh word at half time, the second half was much better with players like David Andrews, Andrew O’Grady, Mark Hitchmough, Adam O’Donovan, David O’Sullivan and Adam Jones getting on the scoresheet. Training this Wednesday night 5.45 (provisional) with hopefully a match away to Courcey Rovers at the weekend. Team: R. Mehigan, S. Flavin, N. Hayes, K. Murphy, J. O’Keeffe, C. Scriven, C. Corkery, M. Hitchmough, A. O’Grady, C. Hayes, D. Andrews, J. Lynam, A. Jones, A. O’Donovan, E. Horgan, D. O’Sullivan, L. O’Brien.

Under 16 Football – 14/9 and 16/9

We played Kinsale away last Monday evening in ideal conditions for a game. Kinsale were out of the blocks very early and recorded some fine points from play. There forwards were proving a handful for our defence. We settled down half way through the first half and scored four points from play without reply to leave put us back in the game at half time. Kinsale upped the ante after the break and we were well beaten in the end by a very good footballing team.

Two nights later we played Ballygarvan at home and here again the conditions were ideal for football. This time we started the stronger. We soon had some fine scores on the board thanks to Damien Kelleher who scored 1-04 from play in the first half. This was Ballygarvan’s first football match in this competition and were finding the pace a bit difficult. We soon added more scores from Roy Twomey, Tony O’Mahony, David Raleigh & Darren Barry. This was a better performance but the hard work still lies ahead for the upcoming championship. Panel used for these two games, Cal O’Mahony, C. Walters, R. Horgan, A. Dunne, J. Raleigh, D. Breen, J.O’ Driscoll, C. Kidney, S. Horgan, R. Twomey, T.O’ Mahony, D. Barry, D. Kelleher, D. Sheehan, P. Barry, D. Raleigh, J. O’Brien, S. O’Brien, J. Hanlon.

Junior B Football Championship – 15/9

Shamrocks 0-7, Tracton 0-14
Tracton had a deserved 7 point victory over Shamrocks in Shanbally on Tuesday evening last. Champions the last 2 years, Tracton were expected to win this one and win they did; however, Shamrocks turned in an encouraging display and with maybe a bit more preperation from everyone could actually have won this match. Tracton started the stronger and were 4 points to 1 up after 15 minutes and looking particulary strong throughout the whole pitch. However, Shamrocks then enjoyed their best spell and drew back to being only a point down at halftime, 0-4 to 0-3, Stevie Neill and Brian Cusack with Shamrocks points. At this stage, it was obvious that all the Shamrocks backs were playing well, despite being under pressure. Tracton scored the first 5 points of the second half to open up a 6 point lead. Shamrocks responded again and got a few scores at the other end through the 2 aforementioned lads and Jamie Sweeney. However, Tracton held on by that 7 point margin, despite the best efforts of Fergus O’Neill in goal, Alan Aherne at full back, Darren Roche at center back, Dave Bourke when moved to wing back, Stevei Jordan who ran all night at midfield and the above mentioned lads. Team: Fergus O’Neill, Stephen Hurley, Alan Aherne, Derek Livingstone, Kevin O’Mahony, Darren Roche, Senan Andrews, Paul Lordan, Stephen Jordan, Brian Cusack, Stephen O’Neill, Dave Bourke, Robin O’Donoghue, Alan McCarthy, Jamie Sweeney. Subs Eoghan O’Rahilly, Nicky Hayes, Stephen Downey, Tomas Barrett, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Rob McCarthy, Pa Andrews. This game actually doubled up as a league game. however, Shamrocks look like they will qualify for a playoff at a time later on to be decided.

