Club News 22nd January 2023

Castlemartyr GAA NEWS FEED

DINNER DANCE

A great night was enjoyed by close on 200 people at our Dinner Dance on Saturday night at Castlemartyr Resort, who proved to be perfect hosts for the Castlemartyr GAA family at our well overdue celebration. Players and management were joined by club officers, committee members and supporters in the lavish 5 star surrounds. Marc Sheehan Chairman of Cork GAA, vice chairman Pat Horgan and East Cork chairperson Avril Geary were amongst the special guests on the night

Of course one of the main highlights was the players receiving their county and East Cork medals. Remember apart from the two county intermediate wins, there was under 21 and junior ‘C’ success honoured. Almost 40 players were on hand to receive their medals from our club president Christy O’Sullivan.

A number of special awards and presentations were also made on the night to mark the club’s current golden era. It was very much a case of catching up initially with events during the covid interrupted years, when we were unable to hold any such functions.

Mike Kelly was presented with the 2019 Under 21 player of the year, Cathal Martin was the recipient of the 2019 player of the year, Mike Kelly was again in the spotlight as he was the winner of the 2020/21 player of the year. The 2022 Frank McLellan Memorial Clubperson of the Year recipient was a hugely popular choice as Willie Walsh was recognised for his endless hours of dedication and work on our club grounds. Also in 2022, the name of Mike Kelly again sprang to prominence and he was back on stage for a third time to collect the player of the year award.

The penultimate accolade of the night went to Ciarán Joyce , who was honoured with a special presentation following a remarkable few seasons with Cork under 20’s and his headline making debut season with the senior team last year.

Finally in terms of awards, Castlemartyr GAA introduced their Lifetime Achievement Award and there was a rousing reception when the very popular long term servant Mick Leahy was rewarded for all his endless work over many decades, as he picked up the inaugural accolade. Mick was team boss during many of the club’s great football days, has served as club secretary and vice secretary for many years, whilst he had a remarkable 35 year stint of unbroken service as our club delegate to the East Cork Board. – Many congratulations Mick.

Awards Summary

2019 U21 Player of the Year – Mike Kelly
2019 Player of the Year – Cathal Martin
2020/21 Player of the Year – Mike Kelly
2020/21 Clubperson of the Year – John Cashman
2022 – Player of the Year – Mike Kelly
2022 – Clubperson of the Year – Willie Walsh
Special Achievement Award – Ciarán Joyce
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mick Leahy

Thanks

A word of thanks to all who attended and who arrived so promptly – and afterwards enjoyed the sounds of Gemma and the Jets until the wee hours. Thanks to Castlemartyr Resort staff for the excellent food served up and prompt service. Certainly a great night for the entire Castlemartyr GAA family – here’s hoping for more of the same in the not too distant future!

Lights Up

A reminder as January moves on, we have already reached the penultimate night of Castlemartyr Lights Up on this Wednesday. So get your steps in under the lights between 7pm and 8pm.

Lotto News

The numbers drawn on January 16th were 4,16, 21 and 27. No overall winner but the following 5 people are 25 euro better off – Fiona O’Leary, Paddy Daly, NIamh Morgan, Nicole McCarthy and Kate McCarthy Chisholm. Congrats to you all. The jackpot is now reading at 8,350 – so buy your tickets to be in with a chance of a January cash injection.

Training

Training is up and running for the intermediate hurlers over the last few weeks and it’s great to see the supply line continuing with 5 new faces joining the fray from minor ranks. The management will oversee preparations over the next weeks, in advance of the new league season in March, when there will be a full programme of games.
Remember still on the back burner is the 2022 junior league final for the second string against Cloyne and a similar fixture against the same club in the football decider. We await news of likely dates from the East Cork Board.