Cobh Gaa Notes 13th March

Result: MFL: Cobh 2-09 C’twohill 0-02. Fixtures (all in Cobh): MFL v Glenville Saturday March 19^th at 6pm. U13FL v Glenville at 7:30pm Wed 23^rd March, U14 FL v Aghinagh at 7pm Wed 30^th March.

U13FL: Our under 13 footballers had an impressive first win over our opponents Ballinhassig and then faced Castlelyons, the U12 County finalists in round 2 of the league. We had most of the possession early on and we were putting together some good passes, but we found it difficult to turn the possession  into scores as the Castlelyons team pressured our players at the moment of shooting. However after about 10 minutes, Cobh started to build a decent lead, and by half time we had built a comfortable lead of 3-7 points to 1-1. This lead was built due to the dominance of our half back and mid field area (Simon Doyle, Davis Coffey, Jeffrey McCarthy, Adam O’Donovan, Niall Spriggs) at this stage of the game, resulting in great possession for our forwards. All 6 of our forwards scored for Cobh during this period of the game. Showing determination the Castlelyons team dug deep, and with only 5 minutes to go, they had reduced the deficit to 4 points (4-2 to 3-9). Our full back line (Conor Hogan, Pádí Kearney, and Gearóid Lynch) were under great pressure during this period but they worked hard and greatly limited the Castlelyons scoring. Overall Cobh were still in control, and swiftly moved the ball up the field and scored a great goal (Dylan Higgins) to put the result beyond doubt. Scorers for Cobh were Barry Chandler (2-0), Seán Hilliard (1-2), Dylan Higgins (1-1), Charlie Flemming (0-2), Neil Harte (0-2), Adam O’Sullivan (0-1), and Niall Spriggs (0-1). Two wins from two games positions this team well in the new U13 league. Remaining games in this league are against Macroom, Glenville, Kilmurray, and Passage. We are familiar with Glenville, but are not as familiar with the other opposition.

Training continues most Wednesday nights and new players are always welcome.

U14FL: On Wednesday Night our U14 footballers had their first competitive outing. We lost the toss and played the first half against a strong and cold wind. Assisted by the wind, Bride Rovers had most of the possession and scores, but we did manage to attack and score 3-1 against Bride Rovers 2-6 leaving us just two points behind. The second half turned into a great exciting game where the lead changed many times. A last minute free for Cobh decided the outcome of the game. A goal, and Cobh would have won, and anything else we lost. The free went over for a point leaving us one point short. Scorers for Cobh on the night were Charlie Flemming 2-0, Ryan Scanlan 1-3, Ben Hade 1-1, Keith Donnachie 1-1, Barry Chandler 1-0, and Kyle O’Loughlin, Cillian Histon, and Morgan Doody all 0-1.Final score was Bride Rovers 6-9, Cobh 6-8.

From a Cobh perspective we started this game with 10 players up to the age. At times during the game we displayed great teamwork and great individual determination. Our league opposition  will see us travel to Ballygarvan, Canovee and Cill na Martra, with Aghinagh, Brian Dillons and Aghabullogue travelling to Cobh over the next few weeks/months.

Cobh has also been chosen as one of 48 host clubs for the Féile Peil na nÓg 2011 which is being held in Cork this year on the weekend of Thursday June 30th, Friday July 1st & Saturday July 2nd 2011. Féile Peil na nÓg is a national festival of Gaelic football for boys and girls under 14 years of age. It is effectively the club All Ireland for U14 football. It will also mean U14 football games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Forty-eight clubs will visit Cork from all corners of Ireland, along with visitors from overseas including English and American clubs. As part of our participation in Féile Peil na nÓg, Cobh will be expected to provide host accommodation for a visiting team (24 team players and at least three mentors). It is also likely that visiting teams will have travelling support over the three-day visit. More details of this event to follow.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Juvenile players will again take part in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. All are asked to assemble at the bottom of East Hill by 3pm on the day.

Fundraising: Members of Cobh Gaa will be on the streets and in the shops of the town next weekend as we hold our annual street collection and bag packing. Thanks in advance to the people of Cobh for any support you may be able to give. All money raised goes to providing the best possible playing facilities for the Gaa players in Cobh, boys and girls, young and old.

Date for the diary: This years’ Gaa summer camp (Cúl Camp) will run from  July to  July. Further details later.