Week ended – 27th September 2009

U-13 Hurling League – 26/9

We played this game at home last Saturday evening in what was a repeat of last season’s u-12 hurling championship final. Both teams worked hard at the start and were finding scores difficult to come by. Two Sliabh Rua points were cancelled out by a Brendan Crowley goal that settled us down well. Some more Sliabh Rua points were soon followed by a well taken goal for the visitors. We conceded another goal on the stroke of half time to leave us with a mountain to climb in the second half. The team to their credit never gave up and were rewarded with another goal and two points from the outstanding Rory Horgan at centre back. The attitude, commitment and discipline of this player is a joy to behold. At the final whistle we were well beaten. This team included a number of U11 players so the experience that they will get can only better them in the future. Team, Ronan Corkery, Coby O’Grady, David Raleigh, Shane Kelleher, Joe O’Brien, Rory Horgan, Sean Kidney, Jack Howard, Daniel O’Reilly, Aonghus Boland, Darragh Scriven, Patrick Murphy, Brendan Crowley, Jack Breen, Tom Murphy, Subs, David Andrews, Andrew O’Grady, Killian Murphy, Cristopher Hayes, Mark Hitchmough. We will be playing Ballinhassig next weekend.

Junior A Football Championship Semi – 26/9

Ballygarvan 0-16, Shamrocks 0-7
Just as in previous years and meetings between these sides, Ballygarvan proved that they are just that bit better right now in this grade than Shamrocks. When it came to championship meetings over the last 5 years, Ballygarvan have had that 10 point gap over us and so it proved again at Riverstick under lights on Friday night. The better team won no doubt; however, just like last year Shamrocks were perhaps unlucky to come out losers by such a margin again. And the pattern of the game was almost a carbon copy of laste years Semi Final as well. Shamrocks started the brighter and led 2-1 after two well worked points from Seanan Collins and Brian Sweeney. However, Ballygarvan started to get on top in their half back line and started to run at the Shamrocks defence and they basically won the game in the last 20 minutes of the first half, going on a scoring blitz that most junior teams in the county wouldnt have lived with. They led 12 points to 4 at half time, after a power packed display of football. At this stage all Shamrocks could do was stem the tide and in fact they turned in a much better second half, with possession more or less shared between the two teams.
Darragh O’Sullivan could have scored an early goal which may have reignited the Shamrocks efforts a bit further but he blasted over the bar. Again the second half was similar in many ways to the first with Shamrocks controlling the early stages, Ballygarvan getting on top and hitting some great scores before this time Shamrocks finishing the stronger with points from young O’Sullivan again and Stevie O’Neill. So the championship season comes to an end after 2 matches were played in 3 days way back in April and then the next game wasnt played until September 26th! Crazy. Shamrocks may yet qualify for the playoff stages of the league. Team: B. Mulqueen, K. Hegarty, P. Prout, G. Ronayne, M. Prout, C. Brady, D. Sheehan, B. Sweeney, T. O’Sullivan, C. Ronayne, J. Shanahan, D. O’Sullivan, A. McCarthy, S. Collins, S. O’Neill. Subs used – B. McCarthy, D. Roche. It was great to see as well so many players togged out on the line as well.

Week ended – 4th October 2009

U13 Hurling

We played two games in Shanbally during the past week against Sliabh Rua and Ballinhassig. We were well beaten in both these games. These are the two teams that we beat in winning last year’s U12 championship but for whatever reason, we are now totally out of our depth in this higher grade. We have lost a few players during the year and with the commitment level poor we now find ourselves in a very weak position. We must give thanks to the players and parents who continue to support this team through a very challenging period. We are playing Carrigaline next weekend in the last game of this competition.

U11 Football Blitz and League – 5-10

The lads played in Crosshaven in a very enjoyable Football blitz on last Saturday morning. After a few close calls against Carrigaline and Crosshaven, they played against Carrigaline 2 in the shield semi final where they lost out; but all players got a medal so well done to all. Our thanks to Carrigaline GAA who ran it (the event was switched from Carrigaline to Crosshaven) and to Crosshaven GAA.
On Monday night, the lads played Ballygarvan under lights in Ballygarvan and ran out comfortable winners. They led by 2-3 to 0-0 at half time and scored some lovely points straihht after the break to stretch the lead. Some players playing in new positions did very well; in particular Eoin Horgan and Joe O’Keeffe in the half back line. They play Bishopstown this coming Wednesday in Bishopstown under lights again in a hurling challenge. We’re meeting in Shanbally at 5.45pm first, the game is timed for 6.45pm. The final against Courcey Rovers is down for the weekend.

U16 Football

We played Crosshaven last Friday away in the semi final of the U16 football championship. This turned out to be a cracker of a game which was only decided in the very last minute. The effort and commitment that the lads put in was a credit to them. Both teams started brightly with the game played at a cracking pace. Both teams matched each other point for point in the first half with the teams going in level at the break 0-05 each. We then started the second half the more stronger and after a Roy Twomey goal we found ourselves three points to the good. Crosshaven scored two unanswered points to leave just the bare minimum between the teams. The turning point came then when an outrageous referee’s decision to penalise our player for two hops of the ball when he was clearly fouled in front of their goal lead to them getting a crucial goal from the resulting passage of play. No one except the referee in the pitch could explain such a decision. I am not one for criticising referee’s but I have to say that this was the worst performance ever in my time involved at underage level by a referee for both teams. They soon added on two more points but another deflected Roy Twomey goal had us back level again with five minutes to play. Both teams added on a point a piece to leave the game level with a minute to go. Crucially Crosshaven won the kick out and kicked over what turned out to be the winning point. There was one more effort from our lads but after a blatantly obvious Shamrocks line ball was initially given to Crosshaven, the referee decided to throw the ball in. The final whistle then sounded to the relief of Crosshaven but to the sheer agony of our lads. We would like to praise each player for their honest effort and as a team they played their hearts out totally. Team: Cal O’Mahony, David Barton, Alan Dunne, James Raleigh, Rory Horgan, Conor Walter, Cathal Kidney, Shane Horgan, Roy Twomey, Tony O’Mahony, Josh Hanlon, Damien Kelleher, Declan Sheehan, Sean O’Brien, David Raleigh & Daniel Breen.

Week ended – 11th October 2009

U13 Hurling

U11 Football Blitz and League – 5/10

The lads played in Crosshaven in a very enjoyable Football blitz on last Saturday morning. After a few close calls against Carrigaline and Crosshaven, they played against Carrigaline 2 in the shield semi final where they lost out; but all players got a medal so well done to all. Our thanks to Carrigaline GAA who ran it (the event was switched from Carrigaline to Crosshaven) and to Crosshaven GAA.
On Monday night, the lads played Ballygarvan under lights in Ballygarvan and ran out comfortable winners. They led by 2-3 to 0-0 at half time and scored some lovely points straihht after the break to stretch the lead. Some players playing in new positions did very well; in particular Eoin Horgan and Joe O’Keeffe in the half back line. The final against Courcey Rovers is down for next weekend.

U16 Football

Week ended 23rd September

Shamrocks G.A.A. Club to honour Teddy Hanley

On Sunday October 25th next the Shamrock complex in Shanbally will be in fete to mark a very special and historic occasion for the Club. The official naming of the pitch will be made by the Chairman of the Munster Council, Mr. Jimmy O’Gorman. It will be known as Pairc Tadhg O’h-Ainnlaoi, honouring and remembering one of the Clubs most outstanding and dedicated men in its long history.
Teddy Hanley dedicated a huge part of his lift to the Shamrock Club as a player, mentor and administrator. He was surly one of these great gaels who preserved and shaped Clubs into greatness, thus making the G.A.A. an unrivalled amateur sporting organisation.
Teddy Hanley, despite being called to his reward at just sixty years of age left a legacy and an indelible mark on the Club that will truly see it forge into the future with pride and optimism.
In this a jubilee year of the G.A.A. it is very appropriate to honour this great Shamrock. 2009 also marks the golden jubilee of the Shamrock Junior Hurling team of 1959 that won the South-East Championship after many years of disappointment. A lionhearted player and leader on the field, none other than Teddy Hanley, captained that great and historic team. It will, indeed, be a very special occasion.
The ceremony commences at 11.30am at the complex in Shanbally. There will be many G.A.A. Dignitaries in attendance to mark the occasion.
The Club is inviting and calling on all friends and supporters of the Club, young and old to come along and witness this great occasion. It also extends this invitation far and wide to all gaels throughout South East Cork who knew and played against Teddy to be present too.
Let us all be there, so that each of us who knew him can pay our own gesture of respect to him and his memory.

Sponsored Walk

The sponsor walk will be on Monday 26th October next. Everybody to be at the club house at 3pm. There will be a draw for a Cork Jersey and O’Neill’s football signed by the 2009 Cork Football team, Shamrock’s jersey and hurley for all cards returned over €30. Hot food will be served afterwards in the clubhouse.